Syracuse University (SU) sophomore forward Jerami Grant will enter the 2014 NBA Draft, foregoing his final two years of eligibility at SU, according to a report from SI.com.
Grant’s move deprives the 2014-15 SU men’s basketball team of arguably its most talented player. And coming on the heels of the graduation of forward C.J. Fair, a two-time team-leading scorer, and early departure of freshman point guard Tyler Ennis to the NBA Draft, probably means a rebuilding year for the Orange.
Difficulties on the court will also provide a challenge for SU basketball at the box office.
The Orange led the nation in home attendance in the 2013-14 season, drawing an average of 26,253 fans per game for its 18 home contests, according to data on cuse.com. That was up by 17 percent from an average of 22,439 fans per home game the season before.
SU attracted more fans while compiling a stellar 27-4 regular-season record, including a 16-2 mark at home. The Orange were ranked in the top 5 or top 10 for most of the season.
The Orange will be hard-pressed to match last season’s attendance figures if their won-loss record pales in comparison to last year.
Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com