2009-2010 Team Preview: Syracuse Orange

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2008-09 Record: 28-10, 11-7 Big East (6th)

Key Losses: Johnny Flynn (17.4ppg 6.7apg), Eric Devendorf (15.7ppg 3.0apg), Paul Harris (12ppg 8.1rpg), Kristoff Ongenaet (3.1ppg 4.8rpg)

Key Returners: Arinze Onuaku (10.3ppg 7.3rpg), Andy Rautins (10.5ppg 36 3P%), Rick Jackson (8.3ppg 5.8rpg)

Newcomers: Wes Johnson, Brandon Triche, James Southerland, DaShonte Riley

Andy Rautins has developed into a solid two-guard for Jim Boeheim.
(photo credit: fingerlakes1.com)

The squad that Jim Boeheim trots out for the 2009-10 season will look quite different than the one we saw at the end of last year. No longer will they have the backcourt duo of Flynn and Devendorf to initiate so much of their offense and carry them for streches (see the 6OT thriller vs UConn). Flynn was scooped up as a lottery pick by the woeful Timberwolves while Devendorf is still deciding whether to play in the NBDL or Europe. While Flynn was one of the preeminent guards in college basketball last year and was widely expected to bolt for greener pastures, Devendorf’s decision was much more surprising, but understandable after his troubles off the court last season and the need to feed his budding family.

They also lost Paul Harris who unexpectedly decided to enter his name in the draft but ended up going undrafted and has been sidelined with an injury in his attempt to latch on with the Utah Jazz during this preseason. Despite leading SU in rebounding last year from the small forward spot, Harris was maddening to watch as his decision making and lack of understanding of how to fit into the offensive flow of the squad hindered their ability to compete with the best in the Big East. Finally, Kristof Ongenaet was lost to graduation after providing a steady, hardworking presence off the bench last season.

The bruising tandem of Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson will likely be the focal point of the offense as long as they can remain on the court and avoid the foul trouble that plagued them at times last year. Jackson showed vast improvement from his freshman to sophomore year (3.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg vs. 8.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg) while having ample room still to develop. He has displayed a soft touch around the rim, finished with authority on feeds from penetration and did a respectable job protecting the rim (1.6 bpg in 22 mpg). Onuaku has the potential to be an unstoppable force in the paint in the Big East with his combination of strength, size (6’9”, 275 lbs) and touch, but his complete inability to hit free throws, a staggering 29% from the line, often makes him a liability, especially late in games, as teams were all too willing to hack AO knowing he couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from 15 feet. He has also had a string of injuries that have limited his mobility and explosiveness over his career so far, if he can take care of his body, he will be a nightmare for opposing bigs. Backing up these two will be the only other real post player likely to see any time, 7 foot freshman DaShonte Riley, a raw shot blocker who should be able to spell the bash brothers for a few minutes a night.

Andy Rautins returns for his final year of eligibility as the only experienced backcourt performer and de-facto leader of this squad. A deadeye shooter as soon as he stepped on campus, Rautins has developed into a well rounded swingman (3.3 rpg and 1.4 spg) whom Boeheim will rely on a lot this campaign. Capable of sliding over to the point guard spot on occasion because of his improved ball-handling skills and ability to see the floor extremely well (3.0 apg). Joining him in the starting backcourt will likely be freshman Brandon Triche, New York State’s Mr. Basketball and local product that has been drawing rave reviews. Triche is a 6’4” bulldog of a PG that has the size and craftiness to get into the lane and create. Scoop Jardine will be back after red-shirting last year due to injury to back up both guard spots. The 6’3” Jardine worked tirelessly during his time off on his skills, body, and overall approach to the game and should see significant time in the Orange backcourt.

Rounding out the starting five will be Wesley Johnson, a dynamic and athletic 6’7” 205lbs forward who transferred from Iowa State and sat out last year due to NCAA rules, and who might end up being their best player. Named to the Pre-Season All-Big East team, Johnson averaged 12.3 ppg and 7. 9rpg as a freshman and 12.4 ppg and 4.0 rpg as a sophomore despite a season-long ankle injury that limited his effectiveness. On offense, a versatile slasher with a solid outside game, Johnson also will be a perfect fit along the baseline in JB’s famous 2-3 zone with his length and athleticism. Big things are expected out of him and he should make an impact on both sides of the floor this season.

A trio of athletic wings, Kris Joseph, James Southerland and Mookie Jones will be competing for time on the wings. Joseph got spot minutes last year but ended up fading out of the rotation as the Big East schedule and postseason wore on. Southerland is a long, rangy 6'8" shooter who was compared by Jim Boeheim to former SU standout Preston Shumpert. Jones didn't see much time as a freshman because of hip injury that ended up requiring surgery, but should be fully healed. It will be interesting to see if Boeheim experiments with some small lineups with Johnson, Southerland or Joseph at the four in a Shawn Marion-type role.

OUTLOOK: The main challenge for the Orange coaching staff this year will be blending the talented newcomers and experienced veterans into the system while working to develop an identity for this versatile squad. Two keys to this season are whether or not a Triche/Jardine combo will be able to man the 1 effectively and whether this team will be able to make up for the loss of Flynn/Devo/Harris with the ability to shut down opponents with what promises to be a much longer, active 2-3 zone. Anytime a team loses as much pure talent as SU did this off-season, it is bound to take a dip, but with a Hall of Famer at the reins and a solid infusion of talent, a 5th or 6th place finish in the diminished Big East is not out of the question.