Syracuse Orange

2023-2024 Result: 20-12 record (11-9 ACC), No Postseason appearance

Projected Starting Lineup

Head Coach: Red Autry (2nd season)

Guard: Jaquan Carlos (SR)

Guard: JJ Starling (JR)

Forward: Chris Bell (JR)

Forward: Donnie Freeman (FR)

Center: Eddie Lampkin (5th year)

Key Additions

Jaquan Carlos (Hofstra)

Donnie Freeman (5-star recruit)

Eddie Lampkin (Colorado)

Jyare Davis (Delaware)

Chance Westry (Auburn)

Key Losses

Judah Mintz

Quadir Copeland

Justin Taylor

Maliq Brown

Benny Williams

  Red Autry decided to go away from the heavy 2-3 zone defense that coach Boehim ran for 40+ years and went to a more aggressive style defense that allowed his team’s length and athleticism to force a bunch of turnovers (33rd ranked nationally in defensive TO rate last season). The change in style didn’t necessarily turn this defense into a great unit however, as the Orange still had major issues on the glass and defending inside the arc. Part of these defensive issues could be due to a lot of last year's roster playing a man to man defense for the first time against high level competition, but it most likely stems from the overly aggressive/gambling style defense. There is also a lot of roster turnover, as the Orange lost 5 players who played at least 17 MPG. While the replacements they brought in are fine, I am not very high on Colorado transfer Eddie Lampkin’s game, especially on the defensive end. The lack of rim protection skills from Lampkin at the center position is something that gives this defense a lower floor, but if 5-star recruit Donnie Freeman can help in that area (projects to be solid around the rim defensively), it would really help keep this defense from falling apart. The overall length and versatility of Freeman and Chris Bell will be massive for the defense, but I am afraid they will have too much responsibility due to the fact there isn’t much defensive talent outside of those 2.

For the offensive side of the floor, the Orange will go as the backcourt goes. While Starling taking a leap to stardom is necessary for Syracuse to be a contender, Hofstra transfer Jaquan Carlos will be the X-factor. If Carlos can create open looks for his teammates like he did for the Pride a year ago (6.3 APG last season), it will really open up everyone else’s game. There aren’t many players outside of Starling and Carlos who can make plays off the bounce so it will be imperative for Carlos’ passing ability to translate to the ACC. Eddie Lampkin and Delaware transfer Jyare Davis have also displayed solid passing ability from the frontcourt, so maybe they will be able to create enough advantages to open up looks for others. Chris Bell (41.7% 3pt last season), Donnie Freeman and Lucas Taylor will be important for the floor spacing as well.

While Autry did a solid job replacing his losses in the portal, there are too many red flags to call this team an ACC contender. The rebounding will most likely continue to be a major issue on both sides of the floor (313th OReb%, 308th DReb% last season) and I am not optimistic that Jaquan Carlos can elevate his game into being a great ACC guard. The Orange’s most likely outcome is in the 10-14 range in the ACC.