Syracuse Basketball: 5 Players Who Are Ready for NBA

While Syracuse University tries to deal with its scandal off the court, Jim Boeheim's squad is vying for Big East dominance on the court.

This is one of his deepest teams ever, and a few players are NBA prospects.

The Orange roster is full of long, athletic players who give their opponents trouble. But to make it in the NBA, you need more than just size or athleticism.

Which Syracuse stars have what it takes to play at the next level?

Here is a breakdown of the Orange's best talent.

Kris Joseph

Kris Joseph is Syracuse's most versatile forward and most dependable scorer.

His game is smooth, and his athleticism has tormented Big East defenses since 2008. 

Strengths

Joseph's offensive game has come a long way during his time at Syracuse. He used to be just a slasher, but now he has an NBA-ready jump shot and good ball-handling.

He's much better at creating his own shot than he used to be.

The 6'7" forward finishes well in traffic and is a deadly weapon in transition. Defensively, he has the wingspan and the athleticism to guard small forwards in the NBA.

Weaknesses

He's not that strong, which will hurt him as a pro unless he bulks up a little bit.

His ball-handling and passing skills need refinement if he wants to be a complete swingman in the NBA. On defense, his footwork has improved, but it could be better.

Listen for Joseph's name to be called in the late first round of this summer's draft.

James Southerland

James Southerland has the size, energy, athleticism and shooting ability to play at the next level. His ball-handling and interior skills need work, but he's an exciting player to watch.

Strengths

Southerland can shoot from almost any spot on the floor; he has a great three-point stroke and a solid mid-range jumper.

His height and length make it easy for him to get his shot off, and he shoots with confidence.

Southerland brings energy to both ends of the floor, and can finish high above the rim when he needs to.

Weaknesses

He needs to learn how to play in the paint. A player with his length must be more productive among the trees.

He would be a small forward in the NBA, but he still needs to improve on his inside game. Also, his ball-handling needs polishing, as he's not great at creating shots for himself or his teammates.

Southerland could be a solid role player and an energy player off the bench in the NBA.

Dion Waiters

Dion Waiters has shown his explosiveness on both ends of the floor this season. He's got great physical tools.

As long as he continues to improve his decision-making, he'll be a decent prospect. 

Strengths

Waiters' greatest asset is his ability to attack. He drives to the rim with strength and speed, and he attacks on the defensive end as well.

The 6'4" sophomore also has a nice outside jumper to complement his slashing ability.

While it's not necessarily a strength, his court vision and decision-making have improved this season. 

Weaknesses

Waiters still needs to mature. His decision-making still needs work, as sometimes he tries to force passes at the wrong time.

He often keeps the ball in transition when his teammate has a better lane. Also, his ball-handling could use improvement.

Waiters could be a great wing player to come off the bench in the "association."

Brandon Triche

Brandon Triche is on the bubble to make the NBA, but he's as ready as he'll ever be.

The combo guard is in his third season as a starter for the Orange, and he'll be one of the top guards in the Big East.

Strengths

Triche can create opportunities for himself and his teammates with his skills.

He's got great fundamentals, ball-handling and excellent shooting form. This season he's shooting 40 percent from three-point range.

He's strong and athletic enough to finish in the lane, and his court vision is above average.

Weaknesses

Triche might be a classic case of a 'tweener guard who won't have a defined role in the NBA.

He's 6'4", so he definitely has the size to be a point guard, but I don't think he has the talent to be a floor general at the next level. He has the skills to be a shooting guard, but lacks the size.

Triche might barely make scouts' draft boards, but he will definitely get looks from several teams.

C.J. Fair

C.J. Fair doesn't have the skills to jump to the NBA and make an impact right now, but he should be on NBA scouts' radars for the 2013 draft.

Strengths

Fair's greatest strength right now is his rebounding. He's got great timing and instincts for a young player, and he uses his athleticism to haul in rebounds and block shots.

Offensively, he's got a nice touch off the glass and can get up in transition.

He positions himself well to receive passes in the paint. His long-range shooting is the aspect he's dramatically improved since last season. So far, he's 3-for-6 from three-point range.

Weaknesses

Fair's skill set on offense is still pretty raw. Although he's shown a much-improved outside jumper, he doesn't have NBA range.

His ball-handling and playmaking ability is still predominantly left-handed and limited to transition and put-backs.

But he has shown the potential to become a decent one-on-one player.

Not Ready for the NBA

Here are a few notable Orange players who aren't ready for the NBA:

Fab Melo

Not ready yet. Nice shot-blocker, but too raw offensively.

Rakeem Christmas

Same story. Good rebounder and defender, but he's a project on offense.

Scoop Jardine

Won't make the NBA because he lacks the size and athleticism.