Chrome Reload in 2023 Draft
By Nick Zoroya
May 10, 2023
Coming into this year's draft the Chrome had the luxury of making tweaks to their roster, adding depth in areas while building for the future. Based on conversations with Chrome LC Head Coach Tim Soudan, there were three areas where the team could get better: a threat in the midfield, an animal between the boxes, and a close defensemen of the future.
The team was able to meet these three areas and more with Tuesday night's picks.
Round 1, Pick 4: Sam Handley, Midfielder, Penn
This is probably the biggest story of the first round, Sam Handley was projected at #1 overall for weeks leading up to the draft, especially given the lack of offensive players this year. When the first three picks went defense, Coach Soudan could barely believe his eyes being able to pick the most impactful offensive player in this draft. The team needed a midfielder that could move, initiate, and finish, and Handley does all of that and more. During his career he’s accumulated 194 points, while shooting an impressive 33%. His game isn’t perfect however, he will need to work on his high turnover rate (52 turnovers in 2022, 35 turnovers in 2023) a likely result of trying to do everything for a Penn program that relied so heavily on his production. He’s an immediate starter and is an early favorite for Rookie of the Year.
Round 2, Pick 12: Troy Hettinger, LSM, Jacksonville
In my list of possible draft prospects I thought the Chrome LC would select Brian Tevlin out of Notre Dame for his ability to basically do everything but play goalie for his team. When Tevlin was drafted at #10 overall, Coach Soudan was able to get his own version of Tevlin in Troy Hettinger out of Jacksonville. Hettinger can play long-stick-midfiled, defense, and short stick when needed, a rarity at the professional level. While he may not be a brand name nationally, he’s been dominant in the ASUN conference this year, recently being named the conference’s Defensive player of the year. He was also able to earn an honorable mention All-American designation from USA Lacrosse Magazine. For the Chrome LC he should see the field immediately sharing time at LSM with Eli Salama.
Round 3, Pick 20: Jack Myers, Attack, Ohio State
One of the few players in the draft that naturally thrives at X, Myers provides immediate help while Brendan Nichtern is unavailable. Once Nichtern returns, Myers will provide depth at attack while also being able to play some midfield. He’s coming off of a subpar year by his standards but with his frame and skill set, he’s a value add.
Round 4, Pick 28: Cross Ferrara, Attack, Salisbury
When it’s all said and done Crosse Ferrara could own every division three scoring record. At the time of publishing, Ferrara has 448 points. Coach Soudan knows him all too well, as Ferrara is college teammates with his son, Tanner. All of those trips to Salisbury may have paid off for the Chrome LC, as they get a hyper talented and humble scorer, two things Coach was looking for heading into the draft.
With all of that being said, it appears that Coach Soudan has filled almost every perceived need on draft day. Sam Handley is a generational talent at the midfield that will cause match-up nightmares and make everyone else’s life on offense easier. Troy Hettinger is a star in the making at LSM and adds flexibility as a close defensemen or SSDM if there are injuries on the defensive end. Cross Ferrara and Jack Myers offer completely different styles of play at attack and give the team options while Brendan Nichtern is gone. All in all, the future is shining bright for the Chrome.
