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No. 18: SYRACUSE ORANGE
Last season: 23-14, 9-9 ACC
Jim Boeheim lost three starters, but returns Tyler Lydon, and adds a few key transfers in Andrew White (Nebraska), John Gillon (Colorado State) and Paschal Chukwu (Providence) as well as some talented frosh who could help immediately. He also brings back Tyler Roberson, veteran big man DaJuan Coleman and sophomore guard Frank Howard, who should battle Gillon for point guard duties. -- Jeff Goodman
Best case: Final Four (OK, Sweet 16). Heck, Syracuse went to the Final Four last season, and very few (by that I mean, NOBODY) thought the Orange would be in Houston after a late-season dip in performance. Early on, Syracuse was terrific, and making shots from all over the floor. This season, there is a new cast of characters, but Jim Boeheim likes his team -- a lot. Nebraska transfer Andrew White and Colorado State transfer John Gillon give Syracuse backcourt experience, while Tyler Lydon will be an All-ACC caliber player this season. The Orange will be faster, more versatile, and there will be fewer distractions.
Worst case: NIT. I think Syracuse will be very good. But the ACC is a beast this season, and there are a lot of new pieces for the Orange. In this league, it won't take a lot to get sideways. I see the Orange as an NCAA tournament team, but you have to acknowledge the possibility of downside.