NCAA Basketball: 10 sleeper teams to watch heading into 2023-24 season

Syracuse Orange

Ushering in a new era of Syracuse basketball, longtime Syracuse assistant Adrian “Red ” Autry will take over the reins of legendary coach Jim Boeheim.

Syracuse will have a new head coach for the first time in 47 years.

The Orange will no doubt look different, specifically with the diminished reliance (or even the absence) of the 2-3 zone along with the departures of Jesse Edwards (West Virginia) and Joe Girard (Clemson).

Nonetheless, the buzz is certainly palpable in the Carrier Dome as freshman star Judah Mintz withdrew from the 2023 NBA Draft. Mintz is a unique player as he can strongly finish at the rim yet score at a quality clip in the mid-range.

Alongside Mintz at the guard spot is one of the top transfer portal additions of the 2023 class: former five-star McDonald’s All-American recruit JJ Starling from Notre Dame.

Additionally, Adrian Autry was able to retain two key pieces at the forward position with Chris Bell and Benny Williams. Both Williams and Bell should provide valuable length, athleticism and three-point scoring from the wing if given consistent minutes.

Although the Orange will be young and there are questions about how they will operate the center spot, the ceiling of this young core gives Orange fans reasons for hope heading into November and beyond.