ACC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2024-25 season

Mar 9, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) controls the ball in front of Duke Blue Devils guard Tyrese Proctor (5) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

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10. Syracuse Orange

It was a solid first year for Coach Adrian Autry, with the team finishing 11-9 in league play and in the top half of the ACC. But this upcoming season will be his true test, as he has lost leading scorer Judah Mintz and multiple forwards, including Justin Taylor, Quadir Copeland, Benny Williams, and Maliq Brown.

What Syracuse does have back are two double-digit scorers. JJ Starling (13.3 ppg) had a good first year after transferring over from Notre Dame, while Chris Bell (12.0 ppg) is one of the best pure shooters in the country after shooting over 42% from deep. There’s optimism that former 4-star prospects Kyle Cuffe and Chance Westry will be healthy and impactful in the rotation.

To upgrade the frontcourt, the Orange added Eddie Lampkin, who started for a Colorado team that made the NCAA Tournament. Jyare Davis (17.1 ppg and 7.5 rpg) is a 6’7 forward from Delaware, while Donnie Freeman is a top-30 freshman prospect and could be one of the best freshmen in the ACC.

Guard transfers Jaquan Carlos and Lucas Taylor will be tasked with replacing Mintz’s impact in the backcourt, with Starling needing to be a lead guard. Syracuse might not take much of a step back this season, but do they have enough to take a leap?

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