Syracuse has certainly been a surprise team this year.
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Preston Shumpert leads Syracuse with his silky-smooth stroke from behind the arc. |
It's been amazing when you consider they lost the talents of Etan Thomas and his shot-blocking ability, Jason Hart with his ability to penetrate and defend the perimeter and the versatile Ryan Blackwell.
Not many thought Jim Boeheim's squad would be this good early in the season. The undefeated Orangemen have rocketed to a top ten ranking on the shoulders of an emerging force.
All of a sudden Preston Shumpert, a Rolaids specialist as a sixth man last year, has become a star. The reason for his success is simple: the ability to shoot the rock, baby!
Shumpert is a big-time trifecta man. He can light it up from behind the arc. Just ask DePaul, Ohio St. and Missouri. He was lethal against these teams leading Syracuse to the Great Alaska Shootout title.