William Kyle III is set to showcase his skills on the national stage during Final Four weekend, giving Syracuse fans a reason to keep cheering this spring.
While the Syracuse men's basketball season has wrapped up, Orange forward William Kyle III will represent the team in the College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships. This exciting event is scheduled for Friday, April 3, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Fans can catch the action on ESPN, airing on Sunday, April 5, at 12 p.m. ET.
This annual showcase, now in its 37th year, coincides with Final Four weekend, adding an extra layer of excitement. It features standout men’s and women’s college players who lit up the court this past season but aren’t participating in the Final Four. The night caps off with a thrilling Battle of the Champions, where the winners of the men’s and women’s three-point contests face off.
As for Kyle III, the 6'10" senior had a stellar season with Syracuse, playing in all 32 games. Known for his defensive prowess, he was a Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watchlist nominee, averaging 2.5 blocks, 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and a steal per game. His remarkable vertical leap and dunking ability have earned him a reputation as one of the top dunkers in the nation.
Syracuse has a history with this event, dating back to 2007 when Demetris Nichols competed in the three-point contest. On the women's side, Alexis Peterson and Dyaisha Fair have also represented Syracuse, with Fair participating as recently as 2024. Notably, Kyle will be the first from Syracuse to enter the slam dunk contest.
Reflecting on Syracuse’s dunk contest legacy, many fans remember the 2002 McDonald's All American event. It featured future Orange legend Carmelo Anthony and NBA All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire, with Anthony securing the top prize after Stoudemire's missed foul line dunk.
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