In recent seasons since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference, Syracuse basketball has struggled through some regular stanzas, but then the Orange has gone on several deep runs in March as a double-digit seed.
As the 2021-22 term approaches, it remains to be seen whether the ‘Cuse will make the 2022 NCAA Tournament – some pundits think the Orange will earn a bid, while others think Syracuse basketball and its fan base may get shut out on Selection Sunday.
One prevailing theme of late is if the ‘Cuse does hear its name called for the Big Dance, it’s a dangerous team in the field of 68. College basketball insider Andy Katz seems to have that sort of viewpoint, as he recently ranked his top-eight Final Four dark horses.
Checking in first on Katz’s list is none other than the Orange. I’m the first to admit that I’m a homer when it comes to Syracuse basketball, but I truly do believe that the ‘Cuse is poised to journey deep into March, and possibly early April.
I have a couple of reasons to support why Syracuse basketball can make the Final Four.
Okay, I’m sure that a fairly large contingent of Orange fans is going to throw shade at me for saying the ‘Cuse will make the Final Four next spring. That’s fair. But hear me out.
For one, the 2021-22 version of Syracuse basketball is a veteran group. There is only one freshman on the roster, and he’s a five-star prospect.
Forward Jimmy Boeheim and center Bourama Sidibe are graduate students. Shooting guard Buddy Boeheim and forward Cole Swider are seniors. Joe Girard III, Jesse Edwards and Symir Torrence are juniors.
Look at some of the recent national champions. Baylor in 2021. Virginia in 2019. Villanova in 2016 and 2018. North Carolina in 2017. These groups had a lot of veterans within their line-ups, rather than the Dukes and Kentuckys of the world that encompassed a lot of talent, but have also possessed a lot of underclassmen on their rosters.
Plus, the Boeheim brothers and Girard know each other well. Torrence played AAU ball a few years back with some current ‘Cuse players. Swider was previously recruited by Syracuse basketball, so he has an understanding of the system. I think the Orange’s chemistry, in 2021-22, will prove a strategic advantage.
Also, strong guard play often wins NCAA titles. I recognize that Girard struggled some a season ago, but he also had to deal with a Covid-19 infection.
A cohesive backcourt of Girard, Buddy Boeheim and their friend, Torrence, will be a tough out in March Madness. Those guys, along with Swider and even freshman forward Benny Williams, should also make for a stellar group of perimeter shooters.
That could enable the ‘Cuse to make up for some possible deficiencies in athleticism, in the 2-3 zone, and at the center position. But this is a double-edged sword. If the Orange relies on perimeter shooting in the NCAA tourney, and guys are off, it’s a problem.
So if we want to get into possible question marks for Syracuse basketball in 2021-22, rebounding and play at the center spot are things to monitor.
I feel like Edwards is primed for a special junior campaign, but Sidibe was injured for virtually all of last year, and the other two centers haven’t gotten much run at all in their tenures on the Hill.
Finally, the ‘Cuse has an exciting but brutal schedule in 2021-22, including in both the non-conference slate and within the ACC docket. The Orange could take its lumps early, but this calendar also provides opportunities to get battle-tested and pick up some marquee successes.
Then, come March, let’s see if Syracuse basketball can do some significant damage.