The Syracuse Orange are in the JMA Wireless Dome for the final exhibition game. They welcome Division II Pace University who was 24-8 last season. Tip-off is 7:00 and this game will be available to stream on ACCNX. Here’s what we’re watching for tonight:
Kevin: Cut down on turnovers
The Orange had 17 assists against Buffalo which is great, but they also had 17 turnovers which is very not great. With the regular season approaching, I want to see a bit better handling of pressure. Syracuse can’t just
assume that they are going to get by on athleticism all season and for this team to be successful, valuing the basketball is going to be important. Aggressive turnovers are one thing, but careless passes or players not moving to help a ball handler being pressured is another.
Dom: Betting on Betsey
The former Cincinnati forward really shined, especially on offense, in his first action on the court for the Orange. Since it looks like Syracuse plans to start with the three-guard look of George, Starling and Kingz, Betsey is quietly becoming an x-factor if he can hold up defensively while shooting even in the ballpark of how he did against Buffalo.
Sam: How much Sadiq?
Jon Rothstein reported that Syracuse’s highest-ranked freshman, Sadiq White, will be available on Wednesday after missing the Buffalo game. The questions I have are how much he will play and who he will play with. White can make a massive impact in certain areas of the game with his athleticism and instincts, but he also has weaknesses that make it difficult to use him as part of certain lineups. I’m looking forward to getting our first look at how Autry plans to use his talent.
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What will you be watching for tonight?
