Also seeing time in the starting lineup was senior Matt Gorman, junior Josh Wright, sophomores Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins and freshman Paul Harris.

Even without McNamara, the Orange had experience across the front line including seniors Demetris Nichols, Darryl Watkins and Terrence Roberts, while junior Josh Wright and sophomore Eric Devendorf rounded out the lineup.

Other key players off the bench included sharp-shooting Andy Rautins, highly touted freshman Paul Harris, Mike Jones, Arinze Onuaku and senior Matt Gorman, the only holdover from the 2003 National Championship team.

Devendorf was replaced in the lineup by Rautins, and while Harris showed flashes of his talent on defense and rebounding, he struggled with his shot and saw his playing time decrease.

Syracuse started its Big East schedule with a loss to Pittsburgh, but wins at Marquette and versus Villanova and a narrow escape against Cincinnati.

The win against the Bearcats would prove to be the calm before the storm, as Syracuse then lost to St. Johns, blew a 14-point lead at Louisville,[7] and gave up 103 points in a loss to Notre Dame in the Carrier Dome.

The move paid dividends, as Rautins went on a shooting tear and helped the Orange to win five of their remaining six regular season games.