Our first in a series of draft articles here at Syracuse Pros features Dion Waiters. Waiters, who after struggling as a freshman, turned it on this past season becoming arguably the best sixth man in the country. After a solid season in which he averaged 12.6 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds, Waiters decided to turn pro.
PROS: Waiters can put a spark into a team quickly. Consistently over the course of the season Jim Boeheim used him to get the Orange back into the game. He doesn't have to start, which can increase his value in the NBA where the teams with better bench players are often the teams that win games. He shot 48% from the field this past year. His jump shot could use some work, but he can still keep teams honest with it. He can drive the ball and create his own shot. His defensive ability is solid. He is a great anticipater and a gifted athlete.
CONS: Waiters is only 6'4". He would be a small shooting guard based on NBA standards. Although Gerald Henderson has proved you don't have to be huge to effective. Waiters was a 36% 3-point shooter. That percentage is not awful, but you would like to see your shooting guard be in the low 40 percent range. He struggles in the half court against good defenses.
Overall I think Waiters can turn into a very solid pro. He has all the skills and with some hard work can improve his weaknesses. Mock drafts have put him anywhere from 8 to 18. I see him going in the early to mid teens. This is a very talent rich draft and there are some great players in front of him.
Stay connected with Syracuse Pros as we continue our Syracuse draft previews!
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