Gauging where SU men’s lacrosse prospects could fall in PLL College Draft
The Premier Lacrosse League Draft is Tuesday night. Several Syracuse players like Joey Spallina, Michael Leo and Billy Dwan III are expected to be selected. Jacob Halsema | Staff Photographer
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Syracuse is in the thick of the hunt for its first national championship since 2009. However, Tuesday will be a crucial moment for much of the core team’s future. The Premier Lacrosse League Draft will be held at 7 p.m. Five Orange players are likely to be selected, with multiple prospects possibly going in the first round.
Last season, SU had four selections in Sam English, Owen Hiltz, Michael Grace and Carter Rice. This season, Joey Spallina is in the conversation for the first pick. Michael Leo and Billy Dwan III might go in the second round, while Luke Rhoa and Finn Thomson are primed to be late-round steals.
Here’s a breakdown of No. 5 Syracuse’s (10-3, 2-1 Atlantic Coast) PLL Draft prospects:
Joey Spallina
Projected Draft position: High first round
Best Fit: Maryland Whipsnakes, Carolina Chaos, California Redwoods
Spallina has the chance to become the first Syracuse player selected No. 1 overall since the PLL’s founding in 2019. He’s a polarizing prospect among draft analysts. Some believe he can be a franchise cornerstone, while others think he’s more suited for a secondary role.
ESPN’s Paul Carcaterra and USA Lacrosse’s Dan Arestia have Spallina as their No. 1 prospect, while PLL draft analyst Adam Lamberti put him third, behind Duke’s Aidan Maguire and Towson’s Mikey Weisshaar.
Despite the varying opinions, Spallina has a real case for being the first pick. He was the unanimous No. 1-ranked player out of the 2022 recruiting class. Next week, Spallina will likely be Syracuse’s all-time points leader.
“That’s just super valuable in the PLL, where you just need an attacker that you can trust to make the right decisions, and someone that just knows how to score and find open teammates,” Lamberti told The Daily Orange in February. “And, obviously, that’s something that (Spallina’s) been doing his whole career.”
Spallina was in a professional environment throughout his youth. His father, Joe, coached the Long Island Lizards in Major League Lacrosse. He practically grew up on the sidelines and knows how to be a pro, which will entice teams.
The Utah Archers and Boston Cannons — who have the first two selections — already boast strong attacks, meaning Spallina could fall to No. 3. It’d be surprising to see him drop further. If he does, then Joe, the general manager of the California Redwoods, who holds the No. 6 pick, could try to poach his son.
Michael Leo
Projected Draft position: Late first round, Early-to-mid second round
Best Fit: California Redwoods, Maryland Whipsnakes
Other than Spallina, Leo is probably Syracuse’s most PLL-ready prospect. His versatility is key, as he plays both midfield and attack for the Orange. Leo has been effective upfield in 2026, with 24 goals and 18 assists, putting him two points shy of his career-high. However, teams will most likely bring him in as a midfielder, at least to start his career.
Leo’s appeal comes from his downhill dodging ability and shooting precision. Drilling tough-angled shots from the wing and being a threat on the run toward the middle of the field has proven that. With the quicker pace in the PLL — the shot clock being 52 seconds, compared to 90 in college — that’s always a good skill to have.
The PLL’s attacking talent is plentiful, meaning Leo could drop if teams focus elsewhere. Lamberti ranked him as the 11th-best prospect, while others have Leo in their top 10. The Redwoods at No. 6 is a potential first option for Leo, with Ryder Garnsey and Dylan Molloy just turning 30. Then there’s the familiarity with Joe, who coached Team 91, Leo’s travel team growing up.
The Whipsnakes need offensive midfield depth as well, and if Leo isn’t selected in the first round, they could snatch him in the second.
Syracuse attack Joey Spallina attempts a diving finish. Spallina headlines the Orange’s prospects who could be selected in the PLL Draft Tuesday. Jacob Halsema | Staff Photographer
Billy Dwan III
Projected Draft position: Mid-to-late second round
Best Fit: Boston Cannons, New York Atlas, Denver Outlaws
Dwan’s offensive ability fits the PLL’s fast-paced style. This weekend, he passed Joel White for the most goals by a defensive player in program history. The accomplishment is even more impressive given White was also a defensive midfielder, while Dwan is a close defender.
Dwan’s creativity is his greatest trait. Typically, pole goals come when nobody slides to defenders in transition or a long-pole trails the play. Dwan can do that, but he adds variety. It might be a tight-angled crease finish, a midfield-esque face dodge down the alley or even a between-the-legs score.
Don’t get it twisted, Dwan is still an elite defender. He’s often the slide guy when Syracuse’s defenders get beat. It’s a tough role, but he’s helped the Orange concede 10 goals per game this season, alongside Riley Figueiras.
At 6-foot-4 and 231 pounds, Dwan is an imposing force. Maryland’s Will Schaller, Penn State’s Alex Ross and Richmond’s Hunter Smith might go before Dwan, but he could be a steal in the late second round or early third round.
There’s always a need for close defensemen in the PLL, which means teams like the Boston Cannons, Denver Outlaws or reigning champion New York Atlas could seriously consider taking Dwan.
Finn Thomson
Projected Draft position: Third or fourth round
Best Fit: Carolina Chaos, California Redwoods
Thomson’s game is more suited for box lacrosse. In September, he might be the top selection in the National Lacrosse League Draft, but Thomson could be a solid late-round pickup for a team looking for a slick attackman. Thomson’s box background means he can find any crevice on the crease and pull off quick-stick finishes as good as anyone in this draft.
The senior also navigates the pick game well, as shown by his connection with Spallina. Thomson doesn’t have much star potential in the PLL, but he can be extremely effective in the right role. Last season, Thomson was robbed of the chance to show off his full prowess at attack, missing seven games with a broken wrist. He still finished with 23 goals and has increased his tally to a career-high 26 this season.
The Chaos can reunite Thomson with former SU teammate Hiltz if they pick him. Because of the Syracuse connection, the Redwoods could be involved as well, while the Whipsnakes could use another attack. Thomson won’t steal any headlines when he’s picked, though his offensive prowess will be invaluable.
Luke Rhoa
Projected Draft position: Fourth round
Best Fit: Maryland Whipsnakes
If Rhoa gets enough playing time, he’ll likely lead all rookies in two-point shots. There’s a chance he could end up being the best distance shooter in the league. He’s repeatedly shown his proficiency from distance with the Orange. When Rhoa winds up, it’s easy to wonder why he’s shooting from there.
When the ball races past goalies, it makes sense. Rhoa is as two-handed as it gets, and he’s been a consistent threat for SU, scoring 79 career goals without ever being its first or second option. He can dodge down the alley or be a punishing catch-and-shoot guy.
Rhoa’s flaw is that he’s not as skilled as other offensive options in this draft. His shooting stands out, but he might be seen as somewhat one-dimensional. Still, it’s worth it for a franchise to take a late-round swing on him.
It’s hard to pinpoint a specific team that will take Rhoa. He’ll go in the rounds where teams pick the best player available and not necessarily the best fit.
