Sports

No. 8 Syracuse ready to roll, opens season against Cornell on Friday night in the Carrier Dome

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Syracuse's Tyler Ennis looks for an open man against Ryerson during the second half of a men's NCAA exhibition basketball game in Syracuse, N.Y., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013. Syracuse won 81-46. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli) (The Associated Press)

Syracuse's C. J. Fair scores against Ryerson during the second half of a men's NCAA exhibition basketball game in Syracuse, N.Y., Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013. Syracuse won 81-46. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli) (The Associated Press)

Jim Boeheim is more than ready to start his 38th season at Syracuse. So are his No. 8 Orange.

Four exhibition games in August and two more in early November at the end of an extended preseason camp has everybody champing at the bit in anticipation of Friday night's season opener in the Carrier Dome against Cornell.

With four freshmen and a new backcourt, the Orange have a lot to learn despite the extra practice time, which included a four-game trip to Canada in August.

Freshman Tyler Ennis takes over at point guard in place of Michael Carter-Williams, who left after his sophomore year and has made an immediate impact in the NBA with three superlative games for Philadelphia to start his pro career. Trevor Cooney will slide into the other guard slot in place of four-year starter Brandon Triche, who graduated.