ACC Basketball: 5 biggest takeaways from 2019 recruiting classes

SYRACUSE, NY - OCTOBER 25: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange reacts to a call against the St. Rose Golden Knights during the second half at the Carrier Dome on October 25, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated St. Rose 80-49. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /

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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 14: (L-R) Tyus Battle #25, Paschal Chukwu #13, Frank Howard #23 and Oshae Brissett #11 of the Syracuse Orange celebrate during the final seconds of their win against the Syracuse Orange at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 14, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Syracuse won 95-91 in overtime. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

A lot riding on the new wave of Orange players

Another program with a strong national brand is the Syracuse Orange, who under Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim has always been competitive and a contender. But since joining the ACC, the team has struggled just to make the NCAA Tournament. In fact, an argument could be made that they should’ve missed the Big Dance three of the last four seasons.

It’ll be tough for Syracuse to get back next season, dealing with the losses of three of their top four scorers. And outside of rising senior Elijah Hughes, there’ no one else returning who scored more than seven points a game. They’ll have to rely on the development of not only the returning role players but also the 7th best incoming ACC recruiting class.

There’s only one player ranked overall in the top-100 (Brycen Goodine) but there’s a lot of potential with this group. Not only is Goodine the kind of scorer who can perform on day one, there’s also the all-time points leader in the state of New York in Joseph Girard. Quincy Guerrier is the prototypical wing with a long wingspan to cause havoc in the zone.

But the key will be replacing outgoing 7’2 center Paschal Chukwu inside. John Bol Ajak and Jesse Edwards are both incoming three-star freshmen centers with potential but are either ready to play early on? If not, the defense for the Orange could be in trouble. And until the offense gets sorted out, the team could lose some games that could cost them in the end with their resume. Duke will need their freshmen to excel to make the Final Four. Syracuse will need theirs just to make the Field of 68.