Speaking on Tuesday, former Syracuse basketball standout Eric Devendorf said he believes that basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony should have a say in the direction of the SU basketball program.

 "His name is on the building. He's the best Syracuse Basketball player of all time...and his influence is incredible."

There has been much speculation about the future of the program, including the status of head coach Adrian Autry. Autry is in his third season at the helm and the Orange currently sit at a disappointing 15-12 and 6-8 inside Atlantic Coast Conference play. They appear destined to miss the NCAA Tournament for the fifth straight campaign and just suffered a 37-point loss at No. 3 Duke.

With athletic director John Wildhack retiring at the end of June, there is uncertainty all across the athletic department, with lots to figure out.

Devendorf is right. Anthony is arguably the best player in program history, and he's certainly the most recognizable former player to current college players and prospective high school recruits. 

Programs all over the country are hiring high-profile ex-players and giving them say in the basketball operation. Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is the Chief Basketball Officer at Duke despite only playing there for a year. It gives the program more credibility with recruits and gives current players access to NBA success stories. Not every program can do that. Syracuse can. And Anthony can. 

Furthermore, having Anthony involved keeps him engaged with the program long-term. While Anthony has always professed his love for his alma mater, and donated lots of money to it, it's unclear if anything has frustrated him in the wake of how the season has gone for his son Kiyan. Keeping him in the fold would also help from an alumni standpoint, as Anthony's influence is undeniable.

As long as Kiyan Anthony is in the program, this would be a major conflict of interest, right? Carmelo certainly wants best for his son and his son's development, but is he able to separate that from what's ultimately good for the program long-term?

Of course, this could just be a short-term issue. Heading into his sophomore year, Kiyan could transfer or leave for the NBA Draft. If he sticks in Central New York, he has just three years left at most. Carmelo's influence and involvement can and should span much longer than that.

Syracuse will take on North Carolina on Saturday afternoon (1 p.m. ET) at the JMA Wireless Dome. Our own Tom Goslowski will be there with live coverage.

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