2016 NBA Draft: Buddy Hield, Players Who Aced Elite Eight
Malachi Richardson, Syracuse Orange
Opponent: Virginia Cavaliers (1)
Result: 68-62, W
Stat Line: 36 minutes, 23 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 6/16 FG, 3/7 3PT, 8/9 FT
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (1/5/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5.5″, 210 pounds, 6’11”
Analysis
Entering the 2015-16 college basketball season, many were intrigued by the pro potential of Syracuse Orange shooting guard Malachi Richardson. With the physical profile of an NBA swingman, and both the athleticism and shooting touch to match modern standards, there was some measure of hype.
After struggling for a vast majority of 2015-16, Richardson broke out in a major way during Syracuse’s comeback victory over the heavily favored Virginia Cavaliers in the Elite Eight.
Syracuse trailed Virginia by 16 points entering the second half, but Richardson would not let his team go down. He took over with 21 second-half points, shooting with the level of marksmanship that most expected of him when he first committed to playing for the Orange.
With the explosiveness to finish above the rim and the body of an NBA player, Richardson’s upside is certain to pique the interest of scouts and executives.
Richardson stands at 6’5.5″ and 205 pounds with a 6’11” wingspan—prototypical physical gifts. The downside is that he shot well below 40 percent from the field during the 2015-16 non-tournament season, and went a combined 4-of-21 from the floor during the Round of 32 and Sweet 16.
Even if his NBA career fails to pan out, Richardson has solidified his place in college basketball history by orchestrating one of the greatest comebacks of all-time.