The 2017-2018 Syracuse Men’s Basketball team filled its final open scholarship on Friday, when Geno Thorpe committed to the Orange during his visit to the Hill. Thorpe is a combo guard who averaged 15.1 points per game as a member of the University of South Florida Bulls last season. Prior to that, he spent his first two years playing at Penn State. A Pittsburgh native, Thorpe had narrowed his list of schools down to Syracuse and Pitt. As a graduate transfer, he is immediately eligible to play in the upcoming season.
Thorpe provides much-needed depth at the guard position, along with the versatility to play both point and shooting guard. Previously, the only three scholarship guards available for Syracuse next season would have been junior Frank Howard, sophomore Tyus Battle, and incoming freshman Howard Washington. Out of the trio, Battle was the only large scale contributor last season. Though Thorpe will have to adjust to Coach Boeheim’s system, he will certainly see the floor due to his experience and scoring ability.
Thorpe comes in as a well-rounded offensive threat. He led the Bulls last season in both points per game (15.1) and assists per game (4.2), to go along with 2.9 rebounds per contest. His 6’4” frame also coincides with SU’s seeming preference for tall guards to play on top of the 2-3 zone.
Geno Thorpe hit the turbo button vs. Tulane #BullsUnite pic.twitter.com/gZyKdBRDdm
— USF Men's Basketball (@USFMBB) January 12, 2017
Many Orange fans wondered if the coaching staff would wait to pursue Thorpe until Class of 2018 guard Eric Ayala made his decision on whether to reclassify into the 2017 class. This was not the case, as they wasted no time pursuing Thorpe. While Ayala is still yet to make his reclassification decision, expect Syracuse to remain in heavy pursuit if he chooses to stay in the 2018 class. As for this year, the focus now turns to offseason preparation with the 2017-2018 roster firmly in place.
Keith Bremer is a 2015 graduate of Newark High School and is currently attending Syracuse University and is a contributor to FingerLakes1.com. Comments and feedback on this article can be posted below or directed to Keith at [email protected].
