The 2016-17 Syracuse Orange absolutely disappointed. They showed the ability to defeat top-tier competition by knocking off Florida State, Virginia and Duke at home that season. Horrid losses, like the 30-point drubbing they received from St. John’s, left them out of the tournament and unable to showcase their potential.
Comparisons continue between that year and this season, considering the offensive slant of the team’s personnel and their precarious standing for the tournament. It’s less clear if missing March Madness qualifies as a disappointment this year, though. Before New Year’s Day, the possibility they could return to the conversation didn’t appear possible — and wouldn’t emerge until a five-game winning streak after that accumulated three quad-one wins.