TNIAAM Roundtable: What we want to see in 2019

As we begin the new year we asked everyone here at Troy Nunes is An Absolute Magician to contribute what they wanted to see for the Syracuse Orange in 2019

Chris Jastrzembski

I’d really like to see something that shows that 2018 wasn’t a one-off year, hopefully a 9-win season. If Dino Babers is really going to build something special, it’ll take more than one good year. And I think that’ll happen. For hoops, just get into March Madness again. Dominate in ACC play as well, even if it means getting dunked on by Zion Williamson once or twice in a game. Finally for the sport I cover for the site (men’s lacrosse), don’t get into a ton of close games again! There are people that are losing years off their lives because they watch the down to the wire finishes. Calm their blood pressure and take care of opponents early on and return to having success DEEP into May. That means winning in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

Syracuse Athletics

Andy Pregler

I’m looking forward to seeing what 2019 Syracuse as a Football Program feels like. The Orange finally have fan support and optimism, coupled with what should be a manageable schedule. Do we see an uptick in attendance? Or are we doing the same old song and dance about raking leaves and picking apples?

Dylan Finer

If 2019 could match 2018’s successes, we’d have to take it, right? I’d look for Syracuse men’s basketball to find its form in ACC play and claw its way into the NCAA tournament. Getting past the first weekend would be a huge bonus. I’d also hope for Quentin Hillsman and Tiana Mangakahia to lead Syracuse women’s basketball to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament and make some noise. Then, with football, let’s get another double-digit season and, most importantly, *looks around* *leans in to whisper* make sure Dino Babers sticks around.

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Wall

Kind of a long list that I was going to do as a separate post but I’ll include them here:

Hosting College Gameday

It’s been that elusive dream for Orange fans and former AD’s but with Clemson again in the National Title game and the national media enamored with Dino Babers next year could be the time. It would help the Orange if the game is early in the season

I just want an opportunity to see if Lee Corso is the one thing that keeps Central New Yorkers from raking leaves and apple picking in September.

Early success for DeVito

The most popular player on any football team is the backup QB. Once that backup becomes the starter then all bets are off and having to follow a player like Eric Dungey just ups the challenge. No one expects Tommy DeVito to play like Dungey but early success will keep some of the pressure off of him as he assumes the role of leader of the Orange offense.

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Additional details on The Stadium Project

We know that the arena formally known as the Carrier Dome will get a new roof and some audio/visual upgrades but will seating capacity change? Are we getting more suites or a club level? Upgrades to concessions? With the football success stoking the fanbase it would be good to follow up with more details as the 2019 season ticket push continues

Better puck luck for the Orange Ice Hockey team

Syracuse has suffered some tough losses in the CHA final and is still searching for their 1st NCAA Tournament appearance. The Orange finally getting over the hump would be a welcome sight this winter and a boost for the program.

More coaching opportunities for women

We don’t want to see Syracuse at the bottom of any list and with all the steps that have been taken to improve the quality of women’s sports this is an area that needs work. This isn’t about pushing out current coaches as much as it’s a hope that Syracuse establishes some programs to develop female athletes who want to pursue a career in coaching and to help groom assistant coaches to be prepared to become head coaches.

A NCAA title for Paige Stoner

After Justyn Knight joined Jaret Eaton as the only Orange track and field athletes to earn a NCAA title, now’s the time for Stoner to become the 1st female Orange athlete in any sport to earn a NCAA individual title. She’ll have chances in both Indoor and Outdoor this year as she completes her Syracuse career.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Now it’s your turn, what do you hope to see in 2019 for Syracuse Orange teams/athletes?