Reply to thread

Message

[QUOTE="sutomcat, post: 1768404, member: 27"]
I think it is going to be a top 20 team for sure, even if another player is not added to the mix.  I would be really surprised if it is not a top 10 team by the end of the season.

Regarding Battle, I think he is a transcendent talent overall, not just on offense.  His defense is also going to be extremely good, even as a true frosh.

Losing Malachi hurts our ability to score points but it also makes the team better on defense.  He wasn't a good defender or rebounder in the zone on the blocks and he while he would have been better up top, he would not be as good as Battle, Gillon or Howard will be there.

This is going to be an extraordinary defensive team, a very good rebounding team and one that penetrates really well.  Teams are going to have a hell of a time getting good shots off against it, in the paint or on the perimeter./  The great athleticism of the players will make it really hard to get points in transition and the size of the team will make it a lot harder to get easy baskets hitting the offensive boards.  Chukwu is going to be very tough in combination with the big fast guards and the big fast forwards.  I expect this will be the best defensive team SU has had since the Fab Melo soph year team.  It might end up better than that team on defense by the end of the season.

Sure, this team might struggle to score some against big teams that pack the paint.  Outside shooting isn't going to be great. But improved offensive rebounding, ability to penetrate and yes, the ability to score points in transition (Battle and Gillon are really fast) will largely offset any outside shooting problems.
[/QUOTE]

Verification

What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?