After Syracuse’s elimination from the NIT, sop re Tyler Lydon has already declared for the 2017 NBA Draft with the intention to hire an agent. He averaged 14.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per 40 minutes in two seasons with the Orange. Lydon has potential as a two-way combo forward who can essentially fill a 3-and-D role.
The 20-year old made 39.8 percent of his 3-point attempts while at Syracuse. He has a quick release and his 6-foot-9 frame allows him to elevate over most defenders to get his shot off. Lydon also isn’t afraid to step out well beyond the 3-point line to space the floor, something that the Houston Rockets have popularized in the NBA this season. His ability to attack off the dribble is still a work in progress and he doesn’t create much for his teammates, but he can at least beat close outs off the bounce.
On defense, Lydon offers a lot of intrigue, although how he’ll fit in outside of Syracuse’s 2-3 zone system is a bit of a question mark as it is for all players who spend their college career with Jim Boeheim. That said, Lydon moves well laterally and should be able to guard NBA wings. He also offers a decent amount of rim protection. He posted a 5.8 percent block rate over the course of his college career.