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Conference realignment got us off the sinking ship that was the Big East, sure. And we’re happy with the increased exposure and revenues we have in the ACC. But obviously that all came with a price -- for both the Syracuse Orange and many other athletic programs that changed leagues in the 2011-15 timeframe.
Most importantly, rivalries were tossed by the wayside. The Houston Press tried to rank them, and put “Syracuse vs. Big East Rivals” all the way down at No. 8 (out of 10). That’s two spots below “UConn’s Sports Lobotomy” and one below “Maryland vs. ACC rivals.” It’s also just one spot above the potential for a Utah vs. Boise State rivalry... Can’t say I’m a fan of this list.
If I were to redo it, I’d probably rank “Syracuse vs. Big East Rivals” fifth, but really, Syracuse vs. Georgetown alone would be in the same spot. The top four they use -- Texas/Texas A&M, Oklahoma/Nebraska, Pitt/West Virginia and Kansas/Missouri are all fine with me. But what about your own rankings?
Also, the rest of your Syracuse-related links below.
10 Biggest Rivalries College Sports Realignment Has Crushed (Houston Press)
The somewhat forgotten story of realignment is how it bastardized college basketball for so many fans along the eastern seaboard. The Big East, while still powerful in hoops, doesn’t have Syracuse, UConn, or BC, three original members. (Not to mention Pitt, Notre Dame, and West Virginia, three members added over time.)
Preview 2018: Syracuse Orange. Can Dino Babers Break Out? (College Football News)
The stadium is getting a makeover, and now the team has to follow suit. The star receivers from last season – Steve Ishmael and Ervin Phillips – are done, the entire linebacking corps is undergoing an overhaul, and the line that had so many problems in pass protection is still playing around with the pieces.
Carmelo Anthony strongly disagrees with comparison to Kyle Korver (Syracuse.com)
Former Syracuse basketball superstar Carmelo Anthony may not have had the greatest season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he’s still a better player than Kyle Korver, right? Anthony had an interesting reply to an Instagram post that claimed Korver is better than the 10-time All-Star and 3-time Olympic gold medalist. Commenting from his verified Instagram account, Anthony replied with “WOWWWW” and then the laughing emoji.
Jerami Grant report card: Lots of things to like (NewsOK)
Shot selection: A. Grant played 116 more minutes this season and took fewer low-percentage shots. Grant was 14-of-46 on mid-range shots a year ago; he was 11-of-24 this season. Grant took a few more non-corner 3-pointers this season, but his shots in the restricted area more than doubled – 267 this season, up from 123. That alone explains Grant’s increased effectiveness.
Syracuse wing Tyus Battle to work out for the Knicks this weekend (ZagsBlog)
The 6-foot-6 Edison, N.J., native has worked out for the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic, getting positive feedback. He’s also slated to work out for his hometown Knicks this weekend before the May 30 deadline to withdraw from the Draft. He’s currently testing the draft waters without an agent.
Gabriela Knutson and Miranda Ramirez advance to NCAA women’s doubles tennis championships 2nd round (Daily Orange)
Blissett Excited About Syracuse Offer (CuseNation)
How to use Las Vegas odds to predict college football spreads for yourself (SB Nation)
Report: Big Ten committed to nine-game conference schedule (247Sports)