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Syracuse Basketball: Key takeaways from crushing loss to Oklahoma State

By Rudi Richards

SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 20: Elijah Hughes #33 of the Syracuse Orange reacts to a made three-point basket as teammate Buddy Boeheim #35 gestures against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 20, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 20: Elijah Hughes #33 of the Syracuse Orange reacts to a made three-point basket as teammate Buddy Boeheim #35 gestures against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 20, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 21: Elijah Hughes #33 of the Syracuse Orange reacts after getting hit in the face by Freddie Gillespie (not pictured) #33 of the Baylor Bears during the second half in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 21, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 21: Elijah Hughes #33 of the Syracuse Orange reacts after getting hit in the face by Freddie Gillespie (not pictured) #33 of the Baylor Bears during the second half in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 21, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

3. Elijah Hughes has the potential to be a great player

It’s quite clear by now as to who the Orange’s star player is. After losing Tyus Battle, Oshae Brissett and plenty more players, after last season, this year was always going to be the year of Elijah Hughes.

Now a junior in his second year with Syracuse, after transferring from Eastern Carolina, Hughes is establishing himself as one of the best scorers in the ACC. After a strong 2018-19 season, averaging 13.7 PPG, Hughes has now established himself as a clear-cut number one option for the Orange. Against Oklahoma State, Hughes recorded his career-high in points as he led the Orange with 28-points. In what was a disappointing game for Syracuse, at least Elijah showed high potential against a strong Cowboy side.

Hughes went 8-15 last night, as he knocked down five three-pointers in an attempt to bring the Orange back into contention. Ultimately, it was a game that the Orange will hope to forget sooner rather than later. But, Hughes’ performance is certainly something to take away from it all. Elijah is now averaging 19 PPG and 42% from three-point range on the season. Hughes’ ability to knock down threes, and his abilities to lead an offense, and get inside to make him a very versatile player for this Syracuse side.

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He’s the main man for the Orange and the connection between the inside and outside games. Hughes is certainly going to have a huge say on how far this side goes this season, and an opportunity to become an NBA-level player as his time at Syracuse progresses.

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