Syracuse Basketball: Previewing the 2016 Team

Syracuse basketball still has a long way to go this year, but it’s never too early to start looking at what next year may have to offer.

With Syracuse basketball still in the midst of their nine day hiatus (thanks ACC scheduling committee), I figured it was a good time to take a very brief sneak preview of what is in store for the Orange next year.

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First let’s talk about what Syracuse basketball is losing: Michael Gbinije and Trevor Cooney. That’s their top two scorers and top two three point shooters. It’s also the team’s top two leaders in steals, the two best defenders, and their leader in assists (Gbinije). That’s an awful lot to be losing off a team that already had a number of question marks this year.

Bottom line, you just don’t replace that kind of talent and seniority in the back court easily. Gbinije especially will be a tough loss to absorb. In his three years at Syracuse, he has transformed into one of the most complete players in the ACC. He currently ranks fifth in the ACC in points per game, fifth in assists per game, and first in steals. In fact, he’s 14th in all of division one in steals per game. Those are some incredibly impressive stats.

So how do we cope with that kind of loss? It starts with the addition of Tyus Battle. Battle, as I mentioned in an article on Saturday, is an incredibly gifted guard who will have an immediate impact for Syracuse basketball. He’s an adept scorer, passer, rebounder, and defender. Similar to Gbinije, he has a well-rounded game that should allow him to transition seamlessly to the college level.

The rest of the guard rotation will be quite thin and will consist of Franklin Howard, Kaleb Joseph (if he stays), and Malachi Richardson. Based on that, it’s a toss up at this point whether Battle will be at point or whether that honor will go to Howard. Either way, it’s going to be a big transition and their will be some growing pains.

The main improvement for Syracuse basketball will be the front court. We are losing no one and will already be adding 7’2″ Paschal Chukwu and 6’8″ Matthew Moyer. We’re also heavily pursuing Taurean Thompson and from all accounts are the odds on favorite to land the 6’10” big man. Combine that with Tyler Lydon, a 5th year Dajuan Coleman, and a senior Tyler Roberson and that’s quite the formidable back line in the 2-3 zone.

Offense could be a struggle in the early portion of the season with all the new pieces being fit together, but the defense could be one of the best ever for Syracuse basketball. With a true rim protector and a lineup that could go 6’6, 6’7, 6’8, 6’8, 7’2, the amount of size and length in the zone is something unparalleled in SU history.

Next: Syracuse Basketball: Tyus Battle is REALLY Good

If the guards can mature quickly and get some points, this could be an incredibly deadly squad for Syracuse basketball. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see SU shopping around for a graduate transfer point guard if Kaleb Joseph decides to leave the team. If they could land someone who could play immediately, that would be a huge bonus for the Orange’s thin guard rotation.

Check back later in the week as we preview the Florida State game, talk more about expectations for the rest of this season, and even start looking ahead to next year’s football team.

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