Syracuse Orange
2016-17 record: 19-15, 10-8 in the ACC
Head coach: Jim Boeheim
Tenure at Syracuse: 42nd season
Career coaching record: 903-354
Home court: Carrier Dome
Starters: G Frank Howard, G Tyus Battle, F Matthew Moyer, F Oshae Brissett, C Paschal Chukwu
Bench: G Geno Thorpe, G Howard Washington, F Marek Dolezaj, F Bourama Sidibe
Overview: The Orange had a roller coaster of a season last year. First, Syracuse stumbled out of the gates, finishing just 7-5 in non-conference play and failing to beat a Power Five opponent. They then caught fire, getting out to an 8-4 start in ACC play before crumbling once again to drop six of their final nine games.
Heading into the 2017-2018 campaign, things are not looking bright for the Orange, who lost six of their top seven scorers from last season. Following the late transfer of sophomore Taurean Thompson to Seton Hall, fellow sophomore Tyus Battle remains the only starter and double-digit scorer from last season on the current team.
Juniors Frank Howard and Paschal Chukwu are expected to join Battle in the starting lineup next season, though the two averaged a combined 6.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game last season. The Orange will turn to sophomore Matthew Moyer and freshman Oshae Brissett to fill out the starting five for a young Syracuse team.
One thing that needs to go right: Syracuse improves upon a tough 2-8 road record last season and gets the job done away from the Carrier Dome, a year after only picking up road wins on a buzzer beater against Clemson and a 100-93 overtime win at N.C. State.
One thing that could go wrong: Inexperience and massive losses offensively hurt the Orange, who cannot surpass five conference victories and fail to break .500 for the first time since the 1969-70 season.
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Digital Strategy Director for Vol. 115, Michael was previously Sports Editor for Vol. 114 and Assistant Blue Zone Editor for Vol. 113. Michael is a senior majoring in Statistical Science and is interested in data analytics and using data to make insights.