Syracuse Orange men’s basketball roundtable: our picks for MVP, projected starters, breakout player, game to watch and more

As the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team approaches the start of a new season, anticipation continues to build. Under the leadership of new head coach Adrian Autry, the team is set to begin their 2023-2024 campaign with a revamped roster. We reached out to the staff for their predictions about the upcoming season, and here’s what they had to say:

Projected starting lineup:
– Dom: Judah Mintz, J.J. Starling, Chris Bell, Benny Williams, and Naheem McLeod. This lineup will maximize the offensive potential of Mintz and Starling, who will serve as both shot creators and playmakers. Bell and Williams, returning starters from last season, will bring their flashy skills to the table, while McLeod will hold down the middle as a rim protector.

– Kevin: Mintz, Starling, Bell, Williams, and McLeod. With the injury to Chance Westry, this lineup seems solid. However, Kevin believes Justin Taylor and/or Maliq Brown could push their way into the starting group during the season. It will be important for Bell to hit open shots and for McLeod to be active on the boards.

– Szuba: Mintz, Starling, Bell, Williams, and McLeod. Points for originality, says Szuba.

– Mike: Mintz, Starling, Bell, Williams, and McLeod. Mike claims he didn’t peek at anyone’s predictions, but he does believe Maliq Brown will see significant playing time due to his versatility on the court. If McLeod struggles, William Patterson could also earn decent minutes.

– Max: Mintz, Starling, Bell, Williams, and McLeod. Max agrees with the rest of the staff, but he anticipates Autry using a small ball lineup with Brown getting plenty of playing time. Brown could be a strong presence in the paint if McLeod is not effective.

– Ben: Mintz, Starling, Bell, Williams, and McLeod. Ben agrees with Kevin’s assessment of the starting lineup, considering Westry’s injury. He’s curious to see if Autry will make any changes throughout the season.

MVP:
– Dom: Mintz, by a long shot. Dom believes Mintz has the potential for a breakout season after an impressive freshman year. The only question is how high his ceiling will be this year.

– Kevin: Mintz. However, Kevin wouldn’t be surprised if Starling contends for All-ACC honors. He believes the backcourt duo will carry the team this season.

– Szuba: Mintz. Szuba praises Mintz’s speed and tenacity and thinks he embodies Autry’s desired playing style. Syracuse will rely on him to be a playmaker from the guard position.

– Mike: Starling. Just to be different from the consensus, Mike predicts Starling will have a significant impact. He believes having a talented player like Starling alongside Mintz will alleviate some pressure from Mintz.

– Max: Mintz. Max believes Mintz’s shooting has significantly improved, and now that he has more control over the offense without Joe Girard III, his potential is limitless. If Mintz can excel defensively in Autry’s system, his draft stock will rise.

– Ben: Starling. Although it’s hard not to choose Mintz, Ben thinks Starling will benefit from favorable matchups and thrive in Autry’s system.

Most likely breakout player:
– Dom: Chris Bell. Dom sees potential in Bell, particularly on the offensive end. He believes Bell’s size and position make him a viable defensive option, and his outside shooting and improved scoring abilities add intrigue to his game.

– Kevin: Quadir Copeland. With Westry out, Kevin thinks Copeland will have plenty of opportunities. Autry seems to favor playing three guards, which will allow Mintz and Starling to work off the ball. Copeland’s size and ability to penetrate the lane will be assets.

– Szuba: Benny Williams. Szuba predicts that Williams, who has shown flashes of his talent, will have a breakout season. He expects Williams to bring consistent growth to his game.

– Mike: Benny Williams. Mike believes Williams will find more consistency this season. With the pressure off, Williams can focus on being a secondary scoring option and a defensive presence.

– Max: Maliq Brown. Max was impressed by Brown’s performances when he started last season. If McLeod struggles with Autry’s system, Brown can fill the starting center role and become a focal point of the offense in the paint.

– Ben: Benny Williams. Ben saw glimpses of Williams’ potential last year, and he believes Williams will contribute at a high level, particularly with Mintz and Starling leading the backcourt.

Best newcomer:
– Dom: Naheem McLeod. Dom sees McLeod as a wild card this season, crucial to Syracuse’s effective man defense. McLeod’s different style of play compared to Jesse Edwards adds a new element to the team.

– Kevin: J.J. Starling. Kevin expects Starling to exceed expectations, considering his status as a McDonald’s All-American and a potential NBA prospect. He’s excited to see how Starling and Mintz attack opposing defenders.

– Szuba: Starling. Szuba believes Starling will have a high usage rate and earn significant minutes. He has the chance to be the team’s second-leading scorer with his physicality and two-way abilities.

– Mike: [Continued in another response…]

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