As a Syracuse alumn and Celtics fan, this would make me simultaneously thrilled and p---ed off. I really thought Cuse had a chance to go very far with McCullough.
I love McCoullough's potential. I see him as a 4 in the NBA. He has skills. High ceiling on offense. More of a face-up guy, can drive and get to the line. Tremendous athleticism. Has a nice fadeaway and developing jump shot. I think he could be great on defense. He's skinny, but offers potential as a rim protector. Sometimes that's hard to gauge in the 2-3. However, he was able to man the middle for 'Cuse and really contested everything.
I really like what you're saying? but why does it p--s you off?
This kid can be a very good player who has elite physical tools.
Bc he wanted CM back in a cuse uniform next season. He was going to lead the team. Syracuse is a big question mark next season
Okay. He should have stayed another year but something happened (still don't know what) that made him change decision.
You didnt hear about the recruiting scandal?
No, what happened?
I believe giving "gifts" to hs prospects which is against the NCAA rules.
I forget the punishment, but it was pretty severe and it was for more than 1 season
It had to do with academic "advisors" taking on a little bit too much of a workload for the basketball players... academic fraud. I think we were all still pretty surprised at McCullough leaving, because the entire recruiting class stuck and
As for Christmas, I'd be a huge fan. I see him as a 10-20MPG energy guy/role player in the NBA. I knew him from an internship I did with the athletic department a few years ago. Awesome guy, mature player. I loved the progression in his post game, but at the same time, I don't know how he will be able to fare against taller, more athletic NBA competition. His athleticism should allow him to be effective in the pick and roll on both ends, and he appears to have really nice defensive instincts. But again, is that an effect of the 2-3? Hard to say. I'd be thrilled if Boston took him at 33 or 45, however.
As an aside, I should also mention that I was 100% against Boston selecting Fab Melo. Spoke about it passionately on here and the main site before the draft. But I do think either McCullough or Christmas would make a nice fit.