The excitement is building for Gerry McNamara's inaugural season at the helm of Syracuse basketball, but the roster puzzle isn't complete yet. With four crucial scholarships still open, the Orange have a golden opportunity to shape a competitive team for the ACC gauntlet.

As it stands, the backcourt looks loaded with talent. The projected lineup features guards like Aidan Tobiason, Kiyan Anthony, Gavin Doty, and Mark Morano Mahmutovič, alongside versatile forward Donnie Freeman. However, a glance at the current depth chart reveals a potential imbalance. The roster leans heavily toward guards, with Freeman appearing as the primary option at power forward. While players like Tobiason and Elijah Dual have the length to defend bigger positions, relying on small-ball lineups could expose significant weaknesses over a long season.

This brings us to the first major need: size and strength in the frontcourt. The center position is a particular point of focus. Syracuse is actively pursuing a starting-caliber big man, with Owen Freeman being a key target. Securing a player of his caliber would be a major win, but even then, depth is a concern, as both he and Eddie Goodrick are returning from knee injuries. The development of intriguing prospect Moustapha Siby is another variable. Adding a reliable center is non-negotiable for competing in the paint-heavy ACC.

But the Orange shouldn't stop there. Using another spot on a complementary power forward would provide essential lineup flexibility. Imagine adding a strong rebounder who can also stretch the floor with a mid-range shot. This would allow Coach McNamara to deploy a formidable small-ball unit or go big by sliding Donnie Freeman to the three. One name that fits this mold perfectly is Francis Foleac, who played for McNamara at Siena. A forward tandem of Foleac and Freeman would be a defensive nightmare for opponents and solidify the frontcourt rotation.

Beyond rebounding and defense, Syracuse must also address scoring consistency. In tight ACC games, you need players who can create their own shot and close out possessions. Last season, only Doty and Tobiason averaged double figures, and neither did so against Power Five competition. The question of who becomes the go-to scorer in clutch moments remains unanswered. While adding frontcourt players like Freeman and Foleac would help offensively, the Orange might also look to the transfer portal for a proven bucket-getter to complete this roster rebuild. The final four spots will define the ceiling for the new era of Syracuse basketball.