Rakeem Christmas Update: Syracuse Edition

Lost 3 really good players off of last years team.
Of the players who played significant minutes they had the 3 highest Ortg.
Rautins and johnson were really efficient scorers and were your best defensive players. The zone was more effective than it’s been in years due to the length of the players.
The top of the zone will be shorter with scoop in there instead of andy. You’ll have less inside play without onuaku. Fab melo does not have a developed offensive game yet to replace him.

Recruiting class is completely overrated. Waiters is a chucker.

Fab Melo: “Fab has the size and length you look for in a prospect at the center position, however he’s raw and will need to work on every offensive aspect of his game … He has some basic post moves, but the fluidity/explosiveness in his execution is too slow at the moment …Will need to work on developing more in depth post moves to become more of an offensive threat … He’s not the greatest athlete, and can get lost in an offensive set as he adjusts to playing in a faster and more up-tempo game”
“Although he has all of the basic characteristics you look for in a highly intriguing big man prospect, Melo’s skill-level remains largely underdeveloped. He struggled to operate effectively in the low post, showing average footwork and post moves with his back to the basket, not really possessing the knowledge of how to use his body effectively to carve out space and finish strong around the rim. He seemed to drift out towards the perimeter quite a bit in turn, showing a very intriguing stroke from mid-range, but also being fairly inconsistent with the actual results here as well. Understanding his limitations and learning how to play within a system will be key for him moving forward”