With one game to play in the regular season, the Orange is firmly on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament. Here are three storylines we’re monitoring as the ACC season comes to a close.
ACC Tournament Seeding
There’s a multitude of possibilities for Syracuse, but this much is simple: if SU beats Georgia Tech Saturday, then the team gets a first round bye in the tournament. If Syracuse loses, then the Orange will not get a bye and will most likely play Boston College Tuesday afternoon in Brooklyn.
Roberson calls this season “disappointing”
In an interview with the Post Standard, Tyler Roberson admitted he has been frustrated with his senior year. Here’s the exchange:
How would you characterize what this season has been like for you?
Roberson: This season has been different. (He laughs.)
Disappointing, I’m guessing?
Roberson: In some ways, yeah.
In what ways?
Roberson:¬†I just think it hasn’t gone the way I wanted it to. That’s really all I can say about it. —
You can’t really blame Roberson here. He’s gone from averaging 30 minutes a game last year, to 20 this season. He is no longer a starter and he’s made major mistakes at the end of games against Louisville inside the Carrier Dome and then on the road against Georgia Tech. That’s a recipe for disappointment.
Where’s Andrew White been?
In White’s last four games, the grad transfer hasn’t eclipsed the 40-percent mark from the field once. He’s in a rut.
After another disappointing performance at Louisville, where White went 1-8 from three, Cardinals coach Rick Pitino said teams are defending White as if he has no dribble. White loves to catch and shoot and this defensive approach is clearly bothering him.
For Syracuse to make the NCAA Tournament (never mind make a run in March), White must improve. Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech will give fans a chance to see how the Orange plans to counter this new defensive strategy. It could make or break the season.
Posted: Connor Morrissette
