Syracuse University has not seen a player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft since Tyler Lydon’s 2017 selection at No. 24, and the last Orange draftee overall, Elijah Hughes, slipped to the second round in 2020. Yet the program’s pipeline to the league remains active, with several prospects eyeing the 2026 draft class.
A Transfer with a Fresh Outlook
Aiden Tobiason arrived in Syracuse after a stint at Temple, where his production was modest. In his first season with the Orange he averaged 15.3 points per game, more than triple his output at Temple, and shot 48 percent from the field on 10.4 attempts per game. His wingspan exceeds seven feet, measuring 6‑5, 200 pounds, a size and reach that align with the modern NBA’s preference for versatile wings.
Tobiason’s free‑throw accuracy sits at a career 79.4 percent, and early signs suggest his three‑point shooting is improving, adding another layer to his offensive toolkit. The performance earned him an invitation to the 2026 NBA G League Combine, a platform that could cement his draft status.
What the Draft Landscape Means for the Orange
Sadiq White Jr., the highest‑rated recruit in Syracuse’s 2025 class, has yet to fully realize his potential on the court. In limited minutes he posted per‑40‑minute numbers of 16.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.7 blocks, showcasing a blend of size at 6‑9 and athletic explosiveness that could translate into a two‑way wing role at the next level.
Other names surfacing in scouting reports include Gavin Doty, who might become a second‑round pick in 2027 if his scoring volume jumps, and Kiyan Anthony, whose pedigree commands attention but whose improvement curve remains steep. International prospects such as Slovenian wing Mark Morano Mahmutovič and center Abdramane Siby are also being monitored by overseas evaluators.
The convergence of a transfer who has already demonstrated efficiency and a home‑grown recruit whose physical gifts match NBA trends creates a unique narrative for Syracuse. If either Tobiason or White can sustain their upward trajectories, the Orange could break a drought that has lingered since Lydon’s departure, reshaping the program’s reputation among NBA talent developers.