Syracuse Basketball 2024-25 Lineup & Roster Insights Ahead of Nov 4 Opener

Syracuse Basketball Preseason Expectations

The 2023 ACC Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll placed Syracuse in 9th place. Specifically, they received a total of 77 votes. Additionally, ESPN’s latest Basketball Power Index has the Orange ranked 65th. Despite these rankings, Syracuse has a talented roster with a good mix of experience and youth. The Orange return three starters from last season’s team that finished 16-17 overall and 9-11 in the ACC. Also returning is Joe Girard, who averaged 13.4 points per game last season. The 6'1" guard led the ACC in three-point shooting, hitting 46.5% from beyond the arc.

Syracuse also welcomes a talented group of newcomers, including Judah Mintz, a 6'3" point guard who was a four-star recruit. Robert Braswell and Chris Bell are two other highly touted recruits who could make an immediate impact. The Orange will need to improve their defense this season in order to be successful. Last season, Syracuse allowed opponents to shoot 46.4% from the field, which ranked 275th in the country. Syracuse has the potential to be a surprise team in the ACC this season. The Orange have a talented roster and Jim Boeheim is one of the most experienced coaches in the country.

Key Players for the Orange

Joe Girard: As mentioned before, Girard is the Orange's leading scorer and three-point threat. He will need to continue to be a consistent scorer and leader for Syracuse this season. Judah Mintz: Mintz is a talented point guard who could start for many teams in the ACC. He is a good passer and scorer and will be a key part of Syracuse's offense this season. Robert Braswell: Braswell is expected to add scoring punch to the backcourt along with Girard and Mintz. Will be a great slasher and mid-range shooter for the Orange. Chris Bell: Bell is a athletic forward who could start at either forward position. Will be able to rebound, defend, and provide some scoring production to Syracuse. Jesse Edwards: The lone senior for Syracuse will be Jesse Edwards. He will be one of the more talented centers in the ACC and needs to provide leadership for this young Orange team.

Syracuse Basketball Schedule Outlook

The Orange open the season on November 4th at home against Lehigh. They then have a tough non-conference schedule that includes games against Villanova, Indiana, and Georgetown. Syracuse opens ACC play on December 4th at home against Florida State. The Orange have a challenging ACC schedule, but they also have some winnable games. If Syracuse can start the season strong and build some momentum, they could be a surprise team in the ACC this season.

Conclusion

Syracuse Basketball has a lot of potential for the upcoming season. The Orange return some key players and have a talented group of newcomers. If Syracuse can improve their defense and get consistent scoring from their key players, they could be a surprise team in the ACC this season.