Categories
NCAAB

Syracuse Orange Predictions: 2011 CBB Future Lines

2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Team Previews – Syracuse Orange

Syracuse was in the news a lot over the past few months, but that was because the school will be leaving the Big East to join the ACC in a couple years. Jim Boeheim has made it clear he’s no fan of the move, but at this point there really isn’t anything he can do about it.

2011- 2012 Syracuse Orange College Basketball Preview
Syracuse 2011-2012 Odds to Win NCAA Championship from Bookmaker: +1,200
Syracuse 2011-2012 Odds to Win Big East Regular Season Championship from 5Dimes: +250

For the time being, the Big East will still be the deepest and best conference in college basketball. Syracuse is being as good of a chance as anyone to top the league this season. Can the Orange be serious title contender?

Last Year’s Results: 27-8 (Loss in Round of 32 to Marquette)

Syracuse didn’t lose until mid-January last year. It was an up and down season for the Orange. After starting 18-0, they lost six of their next eight games. The Orange were a team with plenty of talent, but they lacked a clear leader on the floor. Syracuse was one of the youngest teams in the Big East in 2010-2011. The team appeared ready to make a fairly deep run in the tournament, but they upset on the first weekend to fellow Big East member Marquette.

Roster Changes

Rick Jackson was the only senior on the Syracuse team last year. Jackson was one of the better big men in the league, and the team will certainly miss his rebounding and his shot blocking presence on the defensive end. Many were concerned that talented freshman Dion Waters may transfer after last season, but he stayed with the team. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

The good news for Syracuse is that Rakeem Christmas will step right into the role of Rick Jackson. Christmas may be the best shot blocker entering college this year. Michael Carter-Williams is a point guard who has the ability to be an absolute star for Syracuse. Trevor Cooney doesn’t get as much attention as the other two, but he is a knockdown shooter from beyond the arc. This year’s recruiting class has several players that should contribute right away.

Top Players

Kris Joseph is probably the team’s best all-around player. Joseph is a 6’7 forward who can shoot it from distance and take the ball to the rim. Joseph is also one of the best defenders in the Big East. Scoop Jardine and Brandon Triche are both very talented guards, but neither of them is particularly consistent when it comes to shooting the basketball. When Jardine and Triche are on, this team is tough to beat, but they can also go cold for extended periods of time. C.J. Fair and Fab Melo didn’t do too much as freshmen last year, but people around the program have high hopes for both of these players.

Syracuse 2011-2012 College Basketball Prediction: #3 Seed in NCAA Tournament (Loss in Sweet Sixteen in NCAA Tournament)

The Orange are going to be even more athletic than they were last season, but the shooting woes could still be an issue. Their athleticism should carry them through most games, but I think the lack of a consistent scoring guard will keep them from advancing past the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA Basketball gambling season is right around the corner and we’ve got your back with tons of great college basketball handicapping articles to help you become the best basketball betting expert on your block in the 2011/12 NCAA Hoops season and beyond.

Categories
NCAAB

Syracuse Orange Predictions: 2010 CBB Future Lines

NCAA Basketball Season Preview:  Syracuse Orange (Big East)

Hey there folks. NCAA Basketball gambling season is right around the corner and we’ve got your back with tons of great college basketball handicapping articles to help you become the best basketball betting expert on your block in the 2010/11 NCAA Hoops season and beyond.