Probably the biggest X-factor for Syracuse this season is what they are going to get from Jerami Grant. Sure, there are other players who could be important too. Can Trevor Cooney give the team a consistent 3-point shooting threat and fill the void of James Southerland as designated bomber? Can Tyler Ennis run the offense and handle the rigors and pressure of playing 35+ minutes a night consistently? Will any of the big men step up and give us any semblance of a post game?
But the one player who has a chance to be a capital S, Star to pair with C.J. Fair is Grant.
The biggest question is how does Grant handle the expanded role and attention from defenses. Last year, Grant got his chance to shine while Southerland was out on suspension. In those 6 games, Grant scored in double-figures 4 times and had 5 or more rebounds every single game. Can he translate those statistics to a full season and make big plays for the Orange? He will certainly have every opportunity, playing the coveted 6th man role that Boeheim uses for a spark off the bench. Kris Joseph, Dion Waiters, and James Southerland have all had success in that role recently, so there is a precedent here.
You obviously don't want to read too much into preseason action against over-matched opponents, but I've liked what I've seen out of Grant so far. He has been aggressive looking for his shot and getting to the basket. He is going to throw down some monster jams this year. And most importantly, he showed a willingness to be the go-to guy when C.J. Fair was out and Syracuse was stuck in a nail-biter with Carleton back on the Canadian exhibition tour.
If Grant breaks out to the level he is capable of, you could very easily be looking at the best wing duo in the country with him and Fair. At the very least, he should definitely provide plenty of highlight reel plays for Syracuse fans to enjoy with his length and athleticism.
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