NCAA Basketball: 2018-19 preseason top-25 power rankings

One of the most consistent programs in the nation over the past several years, head coach Jim Boeheim has once again put together a great roster heading into this year. Even though the Orange only narrowly squeaked into the NCAA Tournament field last season, they were a nightmare to deal with for many teams as they reached the Sweet 16 before falling to Duke. And with every key contributor returning for this coming season, that tournament run as a No. 11 seed has many excited about the Orange’s potential.

And much like this past season, Syracuse will be led by the elite trio of Tyus Battle, Oshae Brissett, and Franklin Howard. All three of players averaged more than 36 minutes per game last season and were seemingly inseparable on the court. Even though the Orange have a deeper roster this year, the expectation is that this trio will once again lead the team on both ends of the floor.

Additionally, the returns of frontcourt members Marek Dolezaj and Paschal Chukwu will be important to the team. And while both of these players occupied the court for plenty of minutes per game last season, Chukwu is the most important returner outside of the core trio. A 7-foot-2 big man, he started all 37 games for the Orange last season and averaged 2.5 blocks per game. He is the true anchor of Syracuse’s daunting 2-3 zone.

In terms of incoming talent, Coach Boeheim is bringing in the No. 43 ranked recruiting class in the nation. Jalen Carey (No. 61) and Robert Braswell (No. 152) headline this group but the coach’s son, Buddy Boeheim, might be the most important immediate contributor. Ranked at No. 347 overall, Buddy is a 6-foot-5 wing who should improve Syracuse’s floor spacing offensively, which was a major weakness last season.