Syracuse University guard Brandon Triche already knew that the pressure would be on this year as a senior, but it's been taken to a whole new level now that he find's himself on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.
The former Jamesville-Dewitt High School is on the cover of one of S.I.'s College basketball previews this week, one of four regional covers that hit newstands on Wednesday. The magazine's preseason poll has the Orange ranked 11th on the country.
The Orange breakdown in the magazine pegs Syracuse as possible Final Four contenders.
"Despite losing four players, including three NBA draft picks, Syracuse will compete for the Big East title in its last year in the conference before leaving for the ACC", says Sports Illustrated. "The Orange have enough experience in Triche, Fair, Southerland and Christmas, but the big keys will be two of the team's younger players. If Carter-Williams can handle the point and Coleman can contribute in the middle, the Orange could emerge as a Final Four contender."
Syracuse, which is ranked ninth in the two national polls, had their season opener against #20 San Diego State pushed forward to Sunday, November 11. The contest is "The Battle On The Midway" and will be played on the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego.
