Max Power's Sports Stash

The disappointment of Wednesday night's loss as Clemson has worn off and I am now filled with a bit of relief. The Terrance Roberts - Mookie Watkins - Demitris Nichols era is finally over. While trying to maintain hope that these players could realize their potential, in the back of my mind I always knew they never would. I almost feel guilty grouping D-Nic with the other two. But then I think of all the shots he passed up late in the Clemson game and I remind myself that he too, as great as he was at times, did not develop to his full potential.

Regardless, this kind of talk is moot. We no longer have to lament on Class of 2007. The first recruiting class to hit campus after the 2003 title. The same class that had a Sweet 16 exit their freshman year, 2 consecutive NCAA first round exits and then an unsuccessful drive to MSG in the NIT. They did enjoy 2 Big East Tournament Championships, which is nice. But I think it's safe to say that we owe those titles to McNamara, Warrick and Pace. This year, when it was their turn to lead, the Orange's run ended on Thursday afternoon at the hands of Notre Dame. Ah, but here I go lamenting again.

Before we send the regular SU Hoops postings off for summer vacation, I thought I would take a moment to quickly look at what the 2007-08 Orange will look like.

Here's how things are looking to me:

THE STARTERS 

PG Eric Devendorf

Devendorf should be a preseason All-Big selection and will lead next year's team in scoring and assists. Let's hope that as a junior he also exhibits more maturity.

SG Andy Rautins

The most pleasant surprise of 2006-07. Andy Rautins is more than a shooter. He's a player. He's a solid defender and shows great instincts. If he puts on 15 pounds this summer big things could be in store for the son of Leo.

SF Paul Harris

We have only brushed the surface with this guy. 2007-08 will be a huge breakout season for Harris. The physical tools are there. Another year of learning how to play the game will only increase his effectiveness.

PF Dontae Green

The say this guy is Carmelo Anthony with a better inside game. I'd take that! Then again, Terrance Roberts after signing to come to SU was once compared to Derrick Coleman. Seriously though, Green is among the top 5 HS players in the country on anyone's list. He will start as a freshman and average better scoring and rebounding numbers than Roberts did as a senior.

C Arinze OnuakU

Remember this guy? He's HUGE (think defensive lineman). And he's talented. Soft hands around the rim, good rebounding instincts and a good shot blocker. We'll have to see if he's recovered from the knee surgery that caused him to redshirt last season.

THE BENCH

PG Josh Wright

I shudder to think about it. Josh Wright, who seems to fit the mold of our recently graduated seniors, will be back for another go. Another year of unforced turnovers, poor shooting and bad decisions. I honestly can't see Wright improving on these issues over the offseason. Sure, he could improve his shooting. As for his decision making and ungodly horrible ball handling, those traits are now firmly engrained as part of his M.O. Fortunately, we have Johnny Flynn coming in. Unfortunately, Wright will be given every opportunity to run the point. Especially over a true freshman

PF/C Rick Jackson

Could see significant minutes spelling Onuaku and Green. He's a great rebounder and can score from anywhere inside 10 feet. He's put up great numbers in high school against top competition.

PG JOHNNY FLYNN

This is Paul Harris' old teamate at Niagara Falls. I would love to see these two feed off each other. It's tough to say how much Flynn will play as a freshman with senior Josh Wright  involved. The problem is, Flynn is good. Good enough to be ranked in most analysts top 20 incoming freshmen nationwide.

SG Antonio Jardine

A true Philly guard. He is teamates with SU's other Philadelphia recruit Rick Jackson. Jardine is also highly rated and is the wildcard of the bunch. If he's as good as advertised he should be the primary guy off the bench spelling Rautins and Harris.

C Scott Williams

This guy is 6'11 with a wingspan greater than most anyone in the NBA. He's a physical freak. Just the kind of guy Boeheim likes to recruit to sit in the center of the 2-3. I predict limited time for Williams out of the gate as he appears to be a project. Hopefully Bernie Fine can do better with Williams than he did with Watkins.

Prediction:

This team will be good. Better than the 2006-07 Orange. Led by Devendorf, Harris, Green and Rautins they should be back in the top 25 to stay and contend for the conference crown. Whether they will have to experience to make a run through the NCAA Tournament remains to be seen. We'll have to see how this new group of players comes together and gels on the court. Personally, I believe that come the 2008-09 season Syracuse will be among the nation's elite again.

So keep the faith my friends. The Orange are again on the upswing. Many great moments to come! Basketball practive starts on October 15th. That just under 7 months and 4 or 5 losses by the SU Football team away!