NEW YORK — Tyler Ennis replaced Michael Carter-Williams as the starting point guard at Syracuse, and now Carter-Williams can’t help but be impressed by his successor.
“I’ve seen a lot of Syracuse,” Carter-Williams said after putting up 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists as the Philadelphia 76ers beat former Syracuse star Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks, 110-106, at Madison Square Garden.
“Tyler’s playing great. He’s leading that team, along with C.J. [Fair]. Jerami [Grant]’s playing great, Trevor [Cooney] also. They’re also playing great. They’re 18-0, they can’t be doing any better. I think Tyler’s really stepped up. He plays with a lot of poise and confidence so I’m proud of him.”
It remains unclear if Ennis will come out after his freshman season. His father recently told SNY.tv that Ennis could stay on campus and be part of a deep backcourt next season, when the Orange add point guard Kaleb Joseph.
Still, Chad Ford’s latest Big Board has Ennis going No. 19 to the Toronto Ratpors, which would mark a homecoming for the Brampton, Ontario native who came to the U.S. and played high school ball at St. Benedict’s Prep.
“By what he’s doing, if it’s right for him and he feels confident enough, I’m sure he has the talent and ability to play [in the NBA],” Carter-Williams said. “It’s really up to him and how he feels.”