We continue the recruit and return series with the Syracuse Orange, whose season ended with a Sweet 16 loss to Duke. A look at what the 2018-19 season could hold for Jim Boeheim and the Orange.
The 2017-18 season was a rocky one at Syracuse, where a team with little experience and few consistent scoring options struggled to find its groove. There were a few good wins along the way, but some ugly losses, too, and that summed up the state of the Orange. The question is whether a year of growing pains and an influx of freshman talent can right the ship for 2018-19.
Possible 2018-19 starting 5:
G: Frank Howard
G: Tyus Battle
Who is lost: It certainly wouldn't be without precedent for one of this year's starters to bolt early for the draft, but at this point, none are projected first-rounders, and all could see improved stock by returning. Syracuse didn't have a scholarship senior on the roster in 2017-18, while six freshmen or sophomores averaged at least six minutes a game.
Who is added: Bazley, the nation's No. 2-ranked power forward, would be the highest-ranked recruit (No. 9 overall, per ESPN) that Boeheim has landed in more than a decade, but he's hardly a finished product. At 6-8, 195 pounds, Bazley is still awfully frail to play in the post, and his skill set requires refinement. Still, the upside is there, and with what appears to be a solid foundation already on the roster, he'll be given time to develop. Meanwhile, the Orange also landed Jalen Carey, the No. 5 shooting guard, who could make a more immediate impact, as well as another guard, Boeheim's son, Buddy.
What it means for next season: There will certainly be a lot fewer questions entering next season than Boeheim faced this year, but that doesn't mean the Orange are a lock to take a big step in 2018-19. Beyond Battle, there still isn't a consistent scorer, and the 3-point shooting has been horrendous. Continued development from Brissett, Howard's veteran presence and an injection of talent from this year's recruiting class, however, at least make Syracuse an intriguing team to watch moving forward.
Trending: Up. There were no illusions about the potential pitfalls of 2017-18, and the high points certainly indicated there's real potential here. But are there really enough pieces here to make things truly click? At the very least, the growing pains of this season should lead to more consistency next year.