Even the talented Mr. Boeheim had to scratch his head when asked about his team's surprising run to the Big East Championship and Sweet Sixteen. After all, this was a team that was not even ranked in the Top 25 to begin the season and projected to finish 8th in the Big East.
With only one contributing senior graduating, the 2009-10 season could be a blissful one for Orange fans/bottle throwing delinquents. The Class of 2009 recruits will look to fill the holes in the current roster and build a solid base for when next year's Cuse starters have graduated or been convicted of violent crimes after their coach, who was able to whine and bail them out of University-imposed punishments, is unable to do so in the real world, so for the first time in their adult lives they are forced to face the consequences of their illegal activities.
DaShonte Riley
C / 6-11 / 220lbs / Detroit, MI
Ranked #121 overall and #18 in position by Rivals.
Was also considering Marquette, Cal, LSU and Virginia.
Originally gave a verbal to Georgetown, withdrew his commitment in November and gave a verbal to Syracuse in March. ESPN likes his athleticism and skill while Scout questions his intensity.
Brandon Triche
SG / 6-3 / 210lbs / Dewitt, NY
Not ranked by Rivals.
Was also considering Connecticut, Georgia Tech and Georgetown.
ESPN remarks about his impressive spot up shooting but states that he is not a good slasher and an average defender. TNIAAM worries about his health as Triche was recovering from ACL surgery but he seems fully recovered as he was recently named Gatorade's NY Player of the Year.
James Southerland
SF / 6-6 / 190lbs / Bayside, NY
Not ranked by Rivals.
Was also considering Seton Hall, Rutgers, Florida and Virginia.
Gave a verbal in June 2007, but failed to qualify for the Class of 2008. ESPN states he "has one of the smoothest strokes in the country," but needs to get more physical and quicker.