Syracuse Basketball: 8 Reasons the Orange Might Be Even Better Next Year

Although the Syracuse Orange fell short of the Final Four and lost four key players to graduation and the NBA, there is plenty of reason for optimism heading into next season.

Scoop Jardine, Kris Joseph, Dion Waiters and Fab Melo will be missed, but there's a whole new group of rising stars ready to make their mark.

Some of Jim Boeheim's new pieces will help the team run a more effective offense, and he still has all the ingredients for a stifling 2-3 zone.

The 2012-2013 Orange could end up outperforming this year's results. Here are eight reasons why Syracuse might be even better next year.

The Emergence of Michael Carter-Williams

During his freshman campaign, 6'5" point guard Michael Carter-Williams got sporadic opportunities to show his potential. The lanky floor general gave Syracuse fans a taste of his talents as he came off the bench.

He wasn't an astounding freshman, but his court vision and passing ability were evident. He had 54 assists and only 16 turnovers, an excellent ratio for a first-year player.

Carter-Williams is ready to step up into a larger role this season alongside Brandon Triche. With the loss of Dion Waiters and Scoop Jardine, the Orange need him to produce.

He'll be a solid point guard and an excellent defender at the top of the zone.

A Skilled Post Player

One thing the Orange lacked last season was a consistent low-post scorer. Fab Melo, Rakeem Christmas and Baye Keita got most of their points on put-backs and alley-oops.

With hometown prospect DaJuan Coleman on the squad, Syracuse will have someone who they can dump the ball into for paint production.

The McDonald's All-American has good touch off the glass, a nice back-to-the-basket game and he knows how to finish strong.

This inside presence will open up the Orange offense significantly.

Better Ball Distribution

Kris Joseph, Scoop Jardine and Dion Waiters accounted for nearly half of Syracuse's points last season, but there is a positive side to their departure: the Orange half-court offense will become more efficient.

Joseph, Jardine and Waiters all relied heavily on isolation and were most effective with the ball in their hands.

This often took the team out of its rhythm and made the offense stagnant.

Next year's club will rely more on ball movement and working without the ball. It could end up being a much more productive and consistent group.

C.J. Fair: Glue Guy

C.J. Fair is arguably the most vital returning player for the Orange. The 6'8" left-handed sophomore led Syracuse in rebounds per minute and was a key forward off the bench.

His court awareness on both ends of the floor is indispensable, and he puts himself in the best possible position to make plays. Fair also has great hands and and a nose for the ball.

Boeheim will undoubtedly give him more responsibility this season. That's good news for Orange fans, because Fair has done nothing but improve since he set foot on campus.

Fast-Break Forwards

The Orange ran an elite fast break last year that included Kris Joseph and Dion Waiters. But don't worry, Jim Boeheim will have just as many weapons next year.

Syracuse's stable of forwards is loaded with athleticism: C.J. Fair, Rakeem Christmas, James Southerland and incoming freshman Jerami Grant will run most Big East teams out of the gym.

If the Orange can force 12-18 turnovers per game, they'll have enough transition opportunities to push the pace and gain momentum.

Trevor Cooney: The Next G-Mac or Rautins?

After redshirting his first year in Syracuse, shooting guard Trevor Cooney is eager to bring his marksmanship to the Carrier Dome.

The 6'4" sniper from Wilmington, Delaware will help stretch defenses with his long-range shooting, much like Gerry McNamara and Andy Rautins did a few years ago.

He'll also be able to create a little bit and hit mid-range jumpers.

Syracuse had some solid outside shooters last season, but were streaky collectively. Cooney will be a reliable hand that can knock down much-needed triples.

Southerland and Christmas Are More Confident

Both Rakeem Christmas and James Southerland saw an increase in playing time during the NCAA tournament because of Fab Melo's absence.

They weren't able to completely replace his paint production and presence, but their extra on-court experience helped prepare them and give them confidence heading into this season.

Southerland will continue to provide his hustle, outside shooting and long wingspan.

Meanwhile, Christmas will build on his tournament experience to compete with DaJuan Coleman for low-post minutes.

Potentially Adding Nerlens Noel

Syracuse is on the short list of high school senior Nerlens Noel, who is looking to make an impact in the NCAA next year with his shot-blocking and athletic presence in the paint.

If Noel chooses the Orange, Jim Boeheim will have a stacked frontcourt and one of the best defenses in the country.

Noel would help bolster the team's rebounding on both ends of the floor and alter a handful of shots every game.

How much of a difference could he make? Without him, Syracuse is probably a Sweet 16 team. With him, the Final Four is well within reach.