Lottery loss: Wesley Johnson, Jr., F, No. 4 to Minnesota

Johnson was a real pro during the draft process and carried himself as such during his one season for the Orange. He transferred from Iowa State to Syracuse and immediately had an impact in the locker room and on the court. He gave the Orange star power, not just in leading the team in scoring but in the way they headlined every arena.

The replacement: Kris Joseph

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim wanted to toss in Brandon Triche, Scoop Jardine and Rick Jacksonas well. Boeheim mentioned those players as others who will see their production increase.

But Joseph is the one player who has the star power of the group. He was the third-leading scorer behind Johnson and Andy Rautins.

"Joseph is getting there, but he's not there yet" Boeheim said.

Boeheim, who is always honest in the preseason about his team's chances, didn't hide his view that the Orange should be a top-15 team next season even with the loss of Johnson, Rautins and Arinze Onuaku. The key will be whether Joseph emerges as the star he has the ability to become next season.-espn.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=5345977