Does the freshman need more minutes? And how does he get them?
There's an apparently complex situation for the Syracuse men's basketball team and freshman forward Kiyan Anthony.
One of the team's more gifted scorers, Anthony has the ability to fill up the stat sheet, and he's done that when given the opportunity. He's averaging 10.7 ppg this season.
The problem? He doesn't seem to be getting enough opportunity to impact the Orange on the floor.
Take Tuesday's win over Georgia Tech for example: Anthony scored 11 points in the first half, but he only ended up with 18 total minutes played. He played just 15 in the league opener against Clemson.
Speaking on 'Cuse Sports Talk on Wednesday, former SU guard - and current broadcaster - Eric Devendorf said he thinks that Anthony deserved more minutes.
"I thought, honestly, Kiyan should've played more ... I think Kiyan is Syracuse's best pure scorer, as far as, that's what he naturally can do really good. Whether it be shoot the ball, get to his mid-range, or get all the way to the basket..."
Devendorf said he thinks that Anthony can be on the floor at the same time as J.J. Starling, and he also said that he can spell guard Nate Kingz at times.
Head coach Adrian Autry went on 'Cuse Sports Talk on Thursday and said that he's pleased with where Anthony is at right now, but that he needs to keep developing through conference play. Autry made it seem like he's currently more inclined to give minutes to veterans.
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How can Anthony get more minutes?
To me, it seems obvious to try to work Anthony in for Kingz at times. Just because Kingz is a senior, it doesn't mean that he automatically deserves the bulk of minutes. He scored seven points and had four turnovers in 37 minutes against Georgia Tech, and he had just five points and no assists in the opener against Clemson - playing 28 minutes.
It seems logical to give some of those minutes to Anthony as long as he's playing well.
What's next
At 10-5 and 1-1 inside league play, the Orange will be back in action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Pittsburgh at 2 p.m. ET. The Panthers enter play at 7-8 overall and 0-2 inside league play.
Both teams lost to mid-major Hofstra this season.
Also on campus
The SU football team continues to receive additions from the transfer portal, which has been open for one week. You can read more on the additions here.
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