Syracuse Basketball: Buddy Boeheim must emerge in 2020-21 season

In order for Syracuse Basketball to make the NCAA Tournament, they’ll need Buddy Boeheim to have a big year.

It’s a new year to anticipate for Syracuse Basketball. Over the past few years, their team has been very average, without the capability to become a lethal threat in the ACC. This season, the locker room needs to have a bigger goal of expectations. And certain players need to step to the plate as far as leadership.

Buddy Boeheim is headed into his junior season with a lot to achieve this year. With the departure of Elijah Hughes, Boeheim will more likely become the leading scorer of the team. In his first two seasons playing for the Orange, Boeheim really had to work for his spot as a key contributor for the team. Now, in his junior campaign, he should only look to elevate from here.

Boeheim is a phenomenal shooter when he allows himself to be set and ready to release the ball. His strong suit is coming off screens to set up for a wide-open jump shot. Boeheim also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and create his own opportunity on numerous occasions. Going into this season, Boeheim will need to continue to become even more on the offensive end. If the Orange have any chance to be on top of the ACC, his leadership on that end will be important.

Last season, Boeheim averaged 15.3 points with shooting splits of .408/.370/.714. His shooting numbers are a major factor that needs to be improved, particularly his free throw percentage. Boeheim seems to force the action whenever going against tough defense.

It usually takes him out of his rhythm, which causes bad defensive possessions as well. Going into this season, Boeheim will need to figure out ways to be effective on offense against tougher defenders. Without his ability to set the tone, it could become a long night for the Orange.

Boeheim should look at this situation as an opportunity to rise. If he is the x-factor this season, it could potentially allow him to watch his draft stock rise through the season. With a tough conference that the Orange play in, every matchup is important for the team to be locked in and ready. Boeheim will need to evolve into a better leader quickly in order for the team to succeed in their conference.

The expectations for Syracuse is to make sure to improve better than they were last season. The roster seems to have the confidence within them to make noise in the country this season. Now, it is all about building team chemistry and working together on both ends of the floor. The Syracuse Orange’s quest for a successful season begins this Friday against the Bryant Bulldogs.