Syracuse Basketball: Observations – good and bad – from SU exhibition win

Disjointed on offense
IUP, which is based near Pittsburgh, had a lead in this battle for a good amount of time. The Crimson Hawks didn’t back down one iota. In the end, Syracuse basketball was able to pull away, but the Orange’s offense appeared disorganized and stagnant.

In all fairness, this was the first exhibition game, and the ‘Cuse players are still getting used to one another. I’m sure the flow of the offense will improve.

Orange is talented for sure
I have no idea how the ‘Cuse will fare in 2022-23. National and Atlantic Coast Conference pundits aren’t super high on the Orange, but preseason prognostications don’t mean much.

Could Syracuse basketball, despite its young roster, get to the 2023 Big Dance? Boeheim sure seems to think so.

A line-up that blends a few veterans with a whole lot of underclassmen will need some time to forge a cohesive unit, so we could see some growing pains as it relates to offensive sets, the zone defense and turnovers committed.

It also remains to be seen just how good Syracuse basketball will be from 3-point land after having a ton of long-range guys a stanza ago.

All of that being said, the 2022-23 roster looks promising, and I’m excited for the regular season to commence.

Another exhibition encounter
Before that, though, the Orange will host Southern New Hampshire in the second and final exhibition tune-up for the ‘Cuse. Syracuse basketball and the Penmen are expected to tip off at 7 pm from the Dome on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

The ACC Network Extra will provide live streaming coverage, similar to the Orange’s game versus IUP.