Syracuse Basketball: Preview of Orange 2020-21 depth chart

Center

Starter: Bourama Sidibe

At last, emerging behind Syracuse’s tallest basketball player yet, Sidibe took over as the team’s starting center last year following Paschall Chukwu’s graduation. Going into the 2020-21 season, expect Sidibe once more cement himself within the starting spot for final year donning Orange threads.

But while averaging only 6.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, watch for sophomore Jesse Edwards to pawn some minutes off Sidibe as the season plays out. Last year Edwards played significantly fewer minutes, but always managed to provide a pop off the bench upon getting the call.

Standing slightly taller than Sidibe and with more efficient numbers as well, Edwards maintains a decent starting case. But still, his sample size still feels too small to award him the spot over Sidibe who remains the safer option, so watch for him to come off the bench.

Next up comes Frank Anselem, who maintains excessive boom potential as a freshman. His size at 6’10 and raw athleticism makes him incredibly intriguing both offensively and as a potential rim protector. But beyond that, Anselem stretches the floor well with a solid mid-range shot unlike any other center on the roster. If the Orange develop him properly, watch for Anselem to potentially play big minutes down the stretch, surpass Edwards, and even compete for the starting role.

This leaves us with redshirt freshmen John Bol Ajak, whose length and athleticism might keep him within the rotation as a defensive stopper, especially useful within Boeheim’s 2-3 zone. Ajak frankly lacks the touch around the rim to compete as a starting big, but may however find value as a utility piece.