Commentary

CBB Summer Buzz: Syracuse

A few more potential pros give the Orange what it takes to stay atop the Big East

Updated: August 2, 2010, 2:25 PM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPN Insider

Insider knows you're hot for hoops during the summer, so we're bringing you a closer look at a few of the big-profile schools before most freshmen have even moved into their dorms. We continue today with Syracuse.

Syracuse Orange

(30-5, NCAA tournament -- Sweet 16)

This time last year, the Orange said goodbye to the talented trio of Jonny Flynn, Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris, and some assumed Syracuse would slide back in the always-strong Big East. Jim Boeheim knew better. In his back pocket, he had a certain 6-foot-7 swingman named Wes Johnson. Largely unseen after transferring from Iowa State, Johnson helped carry the Cuse back to the top of the conference and a spot in the Sweet 16, and he punched his own NBA lotto ticket in the process.

Without Johnson, Andy Rautins and Arinze Onuaku this season, Syracuse finds itself in a similar situation. So is another Johnson lurking among an array of talented freshmen and returners with breakout potential?


To read the summer preview of Syracuse, including news on the incoming freshmen, who can replace Wes Johnson and the biggest area of concern, you must be an ESPN Insider. Plus, you can see outlooks from Joe Lunardi, Doug Gottlieb, Jay Bilas and Fran Fraschilla.

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