SYRACUSE — Jim Boheim is ready for a redemption tour.
Following the first losing season in his nearly 50-year career as a head coach, the Hall of Famer isn’t optimistic about his team’s potential next year.
“We’re going to the NCAA Tournament,” Boheim, who is entering his 47th season as Orange’s head coach, said after practice Tuesday in Syracuse. “
When asked if this Syracuse team could match the teams that recently reached Suite 16 in 2021 and 2018, Boeheim didn’t hesitate.
“I think it will get better,” he added.
Orange is noticeably deeper, longer and more athletic than last season thanks to an influx of six freshman classes headlined by Top 50 prospect Judah Mintz. Whether Syracuse is dramatically better remains to be seen.
There are two known return products — senior guard Joe Girard (13.8 points) and 6-11 big man Jesse Edwards (12 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 blocks) — two men — Symir Torrence and Benny Williams — are It was a minor piece. A puzzle from a year ago. Boeheim said he expects Girard to average “at least 20 points” this season as he transitions to his guard role as a full-time shooter, calling 6-8 Williams the “X Factor.” .
“He should get 10-11 points and six rebounds for us,” Boeheim said of Williams.
And 6-3 mints?
“He’s as explosive a point guard as we’ve had in a long time here,” Boheim said of Mintz, who regularly gnawed into the teeth of defensive staff during Tuesday’s practice. “Like Flynn, but much bigger. I think he can get 14-15 points every game, and some nights he can get 25 points.”
Boheim added that either freshman Chris Bunch or Justin Taylor will likely start at small forward, while another will likely fill the sixth-man role at Syracuse. between seven. The Orange staff also appreciates 6-6 freshman Quadir Copeland, who Syracuse expects to deliver aggressive pop at their reserves.
“He gives us another dimension,” Boheim said of Copeland.
Pre-season optimism is common in college basketball, and continues in a particularly disappointing year. Not so with Boheim. Last season was the first season he finished below . 500 as a head coach, starting at his alma mater in 1976.
“It was tough,” Boheim said of experiencing his first losing season. We’re faster. We’re faster. We’re getting better.”
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