Syracuse is only sure to lose one player from the 2014-15 team, but it’s a big one. All-ACC First Team selection Rakeem Christmas is taking his team-high 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game to the NBA.
But amidst all the dismay and disarray, having the ability to have a contending team and have a shot to compete in the postseason is a light at the end of the tunnel, something to look forward to.
One day after the NCAA blasted the Orange basketball program with one of the strongest penalties in intercollegiate athletics history, the Wolfpack routed SU, 71-57, in the regular season finale between the two teams.
Michael Gbinije has evolved into an all-purpose player who is simply one of the best in the ACC and should be named to one of the all-conference teams.
Although the Orange made a last minute charge against Pitt in front of the home crowd at the Carrier Dome, missed shots, turnovers and injuries to Trevor Cooney and Tyler Roberson stopped the Orange from building on the impressive victory against Louisville earlier in the week.