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Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski
Battle Back!
5/30/2018 3:29:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Sophomore guard Tyus Battle has decided to withdraw from the 2018 NBA Draft process and return to Syracuse for his junior year. Battle led all Division I performers in average minutes played the past season and was a All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Second-Team selection.
"I have decided to go back to Syracuse University to complete my junior year," said Battle on Wednesday night. "Although I may have been picked by the NBA team of my dreams, I feel it is in my best interest at this time to focus on improving some fine points in my game while continuing to work toward achieving my degree.
"My plan is to re-enter the draft next year. Going back to Syracuse is an easy decision on many levels. That is where I want to be for now. I had incredible workouts with some amazing NBA organizations. However, the NBA (God-willing) will be in a future chapter for me.
"This year it's all about the 'Cuse! I'd like to send a shout out to all the 'Cuse fans who supported me throughout this process as well as my family, coaches, teammates and Drew Hanlen."
Battle participated in pre-draft workouts, including the NBA Draft Combine May 16-20 in Chicago. He preserved his college eligibility by not signing with an agent. The deadline for staying in the draft or taking his name out was May 30.
According to media reports, Battle had team workouts with the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic.
Battle started all 37 games for Syracuse and helped lead the Orange to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16. In addition to leading the nation in minutes played average, he set Syracuse standards for average minutes played (39.0) and season minutes played (1,443). He averaged a remarkable 40.1 minutes played in 16 ACC contests. Included in the total was all 50 minute of a double-overtime tilt at Florida State.
He averaged a squad-best 19.2 points per game and scored in double digits in 35-of-37 contests. Battle became the 62nd Syracuse player to surpass 1,000 career points. He was a semifinalist for the Jerry West Award, presented annually to the top Division I shooting guard.
Battle was named to the All-ACC Academic Team as a freshman and sophomore. He is majoring in information management and technology at Syracuse.
Syracuse season tickets start at $250 and are available for sale on-line (Cuse.com/tickets), by phone (1-888-DOMETIX)Â and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Limited Premium Courtside and Executive Club seats are still available and can be purchased by contacting a sales representative at 1-888-DOME-TIX.
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"I have decided to go back to Syracuse University to complete my junior year," said Battle on Wednesday night. "Although I may have been picked by the NBA team of my dreams, I feel it is in my best interest at this time to focus on improving some fine points in my game while continuing to work toward achieving my degree.
"My plan is to re-enter the draft next year. Going back to Syracuse is an easy decision on many levels. That is where I want to be for now. I had incredible workouts with some amazing NBA organizations. However, the NBA (God-willing) will be in a future chapter for me.
"This year it's all about the 'Cuse! I'd like to send a shout out to all the 'Cuse fans who supported me throughout this process as well as my family, coaches, teammates and Drew Hanlen."
It's official: BATTLE IS BACK! ?? pic.twitter.com/qHi9WWWqWo
— Syracuse Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) May 31, 2018
Battle participated in pre-draft workouts, including the NBA Draft Combine May 16-20 in Chicago. He preserved his college eligibility by not signing with an agent. The deadline for staying in the draft or taking his name out was May 30.
According to media reports, Battle had team workouts with the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic.
Battle started all 37 games for Syracuse and helped lead the Orange to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16. In addition to leading the nation in minutes played average, he set Syracuse standards for average minutes played (39.0) and season minutes played (1,443). He averaged a remarkable 40.1 minutes played in 16 ACC contests. Included in the total was all 50 minute of a double-overtime tilt at Florida State.
He averaged a squad-best 19.2 points per game and scored in double digits in 35-of-37 contests. Battle became the 62nd Syracuse player to surpass 1,000 career points. He was a semifinalist for the Jerry West Award, presented annually to the top Division I shooting guard.
Battle was named to the All-ACC Academic Team as a freshman and sophomore. He is majoring in information management and technology at Syracuse.
Syracuse season tickets start at $250 and are available for sale on-line (Cuse.com/tickets), by phone (1-888-DOMETIX)Â and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Limited Premium Courtside and Executive Club seats are still available and can be purchased by contacting a sales representative at 1-888-DOME-TIX.
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Players Mentioned
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