Syracuse Basketball: Why Are Most Orange Players a Letdown in NBA?

When it comes to the professional basketball careers of Syracuse Orange stars, Carmelo Anthony's success is the exception, not the norm.

Most of Jim Boeheim's products don't live up to high expectations or flourish in the NBA for one reason or another. Sometimes it's a lack of offensive polish, other times its just a matter of them being over-hyped.

Many Orange fan favorites have either flopped in the NBA or didn't make it in the league at all.

Here is a breakdown of why so many great Syracuse players are a letdown in the NBA.

For Starters, Some Prospects Are Overhyped

Prime examples: Billy Owens, Jonny Flynn, Wes Johnson

Many of Syracuse's best players were household names in college, so there was plenty of hoopla surrounding them upon their arrival in the NBA.

The immense success of some Orange legends had media and fans alike hoping for similar success in the professional ranks. But several Boeheim products were taken far too high in the draft; top-10 picks such as Billy Owens, Jonny Flynn and Wes Johnson were overvalued.

Thus, their NBA careers seem like a letdown, even if they're actually productive role players. 

The 2-3 Zone Doesn't Help

Prime examples: Dwayne "Pearl" Washington, John Wallace, Donte Greene

It's rare that Jim Boeheim produces an NBA prospect who becomes a stellar defender at the pro level.

Much of this can be attributed to the fact that he predominantly employs the 2-3 zone and his players don't develop man-to-man defensive skills.

Guarding NBA players is an extremely difficult task and learning how to rotate effectively as a defensive unit in the NBA is even more tricky. Syracuse players are at a disadvantage in that regard.

Some Left School Too Soon

Prime Examples: Donte Greene, Paul Harris

Some 'Cuse ballers pulled the trigger a bit too soon on the NBA. In Paul Harris and Eric Dievendorf's cases, the early jump out of school may have cost them a shot at an NBA career.

Other players such as Donte Greene and Jonny Flynn got caught up in the "potential" hype. So much NBA scouting emphasis is placed on youth and potential and it often works to the detriment of the prospects.

Greene saw green dollar signs and left Syracuse without much polish. 

Boeheim Recruits Players Who Fit System, Not Always Top Pro Talent

Prime Examples: John Wallace, Wes Johnson, Hakim Warrick

Make no mistake, Jim Boeheim recruits extremely talented and athletic players. But most of them don't pan out as pros because they're the type of athletes who peak at the college level.

There are so many long, agile Orange graduates who were much more successful in college than they were in the NBA or overseas.

Boeheim lands players who can cover his zone and get out and run. Whether they make it in the NBA is up to them.

Offensive Efficiency Is Often Lacking

Prime examples: Etan Thomas, Donte Greene, Paul Harris

Some of Syracuse fans' favorite Orange stars haven't really been too skilled or smart on offense. They often lack the high-level court sense that's necessary to thrive in the NBA.

Fundamentals like ball-handling with the weak hand and seeing open shooters are vital at the pro level. That's why players such as Paul Harris and Rick Jackson never made to the NBA, because they couldn't dribble with their left hand.

NBA defenders devour players who have glaring offensive deficiencies.

Top Orange Players with Underwhelming Pro Success

Here are some of the best 'Cuse legends who were disappointing professionals.

1. Pearl Washington (Three NBA Seasons)

2. Lawrence Moten (2,334 NCAA points, 747 NBA points)

3. John Wallace (First round pick, 7.6 ppg in NBA)

4. Billy Owens (Third overall pick in 1991, no All-Star games)

5. Wes Johnson (Fourth pick in 2010, bench player)