Busting Brackets
Fansided

ACC Basketball: 2020-21 power rankings after non-conference play

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 29, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Cordell Pemsl (35) and guard Wabissa Bede (3) react after the first half against the South Florida Bulls at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies forward Cordell Pemsl (35) and guard Wabissa Bede (3) react after the first half against the South Florida Bulls at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 16
Next
ACC Basketball
ACC Basketball Alan Griffin Syracuse Orange (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

445. . 6-1 (1-0). . Orange . 9. team

There are plenty of positives and negatives involving Syracuse Basketball in the past month. They’ve had to play several games without sharpshooter Buddy Boeheim due to covid protocols while starting senior center Bourama Sidibe just came back after suffering a preseason leg injury.

The good news for the Orange is that they actually have depth this time around. Sophomore forward Quincy Guerrier has become a national breakout star, averaging 18.0 ppg and 10.0 rpg through seven games. He’s had performances such as 18 points and 16 rebounds against Northeastern and a career-high 27 versus Buffalo.

Illinois transfer Alan Griffin has been just as impactful, averaging 16.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, and 3.0 apg for the Orange. Big man Marek Dolezaj has taken a major role in the offense, scoring over 12 ppg and leading the team with 4.3 apg. While sophomore Joe Girard hasn’t been as good as he was as a freshman, the improved surrounding talent should be a benefit for him in league play as the team finally gets to play together.

While the numbers on paper look great for Syracuse, it doesn’t translate when it comes to the on the court results. They’ve had several close calls with the inferior competition, including beating Bryant by one point, struggling against Northeastern, and needing overtime and a major comeback effort to beat Buffalo.

With the roster altogether, the hope is that the Orange can make some noise in the ACC and finish in the top half. But while the play of Griffin and Guerrier are great signs, there just seems to be something not clicking for the team at the moment. Maybe the Christmas break was what they needed before league play.