arbitragegls
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...according to Jay Bilas, 'Cuse has the third best front court in nation behind KY and Louisville. Bilas rated 'Cuse #3 out of 5. The other two teams mentioned were #4 UNLV and #5 Duke. Here is the analysis on 'Cuse as #3:
3. Syracuse Orange
The Orange may not have the signature big man this season as opposed to last year with Fab Melo, but there is real quality there. The middle of Jim Boeheim's zone will continue to be patrolled by Rakeem Christmas, as it was toward the end of last year when Melo ran into eligibility problems. Christmas can play in the middle, or move to a wing because of his ability to move his feet. He is a good finisher, but still emerging as an offensive player. Freshman center DaJuan Coleman is a 6-9 load in the middle, has great feet and is an elite passer coming out of high school. Coleman has good hands and skills, and can be a factor right away.
C.J. Fair provides versatility along the frontline, but he does not have shooting range. Inside 17 feet, Fair is very effective, and he is a very good rebounder and midrange scorer who was very productive and reliable. The minutes he played are indicative of the trust his coaching staff placed in him. Baye Keita provides solid defense and rebounding, and has shown toughness playing through pain. James Southerland provides athleticism and streaky long-range shooting, and 6-9 DeMatha freshman Jerami Grant will provide another quality athlete who can change ends and make plays, but he is unlikely to crack the lineup right away.
3. Syracuse Orange
The Orange may not have the signature big man this season as opposed to last year with Fab Melo, but there is real quality there. The middle of Jim Boeheim's zone will continue to be patrolled by Rakeem Christmas, as it was toward the end of last year when Melo ran into eligibility problems. Christmas can play in the middle, or move to a wing because of his ability to move his feet. He is a good finisher, but still emerging as an offensive player. Freshman center DaJuan Coleman is a 6-9 load in the middle, has great feet and is an elite passer coming out of high school. Coleman has good hands and skills, and can be a factor right away.
C.J. Fair provides versatility along the frontline, but he does not have shooting range. Inside 17 feet, Fair is very effective, and he is a very good rebounder and midrange scorer who was very productive and reliable. The minutes he played are indicative of the trust his coaching staff placed in him. Baye Keita provides solid defense and rebounding, and has shown toughness playing through pain. James Southerland provides athleticism and streaky long-range shooting, and 6-9 DeMatha freshman Jerami Grant will provide another quality athlete who can change ends and make plays, but he is unlikely to crack the lineup right away.
