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THE DAILY ORANGE

THE BIGGEST DANCER

Eddie Lampkin Jr. brings March Madness pedigree to Syracuse

By Justin GirshonAsst. Sports Editor

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ddie Lampkin Jr. craves the feeling of thriving during March Madness.

As a sophomore at Texas Christian University in 2022, he stood out with a 20-point, 14-rebound effort in the Horned Frogs’ narrow loss to overall No. 1 seed Arizona. Two years later, after transferring to Colorado, Lampkin averaged 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists across the Buffaloes’ three-game run.

Because of Colorado’s success in his first year with the program, Lampkin didn’t want to leave. But, with Cody Williams, Tristan da Silva and KJ Simpson departing for the National Basketball Association, the 6-foot-11, 265-pound center entered the transfer portal to better position himself for a return to the NCAA Tournament.



On April 2, he decided his quest for one last dance in March would continue at Syracuse.

“I had a goal that when I got in the portal (that) I wanted to go somewhere (where) I’ll be able to play my game and help them get to the tournament,” Lampkin said.

After registering 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in three seasons at TCU, Lampkin broke out in his lone season at Colorado, where he averaged a career-best 10.6 points and 7.0 rebounds. Now, the graduate student is expected to play an instrumental role in leading SU to its first NCAA Tournament since 2021.

“I expect a lot out of him,” Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry said. “I think everyone will be excited to watch him play, he competes at a high level, he competes to win.”

Syracuse significantly lacked a dominant interior presence in its first season under Autry after Jesse Edwards transferred to West Virginia. The Orange brought in 7-foot-4 Florida State transfer Naheem McLeod, but he was ruled out for the season after 14 games.

This forced the Orange to play 6-foot-9 forward Maliq Brown at center, who transferred to Duke after the season. Lampkin’s addition, and McLeod’s return, give Syracuse a much-improved look down low.

“Having two diverse bigs is going to be a blessing for us,” McLeod said.

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Once Lampkin entered the portal, SU assistant coach Allen Griffin noticed on social media the center was training in New York City with Chris Brickley. Griffin has a solid relationship with Brickley and other trainers at the gym, so the veteran coach inquired about Lampkin.

“His Colorado team was sick… he was able to adjust and adapt and make those guys better,” Griffin said. “So we know he’s gonna make our guys better and that’s the beautiful thing about Eddie.”

Beyond his bulldozing post presence, Lampkin piqued Allen’s interest because his energy never wavered. It’s always been one of his key strengths.

When Lampkin moved to the Katy, Texas, area and began attending Morton Ranch High School, head coach Khris Turner was intrigued by the tall, baby-faced student he’d never met. Beyond his height, the head coach was infatuated with Lampkin’s personality.

As Morton Ranch won consecutive district titles, Lampkin became the team’s soul. When things were going well, Turner said Lampkin was the most vocal. When things were going poorly, he was the biggest motivator. Turner also praised Lampkin for being himself off the court, frequently challenging classmates to dance-offs in the hallways — a trait he later took with him to the hardwood in March.

“Eddie was always Eddie. And he was always the spark that we needed,” Turner said.

Lampkin became 247Sports’ No. 58 prospect in the class of 2020, leading him to commit to TCU. When he arrived on campus in 2020, Lampkin spent nearly a month quarantining and weighed over 330 pounds. The center only appeared in 10 games throughout the season, which Turner says humbled Lampkin.

Ahead of his sophomore season, Lampkin lost nearly 70 pounds, adjusting his body to become a contributor for the Horned Frogs. Before the Horned Frogs clinched their first NCAA Tournament since 2018, Lampkin’s energy quickly made him a fan favorite. That same energy is what later turned him into a March Madness darling.

Playing a career-high 36 minutes in TCU’s Round of 32 bout against Arizona, Lampkin was 8-for-9 from the field tallying career-bests in points (20) and rebounds (14). Though the Horned Frogs fell in overtime, it was Lampkin’s coming out party.

Beyond building his on-court notability, Lampkin’s performance increased his star power. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported he signed NIL deals that totaled at least $100,000. Lampkin appeared to be a star in the making.

But his life changed drastically a month later. Lampkin’s older brother, Du’Vonta Lampkin, was shot and killed.

“It really helped me, he motivates me every day… You wouldn’t notice what I go through half the time, and it just shows that I’m a tough person (and) that I want to be a bigger person on myself,” Lampkin said of Du’Vonta’s passing.

In what was supposed to be a promising season for TCU, the center wasn’t himself. As he dealt with his older brother’s death, Lampkin also managed a nagging injury. Then, he was faced with the death of his aunt.

As the season progressed, Lampkin’s relationship with the Horned Frogs spiraled. Ahead of the Big 12 Tournament, he stepped away from the team. Lampkin committed to Colorado a month later, giving him a fresh start.

“We very much needed Eddie… his leadership and ability to change the energy of a program,” former Colorado guard J’Vonne Hadley said.

Because of Colorado’s deep roster, as five of its players averaged 10 or more points per game, Lampkin had to learn how to make the most of his touches. Despite the Buffaloes’ litany of talent, they allowed Lampkin to be a vital part of their offense from the paint and perimeter.

“All those scouts were at the games, watching (Williams, da Silva and Simpson) play, but I’m pretty sure they have him on their list now,” said Jayson Martinez, who began training Lampkin after he transferred to Colorado.

One NBA scout who grew familiar with Lampkin’s game was Syracuse General Manager Alex Kline, who worked for the New York Knicks from 2020-24.

“All the years I scouted him in the NBA, you’re watching other guys on his team,” Kline said. “But he always stood out because he’s just an energizer bunny. He’s always on the move.”

While scouts honed in on Williams, da Silva and Simpson, Lampkin’s play throughout the NCAA Tournament demanded everyone’s attention. After Colorado won its First Four game versus Boise State, it faced Florida. Just as he did at TCU two years prior, Lampkin saved his best for The Big Dance.

In Colorado’s 102-100 win over the Gators, Lampkin played arguably the most complete game of his college career. Along with his typical high-motor energy, Lampkin poured in 21 points while notching six rebounds and dishing five assists. The Boulders fell 81-77 in the Round of 32 to Marquette, but Lampkin continued his dominance, registering 13 points and seven rebounds.

“It feels good knowing that you have someone that has been in a lot of winning situations and still comes and brings energy wherever he goes,” Syracuse freshman guard Elijah Moore said.

While Lampkin brings a high pedigree and much-needed experience to SU, it’ll mark the first time he’s thrust into the spotlight in his career. At both TCU and Colorado, it’s where the center had his best moments.

But now, Lampkin is primed to shoulder the biggest role of his career at Syracuse. It’s an opportunity he’s always craved, and a role he believes he’s perfectly suited for. As he enters his final collegiate season, Lampkin wants to help lead the Orange back to where they belong and where he thrives most — March.

“I just want to do whatever I (can) do to get us back on the buzz and help our team get back to the tournament,” Lampkin said.

Photograph courtesy of SU Athletics