Syracuse freshman guard Tyus Battle will return for his sophomore season, his father, Gary Battle, confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

After the Orange’s season ended on Saturday, Battle had not discussed his future plans with his father as of Sunday evening. Now that they’ve talked it over, Battle will spend another season at SU.

“(Tyus) wants to return 100 percent his sophomore year,” Gary Battle said in a text.

Battle fought through a foot injury during the nonconference portion of Syracuse’s schedule and the flu for multiple weeks in February. Once healthy after the flu, Battle scored in double digits in seven straight games to end the year, averaging 17.4 points per game over that span. He played in 34 games and started 25 while averaging 11.3 points and 30.7 minutes and shot 36.6 percent on 3-pointers.

When fully healthy, he showed an ability to score effectively driving to the basket, shooting mid-range jumpers and hitting 3-pointers. The 6-foot-6 New Jersey native was ranked as the 35th best recruit in the 2016 class, per ESPN.

He had the option to enter the NBA Draft by April 23 but retain eligibility by not signing an agent and withdrawing by May 24. But instead of dipping his toe in the NBA Draft process, Battle plans on returning to Syracuse.

Fellow Orange teammate Tyler Lydon declared Monday for the NBA Draft. The sophomore led SU in rebounding.

Orange head coach Jim Boeheim said Monday that he thinks staying an extra year in college typically benefits players. If a player can improve his draft stock and has the chance to get picked higher in the following year’s draft, Boeheim said he thinks it’s more beneficial to remain in school.

“I always think players should stay another year,” Boeheim said, “because I think it benefits them. … I advise players, but it’s always their decision when they should go. We support them 100 percent.

Published on March 22, 2017 at 1:01 pm

Contact Paul: pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds