ACC Basketball: 5 rising stars to keep an eye on in 2018-19

5. Frank Howard, Syracuse

Syracuse Orange guard Frank Howard is due for a big senior season after breaking out in 2017-18. Howard went from starting 14 games in 2016-17 to starting all 37 contests for the Orange last season.

Look for Howard to replace the contributions of Tyus Battle, last year’s leading scorer, this upcoming season. Howard put up 14.4 points, 4.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals per contest for Syracuse last season. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well in 2017-18  from the field (37.6 percent), but that’s what the offseason is for.

Howard’s scoring average shot up in 2017-18. He averaged just 4.5 points per game as a sophomore. While shooting at volume, Howard showed flashes of what he’s capable of.  He eclipsed the 20-point plateau in four contests last season as Syracuse posted a record of 23-14.

Howard led the ACC in total steals (68) and steals per game last season, something that should help the Syracuse defense in 2018-19. He also played 38.4 minutes per contest, second in the ACC and in the NCAA as well. He’s got the durability and conditioning down already, now he’ll just need the green light from head coach Jim Boeheim. It helps he’ll have forward Oshae Brissett returning, too. Brissett put up 14.9 points and 8.8 rebounds in his freshman season for Syracuse in 2017-18.