A lot of college basketball teams have injuries, but not like the kind Syracuse dealt with in 2008-09. Syracuse had a two-man bench for most last season, and there were games where only six scholarship players were available.

So despite the loss of Donte Greene to the NBA draft after his freshman season, it's been a successful offseason for Jim Boeheim because it looks like Andy Rautins and Eric Devendorf are both going to be ready to play at the start of the season.

Rautins has recovered from a torn ACL suffered last summer, while Devendorf looks ready to return from a similar injury. They'll join iron man Jonny Flynn, who played nearly every minute of every game as a freshman. Scoop Jardine played a lot in his first year on campus as well, and can contribute in a reserve role.

The frontcourt returns two starters, though the loss of Greene is a considerable one. Arinze Onuaku was a relevation last season in the paint, and the redshirt sophomore is an All-Big East candidate at center. Kris Ongenaert and Rick Jackson also play inside, while Paul Harris can do anything and will start at small forward.

Syracuse again fell short of the NCAA Tournament last season, falling in the third-round of the NIT after losing in the first round of the Big East tourney. Devendorf and Rautins hope their return to action is the push the team needs to get back to the Big Dance.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.