The Syracuse Orange are set to dominate the hardwood against the New Hampshire Wildcats in a season opener that’s got fans buzzing. Last season, Syracuse clawed their way to a respectable 17-15 record, aiming to sharpen their game. New Hampshire, on the flip side, had a rollercoaster year, finishing at an even 15-15. With both teams looking to tip-off with a statement win, the JMA Wireless Dome will be nothing short of electrifying come Monday night.

New Hampshire Wildcats Ready to Turn Heads: A Fresh Start, a Deep Roster, and High Stakes Ahead

The New Hampshire Wildcats are set for a rebound season in 2023-24 under the fresh leadership of Nathan Davis. With a 15-15 record last year, the Wildcats made it to the America East Semifinals and are eyeing a deeper run this time.

Davis, formerly of Bucknell, plans to invigorate the team with a fast-paced, unselfish brand of basketball. The showstopper for UNH will be senior forward Clarence Daniels, a “three-level scorer” who dominated last season with averages of 15.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, ranking eighth in college basketball. Daniels isn’t just a scoring machine; he’s a glass-cleaner and a defensive stalwart, accumulating 38 steals and 17 blocks last season.

Joining Daniels are returning forwards sophomore Ridvan Tutic and junior Trey Woodyard. Tutic, a rebounding specialist, averaged 4.9 boards last season. Woodyard, though modest in scoring with 2.0 points per game, dished out 27 assists and sank 15 triples, adding depth to the squad.

Recruits are poised to make an impact. Ahmad Robinson, a junior college transfer, is a stat-sheet stuffer with 17.0 points, 5.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game. Forward Paul Gakmar, another transfer, is a sniper from beyond the arc, shooting 36.1 percent from downtown.

The Wildcats’ offense last season averaged 66.4 points per game, ranking last in the league. Defensively, they allowed 67.0 points, ranking third. A team that’s already stout on defense, UNH will look to ramp up its offense under Davis.

UNH tips off the season against Syracuse on Nov. 6 and then returns home for matchups against Curry, Brown and Marist. A high-stakes game against defending national champion UConn awaits them on Nov. 27.

In a nutshell, New Hampshire is a team on the rise with a blend of seasoned vets and promising newcomers. They’re not just aiming to make noise in the American East; they’re setting their sights on conquering more prestigious foes. Buckle up, Wildcats fans; it will be a rollercoaster of a season.

Syracuse Orange’s Rebound Season: New Faces, Fresh Start, and a Shot at ACC Redemption

Syracuse Orange enters the 2023-2024 season ranked #110 nationally and 10th in the ACC, looking to bounce back from a lukewarm 17-15 record last season. Adrian Autry, in his head coaching debut, faces the challenge of filling the void left by critical departures, most notably guard Joseph Girard III (Clemson), who averaged a team-high 16.4 points per game, and center Jesse Edwards (West Virginia), a double-double machine with 14.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

Fortunately, Syracuse boasts a talented crop of returnees. Guard sophomore Judah Mintz, coming off a freshman season where he posted 16.3 points and 4.6 assists per game, is poised to lead the squad’s offensive attack. Benny Williams, a junior forward, adds depth in scoring and rebounding, averaging 7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds. The sophomore trio of Chris Bell, Maliq Brown, and Justin Taylor will also be key, contributing across the board in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.

New faces like sophomore guards JJ Starling, a transfer from Notre Dame, and Chance Westry, from Auburn, are expected to impact the backcourt immediately. Naheem McLeod, a junior center transfer from Florida State, will provide a much-needed presence in the paint, especially with Edwards gone.

Statistically, Syracuse put up 74.1 points per game last season—eighth in the ACC—while allowing 72.9, ranking them 264th nationally in scoring defense. The team shot 46.3 percent from the field, and their defense held opponents to 42.9 percent. However, they struggled beyond the arc, averaging just 6.2 three-pointers per game.

The numbers reveal a team needing defensive tightening and more consistent three-point shooting. Without a postseason appearance projected, the Orange needs to turn these stats around to defy expectations. It’s a transitional year for Syracuse, but under Autry’s leadership and with a balanced mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, don’t count them out just yet. This team has the pieces to make some noise in the ACC and perhaps surprise a few

David’s Pick – New Hampshire Wildcats

Here’s the deal—New Hampshire Wildcats are the team to bet on. Under Nathan Davis, they’re bringing a revamped, fast-paced game. Syracuse may have talent but ranks 264th nationally in scoring defense, a glaring weakness. Clarence Daniels, a two-way marvel for the Wildcats, dominated with 15.3 points and 10.7 rebounds last season. Add Ahmad Robinson, a stat-sheet stuffer with 17 points per game, and you’ve got a squad ready to score and defend. The Wildcats allowed just 67.0 points per game last year, ranking third defensively in their league. Syracuse’s lack of three-point prowess, averaging 6.2 threes, won’t cut against New Hampshire’s stout D.