Big East College Basketball Preview- Syracuse Orange

Here is the second installment of the Big East Men's Basketball Preview...

Syracuse Preview
Outlook

The success of Syracuse depends on their ability to return from injury. Devendorf and Rautins both tore their ACLs last year and need to bounce back for Syracuse to be in the upper third of the Big East. The loss of Donte Greene hurts, but the return of Devendorf lessens the blow. The Orange have the talent to be an Elite 8 team but if Harris and Flynn struggle at all, Syracuse could find themselves on the outside looking in. On top of that, the defense needs to improve from last year for the team to be successful.

Projected Starters

G Jonny Flynn 6-0 Sophmore
15.7 ppg 5.3 apg

As a freshman, Jonny Flynn started every game at the point guard position. Flynn prospered last year by having Donte Greene around to provide a ton of offense. Flynn turns the ball over too much to be a top point guard in the nation but his defense and ability to shoot the ball makes up for it. When tournament time rolls around, Flynn should be ready to lead this team to a Sweet 16 berth.

G Eric Devendorf 6-4 Junior
17 ppg 3.9 apg (10 games)

Devendorf went down last year with a torn ACL which really set back the team. The loss of Devendorf forced the Orange to settle with an NIT berth. Devendorf, if he can return to form, could provide help in the scoring department for Syracuse. If Devendorf is not the same player as before he went down, Syracuse will be no better than a middle of the back Big East team.

G Andy Rautins 6-5 Junior
Injured last year

Rautins did not play at all last season due to a torn ACL in his knee. Like Devendorf, Rautins needs to prove that he can return to form in order for the Orange to be effective. Rautins has a great outside shot and with Flynn running the point, Rautins can provide a big time spark at the swing position.

F Paul Harris 6-5 Junior
14.5 ppg 8.2 rpg

Harris is an explosive player that has the ability to not only post up, but hit the long shot as well. Harris is a great rebounder and can also find the open man when needed. Harris is one of the hardest working players in basketball and it shows with his defense and rebounding. Harris needs to become the leader of this team if they want to be successful.

F Arinze Onuaku 6-9 Junior
12.7 ppg 8.1 rpg

Onuaku was the surprise Syracuse needed after all of the injuries last year. He has the ability to score at any time and will look to be a double double threat every game. Arinze Onuaku is the best low post presence on the team. His ability to rebound will ensure Jim Boeheim keeps him in the starting line up.