Big East report | NCAA Tournament Report

SportsLine.com Report
June 14, 2000

A Glance at 2001

Losing seniors Jason Hart, Etan Thomas and Ryan Blackwell raises a load of doubt whether the Orange have the replacements in line to compete for another conference title.

Throw in the loss of sophomore guard Tony Bland, who has decided to leave the program (transferring home to San Diego State), and the Orangemen will be forced to rely on a bevy of players that haven't been battle-tested in the rough-and-tumble Big East.

There should be plenty of scorers around, but the loss of Thomas and Blackwell leaves a gaping hole on the inside. Little used reserves Billy Celuck and Jeremy McNeil have first dibs on that time, but transfer Ethan Cole might be ready before those two.

Because of the frontcourt questions, Syracuse won't be a chic preseason pick. But don't bet against Jim Boeheim. He always seems to surprise with teams that don't appear ready to play up to his program's lofty standards.

Who'll Be Back

In Damone Brown, Preston Shumpert and DeShaun Williams, Syracuse has some serious scoring power. Reserve Allen Griffin will team with frosh James Theus for Jason Hart's point guard minutes.

Up front, The Orange might have to go with skinny slashers Brown and Shumpert, who must become better rebounders. Jeremy McNeil, Billy Celuck and transfer Ethan Cole will fight for time at center and power forward.

Who's Gone

When two of your three seniors are recognized as two of the greatest players in school history, you know losses will be deep ones. Jason Hart and Etan Thomas are four-year starters, who were selected to Syracuse's 25-player all-century team. Ryan Blackwell is a third senior the Orange would love to have back.

Bland showed flashes of brilliance, scoring a season-high 22 points in a Jan. 11 win over West Virginia, but his playing time decreased as the season wound down and he averaged just 13 minutes and 3.3 points a game in the NCAA Tournament.

Boeheim has always found more soldiers to place in his army and he'll certainly hit the recruiting trail hard ... but finding another Hart or Thomas is a lot to ask.

Key Newcomers

• James Theus (6-0, 160, Fr.): The program's point guard of the future. A Detroit native, the Orange hopes this ballhandler with shooting range follows in the steps of other SU stars from Motown -- Dave Bing, Derrick Coleman and Todd Burgan.
• Ethan Cole (6-9, 235, Jr.): A transfer from New Hampshire, Cole averaged 12 points and 7.5 points as a sophomore. He'll have a great chance at frontcourt playing time.
• Greg Davis (6-9, 225, Fr.): An unheralded big man who will play right away if he shows any ability. Could be more of a project.