Commit fewer turnovers:
This one is obvious. Syracuse turned over the ball 19 times against Michigan, Tuesday. Freshmen Chris McCullough and Kaleb Joseph committed two costly turnovers in the game, but senior center Rakeem Christmas actually led the team with six. SU would have beaten Michigan if the team took better take care of the ball. Look for an improvement in that area this afternoon against St. John’s.
Stay out of foul trouble:
This means you, Mr. Christmas. This year the offense runs through SU’s center. Christmas has shot under fifty percent from the field just once this season. When he is on the floor he is always a scoring option. He cannot take himself out of games by committing needless fouls.
Chris McCullough needs to be more involved:
The diaper dandy can score inside and has an outside game as well. He struggled to get going early against Michigan but did finish with a double-double. McCullough has the most talent out of anyone on this team and there is no excuse for him to not get consistent looks. He currently averages 14 points and nine rebounds per game. These numbers should increase as the season progresses.
3-point shooting:
Syracuse’s 3-point shooting looked a lot better against Michigan, but before that game it was down right horrendous. The team had the fourth worst three point shooting percentage in all of Division I basketball coming into the game against the Wolverines. SU shot 35% from downtown in that game, which is passable, but still could be better. There will be off nights, but if this team wants to win there needs to be more consistency.
Legitimate production from either BJ Johnson or Tyler Roberson:
One of these guys needs to step up. The Orange cannot compete in games against talented opposition with only six reliable players. Both Johnson and Roberson currently average six points per game. It would be nice if one of them could sneak into double figures.
Posted:  Connor Morrissette
