Syracuse Basketball: A bunch of bold predictions for the Orange in 2020-21

Let’s take some bold stances on what will transpire for Syracuse basketball this season.

I’ve already given my take on how Syracuse basketball will fare in 2020-21, as far as the Orange’s overall record in the upcoming campaign, its projected finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the team’s performance in the post-season.

Now, it’s time for some bold takes pertaining to the ‘Cuse in 2020-21. Some of these are probably a bit more of a stretch than others, but the point here is to spark up some debate. As always, please let me know where I got things right, and where I totally goofed up!

Sophomore point guard Joe Girard III will finish within the top five of the ACC in assists per game, as he displays stronger court vision and assumes a huge leadership role for the Orange.

The ‘Cuse defense, fairly sub-par a stanza ago, will vastly improve, allowing five points fewer per game as compared to 2019-20.

Syracuse basketball will lose to Duke, Virginia, Florida State and North Carolina – but each defeat will come by fewer than 10 points.

Amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Orange will have some games canceled, but it will amount to fewer than three total regular-season contests.

The ‘Cuse will outrebound its foes in at least 40 percent of the Orange’s encounters.

As a collective unit, Syracuse basketball will wrap up ACC competition within the top two in free-throw shooting.

Three ‘Cuse big men will reside in the top 15 of the league in rebounds per game.

Four Orange players will finish in the top 25 of the ACC in scoring average, and junior shooting guard Buddy Boeheim will place in the conference’s top three.

Speaking of Boeheim, he will lead the country in 3-point field-goals made per affair, although junior small forward Alan Griffin will pace the ‘Cuse in 3-point field-goal percentage.

Highly praised freshman combo guard Kadary Richmond will make his way into head coach Jim Boeheim’s rotation, eventually earning honors on the ACC’s All-Freshman squad.

Boeheim will expand his normal rotation of 6-7 guys to nine players. That means guys like Richmond, sophomore center Jesse Edwards and redshirt sophomore forward Robert Braswell will see a decent amount of run.

After positioned to only get four or five teams in the Big Dance this past spring, the ACC will land at least eight invites to the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Syracuse basketball will comprise one of those March Madness berths.