Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 8 teams for 40th Maui Invitational Tournament

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson (22) reacts after a play against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Anton Watson (22) reacts after a play against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball Syracuse Orange guard Judah Mintz Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Syracuse Orange

Although it’s probably the best move long-term for the program, you couldn’t have picked a worst time to make the coaching change if you’re Syracuse. Because new head coach Adrian Autry is going up against the likes of Mark Few, Bill Self, Matt Painter, and Rick Barnes.

And Syracuse also lost two of its best players to the portal this offseason (Jesse Edwards and Joe Girard) as well. The good news is that they retained star freshman Judah Mintz, who averaged 16.3 ppg and 4.6 apg last season. And he’s joined by a few backcourt transfers from the portal.

JJ Starling was a double-digit scorer as a freshman at Notre Dame, while former top 50 prospects, Kyle Cuffe and Chance Westry, didn’t play last season at Kansas and Auburn respectively. If these players can take a sophomore leap, the Orange could be better than expected.

The main concern is at center, with 7’4 transfer Naheem McLeod looking to replace Edwards. He’s not going to give them much offensively but if he can be a rim protector, Syracuse can be competitive inside. But compared to the other six teams, they have the most questions, both on the roster and on the sidelines.

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