#10

#10  -  Number of Assists / Game lost out of the starting backcourt.

10.9 to be exact.  That is what we are losing with Michael Carter-Williams leaving early to be a lottery pick and Brandon Triche graduating.  That is a lot of play-making to replace.  That burden will fall mostly on freshman Tyler Ennis, the only true point guard on the roster.  Considering Michael Carter-Williams had the 3rd highest assist per game total for a season by a Syracuse player (non-Sherman Douglas division - who single-handedly has the #1, #2, and #4 seasons), I'm not expecting Tyler Ennis to be able to completely replace MCW's production (yet alone Triche's as well).

On the flip side, last year's guards also averaged 6.1 turnovers per game .  From everything I've seen and heard about Tyler Ennis it sounds like he will be much more in control and should be able to help cut down on that number.  The number of times one of our guards gets stuck in the air with no idea where they are going with the ball should decrease by about 82%.



Although the majority of the point guard duties will fall on Tyler Ennis' shoulders, he will have some help.  Trevor Cooney is back this year and as disappointing as his shooting was last year, his all-around game was much better than expected.  Transfer Michael Gbinje will battle with Cooney for the starting 2-guard spot and, according to preseason reports, will be Ennis' back-up at the point.

Luckily, our green guards won't have to deal with the grabbing pestering Russ Smith and the Louisville Cardinals.  Unfortunately they will have to deal with Duke and their pressure defense.  Circle February 1st on your calendar.  It should be the first true test of just how ready Ennis and Co. are to run the offense in the pressure cooker of March Madness.