SALT LAKE CITY — Tyus Battle “isn’t worrying about” his future right now, he said after Syracuse’s loss to Baylor in the NCAA Tournament first round on Thursday.

The Orange fell 78-69 to the Bears in Vivint Smart Home Arena because Baylor simply made too many 3-pointers. Battle, a junior, finished with 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting on Thursday night. It concludes a junior season in which he averaged 17.2 points per game, an SU-high.

A year ago, Battle chose to enter his name into NBA Draft consideration and attend the pre-draft combine. But he eventually withdrew to return to Syracuse for his junior season. Thursday, Battle didn’t yet commit to a future plan.

“I’m not making any decisions,” Battle said immediately following SU’s loss.

Battle was listed in the 40s in some mock drafts a year ago, but hasn’t climbed past the 50 spot in major mock drafts during the 2018-19 season. He expanded on his playmaking abilities a bit this season, playing more point guard than he had in his prior two years with the Orange.

“I’m a basketball player,” Battle said. “Whatever position I play, I play. It doesn’t really matter to me.”

Battle reflected momentarily on what he was like as a freshman at SU as he sat at his locker after the loss.

“I think I’ve become a better leader over time,” Battle said. “That’s something that I’m definitely gonna take down the road with basketball.”

Published on March 22, 2019 at 12:58 am

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