The Orange have one of the best young point guards in the league. Jonny Flynn has already shown that even as a freshman he is a team leader and acts like a veteran on the court.Next is Syracuse's recruiting class coming in, Mookie Jones from Peekskill, New York (one of the best small forwards in the country) who, I recently read an article in the Journal News, about how this kid is basketball non stop all his life and his passion for the game.
Mookie played on varsity as an 8th grader for Peekskill and is an amazing hard worker. I think that Jim Boeheim will be very pleased with Jones when he plays for the Orange.
Today's Must Reads
But the one downside is Donte Greene will not be returning to the Orange because he declared for the NBA draft.
Donte is crazy for making this move; he could clearly be an outstanding ball player and a few years with Jim Boeheim would do him favors to.
Donte is a naturally talented kid with a knack for taking way too many shots and to get a little bit too in love with his three point shot.
Also with the two starting juniors coming out next season (Arinze Onuaku, and Paul Harris) will make it hard for teams to get rebounds and to keep up with Syracuse fast paced play.
I also liked what I saw, from Scoop Jardine and Rick Jackson off the bench last year and hopefully they will be able to stay away from injuries.
But most importantly Eric Devendorf will be back as a red-shirt junior, hungry for a Big East Championship and a good run in the tournament.
You know that Eric will give it all he has every game, and with the group he has with him, wow what a team.
If they can keep away from injuries and maybe Donte Greene changes his mind, the Orange can be title contenders once again.
Syracuse Orange Basketball 2008-2009: The Team to Beat
Preview/Prediction
2564 views
About the Author Mike Palmietto (scribe)
- 11 articles written
- 56 comments posted
- 16 fans
Want to write for Bleacher Report
We are a community of fans who write about sports. And we're growing.
comments (16) write a comment »
write a new comment
4 months ago
You are an optimist, Mike; I'll give you that.
That said, I just can't see the Cuse getting back to national contenders again next season.
Devendorf is good, but do you seem him as an elite player in the nation?
Here's hoping Mookie Jones is as good as his name...
from 4 months ago
Yes, I guess I guess I might have made Devendorf seem like he is player of the year material, but I think that he might really step up next seaason.
I guess we will just have to find out.
4 months ago
Stracuse?
from 4 months ago
sorry man I'll fix that.
4 months ago
now, if things fall into place like they seem to be, our freshman may not even see the floor more than 5-10 minutes a game a peice. We'll have Onuaku, Harris, Kristof, Johnny, Eric, Andy, Scoop, and Rick all returning. Thats 8 right there, now you know that incoming freshmen Kris Joseph and Mookie Jones should see playing time. Thats 10 players right there. Boeheim normally doesnt like to play more than 8-9 players if he has that many capable of doing so but i think he might this year.
Now, that being said. This team has depth and experience to make a long run into the tournament at years end but whether they live up to that potential or not seems to be the question. If they play with the chemisty that they did last year and play with the more experience they now have then i think they could be #2 or 3 in the big east and POSSIBLY a 3 seed in the NCAA tourny and a sweet 16 appearance. Now this is early and wishfull thinking. We shall see what happens.
from 4 months ago
wow I forgot all about andy and kristof lets hope for a great year.
4 months ago
wow sid, your comment is completely based on ignorance. First of all, flynn wasn't voted big east freshman of the year for those reasons that you stated. Second of all, wait untill the schedule comes out and you will see the opponents we are facing in non conference play this season. Oh yeah out strengh of schedule was in the top 10 last year also.
4 months ago
I like your optimism, but come on. Really? Write about something realistic, bro.
from 4 months ago
Trust me, they are really under the radar this season and I think they will suprise you, well we will just have to wait and see.
4 months ago
When Syracuse came down to C'ville and beat the Cavaliers by two, I was impressed. Then, I discovered the REAL Cavaliers and was somewhat less impressed. As the season wore on, it became evident that Devendorf was sorely needed. People seem to be down on Flynn for some reason. Now drawing conclusions from only one game is kind of dangerous, but from what I saw against the wahoos, he was very good. He outplayed a flu-stricken Singletary, for sure.
Not saying that I'm all peachy, but the potential is there and in April, that's all you hope for.
from 4 months ago
I tottally agree how bpeople are allways so down on Johnny Flynn and yes Devendorf is basicly the team.
4 months ago
Mike, I like what you are saying here about 'cuse. They are a perennial contender every year in the Big East, which in my opion has become one of the best confernces in the country year in and year out.
However how bout the Huskies of Connecticut. Not losing any players this season Mike! Could be a tough team to play against next Winter. We will see!
from 4 months ago
Those will be some great games to watch paul, I'm looking foward to it.
4 months ago
Maybe they will surprise me, but the team to beat is a bit over the top.
3 months ago
Mike did you know Mookie is 21 years old. Yes thats like being a Junior in college!
3 months ago
mookie is my nephew, and i was just with him sat, all he does is eat, sleep and shit basketball he will
undoubtfully be a big factor
write a new comment