Expect Another Frustrating Season For Syracuse Basketball

A lot has happened in a a short period of time. The Syracuse Orange recently had their media day at a facility on campus named for one of the school’s favorite sons. It’s kind of funny when you think about it. The Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center is named after a man who helped deliver a proud basketball programs a national championship. Carmelo Anthony graduated and became an underachieving star in the pro ranks who scored plenty of points but no franchise could build a team around. That name, when said to the average basketball fan, brings up thoughts of underachieving, frustration, erratic shooting and failing in big games. The Orange, a once proud basketball programs, have a lot going these days. Their legendary coach, Jim Boeheim, probably won’t be on the sideline with the USA men’s basketball team once Mike Krzyzewski steps down and is replaced by Gregg Popovich. What’s worse, is there’s still a nine game suspension Boeheim is required to serve. The decision means he won’t be around for the first nine conference games. Boeheim has decided to appeal, but there’s no reason to believe he’ll be successful in doing so.

Last year was full of scandal and disappointment for the Orange, and there’s no reason to believe this year will be an improvement. Their most recent season concluded with an 18-13 record that included nine conference losses. Trevor Cooney was supposed to take the next step and didn’t. Dajuan Coleman didn’t play, and no one is convinced he’ll play a full season this year following multiple knee surgeries. This team has the talented Michael Gbinije at point guard, but he’s 6-foot-7. Sure, the Orange will still rely defensively on the zone; but at some point, he’ll be matched up on the smaller guards of the ACC. He should be fine on the offensive side of the court and serve as a mismatch; but defensively, he may prove to be a liability at times.

Tyler Roberson was very impressive last season, and this team has the talent to catapult to the top half of the conference. Unfortunately for Orange fans, they’re more likely to experience offensive droughts from time to time and struggle with the deep ball. Expect the Orange, like Anthony, to provide their fans with a season of underachieving, frustration , erratic shooting and failing in big games.

Geoffrey Knox is a Writer for ACC Basketball and SEC Football for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @gq_4_eva, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.