Since we can't talk tournament, let's have some fun debating which players would form the best team of the 2000's.
First Team
PG Gerry McNamara - Aside from Carmelo, G Mac was the obvious choice for the first team. Arguably the most clutch player in school history.
SG Preston Shumpert- Another assassin from the old days who played sparingly in the NBA for 4 seasons. He was a prime example of a 4 year improved player.
F Carmelo Anthony- Don't even have to address this one.
F Hakim Warrick- His block will live in Syracuse legend forever. Another one of Boeheim's projects who blossomed. He continues a lengthy career in the NBA.
C Rakeem Christmas- We haven't had a scoring center like this in a long time. If Fab Melo wasn't Fab Melo he would easily be on this list. But the past is the past and Christmas has proven he is worthy of this list.
Second Team
PG Jonny Flynn- Probably the most talented PG we had in the 2000's. Deserving of the 6th overall NBA pick he was but never really panned out in the NBA.
SG Eric Devendorf- Devendorf had his fair share of problems while at Syracuse. However, when he was on the court he was a skilled 2 guard who loved taking the big shots.
F CJ Fair- Fair was a pivotal part of the final four run just 2 seasons ago. A lengthy swing player who really improved from season to season.
F Demetris Nichols- Averaged 18.9 PPG his senior season in 2006-2007. No player has averaged that since. Just a big time scorer.
C Arinze Onuaku- Once again I have chosen to omit Fab Melo from this list. But Onuaku is no slooch if he doesn't get hurt his senior season we may have won the national championship.
Players not mentioned for various reasons
Michael Carter-Williams- Dynamic leader who took us to the Final Four. Really only played one full season or would have easily been a Cuse great.
Dion Waiters- 6th man of the year award and another great tournament player. But his 2 seasons wasn't enough to land him on the list.
Tyler Ennis- One of the best freshman seasons since Carmelo. But early tournament loss and bolt for the NBA hurt his legacy.
Fab Melo- Although he was mentioned in every list, he has become one of the most hated players ever for Syracuse because of what he could have been. I personally like him, but I am the minority.
Brandon Triche- 4 year starter who also helped guide the team to the Final Four. But he wasn't Jonny Flynn-good and he's not G-Mac. He's probably the third team PG.
Andy Rautins- Great 3 point shooter who played sparingly in the NBA as well. Never really dominated the game like Shumpert or Fair though.
Billy Edelin- Probably the biggest "What if" in many years at Syracuse. Played PG for the national championship team and then off court issues derailed his career. Big shame.
Rick Jackson- Jackson was a work in progress turned into budding star by his senior year. He was never really a true center that's why I gave Onuaku the nod.
Donte Greene- Averaged almost 18 ppg his freshman year. But decided to bolt for the NBA and had a short career. Another big shame.
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