Final Four 2016: Syracuse is out to prove something

Syracuse was not supposed to make the Final Four. Hell, this year, the Orange weren’t even supposed to make the NCAA Tournament!

Not only did Syracuse have a highly up and down year, finishing the regular season at 19-12 (9-9 ACC) before being eliminated in the second round of the ACC Tournament. For a team that self-imposed a postseason ban following impending NCAA sanctions last season, the odds of making the big dance were looking incredibly slim.

Except fate was on Syracuse’s side. Not only did the Orange earn a No. 10 seed, but the team made it all the way to the Final Four and can earn a spot in the championship game with a win on Saturday.

But there’s a catch. Syracuse must defeat No. 1 North Carolina to take that next step forward, and the Tar Heels defeated Syracuse twice during the regular season. Still, with the momentum at the Orange’s backs, this year’s Cinderella team has captured the hearts of the nation.

This team is out to prove something and come Saturday’s Final Four matchup, Syracuse may do just that.

Buddy Hield reached out to Denzel Valentine following surgery
Buddy Hield reached out to Denzel Valentine following surgery