LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The questions looming ahead of Syracuse’s 2019-20 season are larger than past years, but the holes provide new opportunities for six players who’ve waited to shine.

The pillars of Syracuse men’s basketball — Tyus Battle and Oshae Brissett — are gone, meaning Elijah Hughes has no choice but to be the leader it needs. Bourama Sidibe’s knees have always limited him in college, but the junior finally has his bounce back. And Quincy Guerrier knows he must make an immediate impact in his first collegiate season.

On the women’s side, Tiana Mangakahia, the pulse of Syracuse last year, will miss this season after a battle with breast cancer. In her place is Kiara Lewis, who's spent years waiting for a chance to be a lead guard, even though it’s not the path she imagined. Amaya Finklea-Guity is once again expected to start at the five, but she’s found solace in painting when her play strayed. And Elemy Colome, a graduate transfer from Rhode Island, needed to grow up before she could prove she’s more than just a streaky shooter.

Meet the new stars of Syracuse basketball in The Daily Orange’s annual Basketball Guide.

Thanks for reading.
KJ Edelman, Sports Editor

We're tired of hearing the comments of where we are and how far we have fallen. We haven't fallen. We're ready to go. We're ready to play.