Syracuse Basketball: Why will the Orange be dangerous in 2018-19?

Syracuse Basketball: Why might the Orange be dangerous in 2018-19?

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 23: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange speaks to his team during a timeout against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center on March 23, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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DAYTON, OH – MARCH 14: Howard #23 and Battle #25 of the Syracuse Orange look on. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Experienced leaders

Experience matters in college basketball. That is just a proven fact at this point. Even though underclassmen-dominant teams can be exceptional, those teams need to grow throughout the season in order to be successful in the NCAA Tournament. In regards to Syracuse this season, there is a ton of returning talent on the roster. Only three players on the Orange roster last season are not returning for this year, meaning that the team is bringing back 91.0% of its total minutes.

Most importantly, Syracuse’s core three players of Tyus Battle (JR), Oshae Brissett (SO), and Frank Howard (SR) are all coming back. This trio combined to account for 72.9% of Syracuse’s total points last season while each member averaged over 38 minutes per game. While obviously they will need some help this season in order for ‘Cuse to be successful, this trio should be able to lead the roster in clutch moments in 2018-19.

Additionally, the Orange also bring back three other major contributors from last season in Marek Dolezaj (27.9 mpg), Paschal Chukwu (27.2 mpg), and Bourama Sidibe (12.4 mpg). With these six key players returning to lead the way for Syracuse this year, the team will have plenty of college experience even if there are not many seniors on the roster.

This should help the team win right away and also succeed in the postseason.

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