Editor's Note

Dear readers,

Rethink (almost) everything you know about Syracuse basketball, and brace for new program faces trying to keep pace in the ACC this season. Our 2017 basketball preview introduces you to those trying to steady Syracuse in times of turnover. There’s Tyus Battle and Gabrielle Cooper, the only returning starters on the men’s and women’s teams. There’s grad-transfer guard-for-hire Geno Thorpe and remade forward Desiree Elmore. There’s explorations of how the women’s team lost the national championship but won something more, and of how point guard Frank Howard hopes to settle a position that's churned through five starters in as many seasons. Below, we detail Howard’s predecessors, gab on a season-preview podcast and launch www.didsyracusewin.com for your quick reference and trash-talking preference. This guide has everything you need to know to get ready for tip-off, and we’ll have coverage all season to keep you thinking.

Thanks for reading,
Sam Fortier, sports editor