Tyus Battle is, The Next Best Thing

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Almost no one ever becomes the number one draft pick from Syracuse University, literally. Since 1947, only one Syracuse basketball player, Derrick Coleman, has been selected first overall in an NBA Draft. However, that hasn’t stopped the No. 27 recruit, Tyus Battle, from committing to the Orange for 2016. Unless you’re a huge college basketball nut, most people don’t pay to much attention to the incoming freshmen class. In this case though, Battle is a player to pay attention to. He may be ranked No. 27 now, but he may be No. 1 by next summer.

There aren’t many players like Battle, especially at his age.  At 17-years-old Battle has become one of the best young stars in the country.  Averaging 22.5 points and 3.6 assists per game as a sophomore at Gill St. Bernard’s high school of New Jersey, Battle proved he was one of the country’s best. His sophomore season didn’t start with Gill St. Bernard either. In August of 2014, Battle, along with the rest of the United States’ Under 17 team, won the 2014 FIBA World Championship. This was one year after being cut by the U16 team.

Battle is a true star and has all the making of it. If it wasn’t for a foot injury during his junior season, he may be the No. 1 recruit in the country. His game is as well rounded as any player’s. Defense, scoring, passing, you name it, he does it. There are few players that can play a complete game of basketball like Battle does. People realize it, they just don’t credit it.

One of the few things that Battle does that not every top recruit can is play sound, fundamental, defense on anyone. His 6’6” frame gives him the advantage on most shooting guards and allows him to stay competitive with small forwards. It’s the best part of his game in many experts’ opinions and his statistics show why. In his sophomore season, Battle averaged 2.0 steals per game and 6.3 rebounds, followed by 1.3 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 4 rebounds per game his junior season. It’s uncanny how well this kid plays defense.

He didn’t earn 24 scholarships just from his lockdown defending though (even though it probably was a big factor). Battle can also be as versatile as any player on the court. His athletic ability gives him a significant advantage when driving to them rim and he has the dexterity to knock down threes as well.

Going into college, Battle won't be ranked No. 1 on most recruiting boards. The fact that he has 27 other players ranked higher than him means he has a heavy hill to climb before he makes the next step in his career. No one can know this early, but Battle is most likely a one and done player. Over coming 27 spots isn't going to be easy, it never is, but Battle may already be catching the attention of some NBA teams. Next summer it wouldn't come as any surprise if Battle hears his name called a lot higher than 27th. 

He may not be ranked No. 1 on ESPN’s Top 100 board, but Tyus Battle isn’t anything shy of the best. Now committed to Syracuse University, they look to turn this young star into the best. It won’t be a task they can sleep on, but Battle may be what any college team was hoping to get. There isn’t any part of his game that most people can critic. With still one season to go before Battle hits the hardwood in the Carrier Dome, all eyes will be on how this young talent will continue to grow into the star he already is. He may not be No. 1 right now, but Tyus Battle certainly is the next best thing.