College Basketball Preview: 3. Syracuse Orange

Now a senior Jardine now knows he can push the pace with the help of other guard Triche.

3. Syracuse Orange Key Returnees: F Kris Joseph, G Brandon Triche, G Scoop Jardine
G Scoop Jardine- Senior
G Brandon Triche- Junior
F Mookie Jones- Junior
F Kris Joseph- Senior
C Fab Melo- Sophomore
Sixth- Rakeem Christmas- Freshman
Top Recruit- Rakeem Christmas
The Orange once again return a trio of players that may make this the best Syracuse team since the days of Carmelo Anthony. The backcourt will once more be strong thanks to the return of senior Scoop Jardine and junior Brandon Triche. Both have good speed and can shoot the ball. Last years top guard recruit, Dion Waiters returns as a sophomore and will be asked to play more of a role. Even with losing Rick Jackson as he graduated up front the Orange are also dangerous. Mookie Jones isn't fantastic but he's smart and will get the job done. Joseph is small for a power forward but he may be the top returner thanks to his mobility and smarts. Fab Melo was a great recruit for 'Cuse last year and will play more of a role as he'll be the starter at center without Jackson. Rakeem Christmas is this years top recruit and will be asked to play a role off the bench. He has a good shot and a dominant first step and the Orange are hopeful that he'll have a strong first year. The Orange also have a lot of young no-name players who will get more minutes this year in guys like experienced forward James Southerland and guard Brandon Reese and young forward C.J. Fair.
Bottom Line: An experienced and smart team the Orange will once more challenge out in the Big East and in the nation.