Jim Boeheim: Malachi Richardson’s soaring draft stock ‘media nonsense’

12:56 PM ET

No prospective 2016 NBA draftee had a better week than Syracuse’s Malachi Richardson.

The McDonald’s All-American guard who led the 13-loss Orange to March’s legendary comeback triumph over No. 1 seed Virginia seemed to come from nowhere in the tournament, even to many scouts. Despite his raw talent, size and scoring skill, most assumed a shaky freshman campaign would prevent Richardson from leaving Syracuse after one season.

Then came the explosion against UVa, followed by a solid outing in SU’s national semifinal loss to North Carolina. Front offices raced to the film room. Scouts liked what they saw. Richardson, free to test the waters under new NCAA draft rules, decided to see where he stood.

Malachi Richardson has gone from off the radar before March to possible lottery pick. Jamie Squire/Getty Images

At last week’s combine, as Richardson impressed with both his measurements (particularly his 7-foot wingspan on his 6-foot-6-inch frame) and play on the floor, more than a few NBA personnel raved. When Richardson told his prospective future employers he’d decided to keep his name in the draft, “a number of NBA executives seem[ed] delighted by the news,” ESPN’s Chad Ford wrote. “Richardson, they say, could end up in the lottery … he’s one of the few guys in this draft with the size, speed and skills to get his own shot.”

Richardson, No. 20 on Ford’s previous Big Board, since has risen to No. 13. On Monday, he told ESPN’s Jeff Goodman he would stay in the draft and hire an agent.

Like we said: Dude had a fantastic week.

As for Syracuse’s 2016-17 prospectus, the loss of Richardson was slightly less fantastic. Which begs the question: What does Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim make of his freshman’s rocket rise into the lottery-projection stratosphere? …

continue reading in source espn.go.com