NCAA Basketball: Biggest takeaways from 2018 2K Classic

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 20: Head coach Fran McCaffery of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts in the first half against the Villanova Wildcats during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 20, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 10: Tyus Battle #25 of the Syracuse Orange shoots the ball during the second half against the Morehead State Eagles at the Carrier Dome on November 10, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Morehead State 84-70. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Syracuse Orange (4th place)

Biggest takeaway: Must improve frontcourt play

Going 0-2 in the 2K Classic isn’t ideal for the Orange but losses to UConn and Oregon aren’t the worst things to happen. However, it restarts an issue for a team that’s been living on the bubble for the last few years. Syracuse now has two losses midway through November, with more non-conference games and another tough ACC slate to go through. The margin of error once again shortens for them.

One thing that the Orange has going for them is that they were playing without starting guard Frank Howard, currently out with an injury. Freshman Jalen Carey played well in his absence and will be a key piece going forward. But the issue for the team had little to do with their perimeter play.

Oshae Brissett had an awful 2K Classic offensively. He shot a combined 5/26 from the field for 10 ppg. His shooting percentage overall last year was poor but since he was just one of a few offensive options as a freshman, it could be excused. That can’t be the same this season.

But at least he made an impact, which can’t be the same for senior center Paschal Chukwu. He didn’t register either a point or a shot attempt in 18 minutes before fouling out. His impact on the defensive end wasn’t felt either, with the zone much less effective than it looked last year. If Chukwu’s defense isn’t on an elite level and continues to provide nothing on offense, his minutes are likely to decrease going forward in favor of Bourama Sidibe.

Even when Howard returns, Syracuse won’t be going dancing again until the frontcourt production gets better.

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