Legacy of the team
I could've had class, I coulda been a contender, I could've been somebody
It's hard to call a 34 win season a disappointment. It truly is. But at the same time, it's hard to look at the season and call an Elite Eight Exit something to be proud of. This team spent the vast majority of the season ranked in the top two in the country. We had talent. We had potential. Depth, that's the word everyone used all season for us. But when it comes down to it, depth just wasn't enough for this team to move on.
This season will be remembered for a multitude of things, overcoming adversity, the rebirth and the inevitable death of Fab Melo's Syracuse career, KJo's shot against Georgetown, but when it comes down to it, we didn't win. History doesn't remember eighth place.
Great team, good season, bad loss.
Legacy of Scoop and Kris
Scoop will go down as one of the greats. Not necessarily the best player on the squad, but the most heart. Coming into this season, nobody knew what Scoop we would get. Scoop led this team with all his heart, and if that's all you can ask for. I read somewhere, and I agree entirely, that he could be the next Derrick Coleman, coming out to support the team at their big games at the Dome for the next umpteen years. Thanks Scoop, for your years of servitude to Otto's Army.
As for Kris, he was always a solid player. I think we expected more from him at times, we were waiting for him to be our "go-to-guy" this season. His postseason play this year hurts his legacy a bit, but his three years were some of the best for the Orange. So thanks Kris.
Outlook
What does next year hold? Let's break it down.
LOSSES: Scoop Jardine, Kris Joseph, Dion Waiters, Fab Melo (presumed)
GAINS: Trevor Cooney (redshirt), DaJuan Coleman, Jermi Grant
Projected Lineup: Michael Carter-Williams (Sophomore, G), Brandon Trische (Senior, G), CJ Fair (Junior, F), James Southerland (Junior, F), Rakeem Christmas (Sophomore, C)
Bench: Coleman, Cooney, Grant, Baye Keita
The outlook is good for the Orange. Scoop is replaced by Carter-Williams, who is 6-6, and can play. MCW has to improve his dribbling and needs to bulk up, but he could be a solid player for years to come. As far as Christmas, he'll need to step up his game. Don't be surprised if he plays very, very well. The biggest questionmark in the lineup is Southerland. Will we see good Southerland (draining threes in clutch moments like UNC-Asheville or Kansas St?) or bad Southerland (missing open shots, like in several games this season.
It's Elite Eight or bust for the Orange next year.
Remember,Tweet #FreeMCW .
