By SETH ENDO                   August 24, 2001

Rony Seikaly is contemplating a return to the NBA? Well, I suppose that one can only be a professional husband for so long, even if one is married to a world-famous swimsuit model. Seikaly’s comeback provides a convenient excuse to comment on the undistinguished NBA careers of recent former Syracuse stars.

From 1987 - 1990, the Orangemen fielded very competitive teams. In the early years, Rony Seikaly ably manned the middle. Sherman Douglas was one of the premier college point guards, leaving college in sole possession of the NCAA all-time assists record. Derrick Coleman was the first player in college basketball to tally 2,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 300 blocks. Billy Owens dazzled opponents, fans, and scouts with his athleticism, winning the Big East Player of the Year award before he left school. 

Each year, when draft day came, NBA teams queued up, hoping for a chance to select these terrifically gifted players. The Miami Heat chose Seikaly with the ninth pick of the 1988 draft. In 1989, Sherman Douglas went early in the second round. Derrick Coleman was the first overall pick in the 1990 draft. The next year, Billy Owens heard his name when the third pick was announced.

The professional careers of these college stars have been spotty, at best, with Derrick Coleman being the best - or worst - example. Coleman, arguably one of the most naturally gifted basketball players ever, won the Rookie of the Year award. In 1994, he was named to the Dream Team. However, in recent years, he has put up mediocre numbers. Last season he posted 8 points and 5 boards a game. Even worse, his very presence on the Hornets active roster correlates to, if not necessarily causes, an incredible drop in the team’s win-lose record. Injuries have hampered the careers of these players. Perhaps, even more significantly, a lack of heart has led to the disappointing performances of such talents (with the possible of exception of Douglas who just might not have the physical skills needed to excel at the professional level). I used to look at Derrick Coleman and think, if I had his body, I would be a perennial all-star. My dad’s reply to such thoughts, "Think about how bad off he would be if he had your body."

Recently, Orangeman John Wallace slipped in the draft. With the way the Syracuse alumni have fared in the NBA, this should have come as no surprise. Almost needless to mention, Wallace has not fulfilled the promise he showed in college. He is well on his way to joining the ranks of the NBA journeymen, getting shipped from team to team. Perhaps Damone Brown will break the pattern. However, history is stacked against him.