ACC Basketball: Louisville, Wake Forest rise in updated way-too-early ranking for 2024-25

11. Syracuse Orange

The one thing that has happened in the last month for Syracuse had to do with one of its transfer commits. Eddie Lampkin Jr. averaged 10.6 ppg and 7.0 rpg last season at Colorado and was set to be the replacement for Maliq Brown at the center position. However, there were strong whispers that he could’ve de-committed and re-enter the portal again.

In the end, Lampkin affirmed his commitment to the program, giving them a need big man. Naheem McLeod will likely be his backup but gives the Orange good depth and size inside. 6’7 forward Jyare Davis (17.1 ppg and 7.5 rpg) comes from Delaware and can stretch the floor, along with returning starting forward Chris Bell and top-50 incoming freshman, Donnie Freeman.

The big question for Syracuse is how they replace star guard and leading scorer Judah Mintz, who is off to the NBA. JJ Starling is back as the likely lead guard, joined by transfer guards, Jaquan Carlos and Lucas Taylor. Chance Westry will be available after missing all of last season with an injury to provide depth, while four-star guard Elijah Moore is someone to watch as well.

The Orange may not have a star the caliber of Mintz to lead the team but they should have more all-around depth for next season. We’ll see if that makes enough of a difference for them and their postseason hopes.