As the Syracuse University men's basketball team gears up for the 2024-25 season, a new era of excitement and potential is on the horizon. Under the guidance of coach Adrian Autry, the Orange are poised to make a significant impact, with a roster brimming with fresh talent and a renewed focus on defense and rebounding.

Unlocking the Orange's Full Potential

Defensive Dominance and Rebounding Prowess

Coach Autry has made it clear that for the Orange to achieve their lofty goals this season, a renewed emphasis on defense and rebounding will be crucial. "We need to play better defense and rebound," Autry stated emphatically. "I think for us to really try to have this season that we want to have, that's gonna be imperative that we do that. Rebound the basketball, keep people out of the lane and keep people off the foul line. I think that's gonna be a big thing for us."The team's performance in their two exhibition games has provided a glimpse of their potential in these areas. With convincing wins over Clarion (101-73) and Slippery Rock (96-51), the Orange have demonstrated their ability to stifle opponents and control the boards. Autry was impressed with his team's efforts, but he knows there is still work to be done to ensure this level of play carries over into the regular season.

Blending New Faces and Established Talent

The 2024-25 Syracuse roster features a mix of new additions and returning players, creating an intriguing dynamic. The team has welcomed several key transfers and recruits, including Lucas Taylor, Jaquan Carlos, Eddie Lampkin, and Jyare Davis, who are expected to play pivotal roles this season. Alongside these new faces, the Orange will rely on the leadership and experience of top recruit Donnie Freeman and returning players like Chris Bell and J.J. Starling.The players have acknowledged the importance of finding chemistry and understanding each other's games. "I feel like just being a bunch of guys from a bunch of different places just finding that chemistry and seeing how we all mesh in pretty well," said Bell. "I feel like the guards as leaders of the offense, they've kind of done a really good job with that. Also adding Eddie in there in that leading the offense perspective as well, keeping everybody in tune and just taking good shots."For the veteran players, the transition has been a bit different. "It's definitely a little different," admitted Davis. "I think when you're a senior at a school you've been at for four years, it's a little different. You kind of have a level of comfortability with the coaches, a level of comfortability with what you're doing as a team. I think all of us are still getting adjusted."Despite the challenges of blending new and old, the players are confident in their ability to come together and excel. "Our chemistry is already at a pretty high level just because we compete every day in practice against each other," said Starling. "We push each other and we know that we're gonna trust each other when the game comes."

Facing Off Against In-State Rivals

The 2024-25 season will feature a unique matchup as the Orange host LeMoyne, another Syracuse-based Division 1 program, at the JMA Wireless Dome. This will mark the first time the two schools have faced off as Division 1 opponents, with LeMoyne making the jump in the 2023-24 season.The anticipation surrounding this local rivalry is palpable, as the two teams prepare to battle it out on the court. Fans of both programs are eagerly awaiting the clash, which promises to be a thrilling and hard-fought contest.As the Orange embark on their journey towards a successful season, the team's focus on defense, rebounding, and team chemistry will be crucial. With a blend of new talent and experienced leadership, Syracuse is poised to make a statement and reclaim their place among the elite programs in college basketball.

As the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team sets its sights on the upcoming regular season, all eyes are on head coach Rick Barnes and his 10th year at the helm. The No. 12 Vols return a solid core of players but have also welcomed a host of new faces, setting the stage for an intriguing campaign that kicks off against Gardner-Webb on Monday.

Unlocking the Vols' Potential in a Post-Dalton Knecht Era

Replacing a Scoring Superstar

The departure of first-round NBA draft pick Dalton Knecht leaves a significant void in Tennessee's scoring production. Knecht's 21.7 points per game will be challenging to replicate, as he was a true offensive catalyst for the Vols. However, the team is confident that they can collectively make up for his absence through a balanced scoring approach.Chaz Lanier, who averaged 19.7 points last season, is poised to shoulder a significant portion of the scoring load. Complementing Lanier, players like Jordan Gainey and Jahmai Mashack are expected to increase their offensive contributions. Additionally, newcomers Igor Milicic Jr. and Darlinstone Dubar will be tasked with providing valuable scoring support.

The X-Factor: Cameron Carr

Cameron Carr is the wild card for the Vols this season, possessing the potential to have a dramatic impact on the team's trajectory. Carr's NBA-caliber talent is undeniable, but the key will be unlocking his consistency on both ends of the court.If Carr can harness his elite abilities, Tennessee's guard and wing rotation will reach new heights. His shooting prowess and length can elevate the entire team's offensive and defensive capabilities. However, if Carr struggles to find his footing, the Vols will have to rely heavily on their experienced backcourt players, which could limit their overall ceiling.

Filling the Void at the Four

The departure of Josiah-Jordan James leaves a significant void at the power forward position, a crucial role in Barnes' system. This spot requires a versatile player who can excel on both ends of the court, and the Vols will have to navigate this challenge throughout the non-conference slate.Milicic and Dubar are the primary candidates to fill the void, with Milicic likely emerging as the primary option. Cade Phillips can also contribute in this role, and Barnes may even experiment with using Mashack at the four, particularly in late-game situations, alongside a lineup of Zeigler, Gainey, Lanier, and Felix Okpara.

Chaz Lanier's Breakout Potential

The addition of Chaz Lanier from North Florida could prove to be a game-changer for the Vols. Lanier was one of the most efficient scorers in the nation last season, and if he can replicate that level of production at Tennessee, the team's offensive firepower will reach new heights.The Vols brought in Lanier specifically to provide a consistent scoring punch, and his ability to do so will be crucial in determining the team's offensive identity. If Lanier can seamlessly transition his scoring prowess to the SEC level, Tennessee's potential as a potent two-way team will be significantly enhanced.Overall, the Vols enter the season with a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, setting the stage for an intriguing campaign under Rick Barnes' leadership. The team's ability to navigate the post-Dalton Knecht era, unlock Cameron Carr's potential, and find the right pieces at the four position will be key factors in determining their success. With Chaz Lanier's scoring prowess potentially providing a significant boost, Tennessee basketball is poised for a breakout season as they aim to make their mark in the SEC and beyond.