Syracuse athletics just announced that SU basketball will head to Knoxville to face Tennessee in the 2024 SEC/ACC Challenge on Tuesday, December 3.
Some fans might view this matchup as annoying or difficult, preferring Syracuse to avoid playing another Power 5 opponent. Additionally, SU faces another tough team in the early season for the second consecutive year. Just last Thanksgiving, the Orange competed in the Maui Invitational, facing teams such as Tennessee and Gonzaga.
However, Syracuse has a great opportunity to play solid, top-level teams early in the season. This serves as a valuable test for head coach Adrian Autry, showing his willingness to learn from playing the best rather than avoiding the challenge.
Orange fans should be thrilled about the chance to stack up against a Volunteers team that went all the way to the Elite 8 during March Madness, narrowly losing to Purdue, a squad that eventually lost to UConn in the NCAA Tournament championship.
The positive side of Syracuse facing Tennessee for a second straight year is that Autry now has one season of experience as head coach. Having faced elite programs such as Tennessee, Gonzaga, and ACC powerhouses Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia, Autry and his staff have the confidence and a plan to build on from the first trial.
With center Eddie Lampkin Jr. transferring from Colorado, Syracuse has a leg up when it comes to experience. Lampkin, who recently competed in March Madness, brings knowledge of playing against top opponents.
The Buffaloes made their way from the First Four to the Round of 32, beating 7th-seeded Florida in the first round before falling by just four points to second-seeded Marquette.
Lampkin can be a leader on the floor, especially when it comes to facing top college basketball opponents.
Instead of fearing a letdown against a strong opponent, SU fans should focus on the positives and opportunities that come with playing the best.
