Sykes returning for 5th yr

[Vowelguy]

Big boost for Syracuse next year

 

[Plebe]

She had said something immediately after the final that indicated she was clearly planning to stick around for another year. It's great to see how she's recovered from two devastating ACL injuries just 10 months apart.

Syracuse loses Butler, SU's second-leading scorer (13.2 ppg) and leading 3-point shooter (129 made 3's, more than double any other player).

They also lose key contributors in Cornelia Fondren (7.3 ppg, led the team in scoring vs. UConn with 16 points), Maggie Morrison (5.4 ppg) and Taylor Ford (3.6 ppg). Between those 4 departing players, Syracuse loses a total of 83 minutes per game, or just over 40% of available playing time.

However, they return Peterson (leading scorer, 16.0 ppg), Sykes (10.3 ppg) and the Day twins (9.8 and 2.0 ppg). Those are some strong pieces to build a team around. It will be very interesting to see if they can carry over the momentum and confidence they've gained.

 

[UConnCat]

It will be interesting to see what this year's run does for a) attendance and b) recruiting.

Syracuse is bringing in 5 guards as freshmen next season, including Connecticut's Desiree Elmore who is ranked #50 by HG.

 

[TheGOAT23]

Losing Butler, Fondren, Morrison & Ford will definitely put a dent into their 3's next season. That played a major part in their run at the end of their season and post season.

 

[UConnCat]

Sykes has the body and athleticism of a professional player. She won't make the WNBA unless she improves her shooting. Shooting 35% on FGs and 23% on 3s won't cut it. I'm sure her knee injuries have prevented her from working on her game; hopefully, she can spend this summer working on her shooting.

 

[NSP Hoops]

She came into Syracuse with a goal of doing 3 years then going pro. Was good friends with Jewel Lloyd. Injuries derailed her plans a lot.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Big boost for Syracuse next year

Syracuse's Sykes probably looked at who was in the first round draft of the WNBA and said wait until next year--smart move. Syracuse had a number of players most clubs would want on their teams. Q (I didn't like him much, but liked how he treated his kids) will take any (top 100) players and make them into a defensive threat.
I feel a bit of sorrow for the Orange Women--few teams played Uconn with the desire and intensity of this group.