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Syracuse Basketball: Virginia Cavaliers crystal ball predictions

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: Mamadi Diakite #25 of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half during the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 08: Mamadi Diakite #25 of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half during the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four National Championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Paul A. Esden Jr, Site Expert (0-0)

Hope is in there, I’m undefeated in my predictions, the Orange are undefeated right now, everything is on the table.

It can be very intimidating for a very young team to open up against the defending National Champions, but after talking to players in the locker room they look at it as a golden opportunity.

There are pros and cons to being a team full of freshmen. On one hand, they’re inexperienced and unproven. While conversely, they have this sense of invincibility, they don’t know how good they’re and that’ll help them in this game.

Virginia is lacking proven NBA star talent on this year’s team, which means that everyone’s role will be redefined in 2019-20. That starts with Mamadi Diakite.

Last season he was the fourth option, now he’s a preseason first-team All-ACC player.

He didn’t top the 20 point mark during the 2018-19 season and he only reached 10 rebounds or more once. Expect him to do that early and often this season and in this contest vs the Orange. Watch out for the three-ball, coach Bennett says he really improved in the offseason.

Call me crazy, call me ballsy, I think Syracuse opens up the season with a bang. Orange win a fun back-and-forth contest 68-67. The Virginia defense is always tough, but this exciting new offense for the Orange will pose some problems.

The X-factor in this one will be Buddy Boeheim, he’s going to make it rain from beyond the arc in the biggest moments.

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