Returning four starters doesn't always equate to success, but Jim Boeheim's Syracuse Orange are at least in experienced hands. They're also in talented hands.

Syracuse was voted fifth in the preseason USA Today/ESPN Top 25 coaches poll, behind only North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio St., and UConn. 

Syracuse was ranked second among six Big East teams in the Top 25, with UConn (4), Louisville (8), Pittsburgh (11), Marquette (21) and Cincinnati (22) also receiving recognition. The Orange tied with UConn atop the preseason Big East coaches poll that was released yesterday.

Forward Kris Joseph was a preseason first-team All-Big East selection after averaging 14.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last season. Other returning starters are Brandon Triche, Scoop Jardine, and Fab Melo. Jardine led the Big East with 6.1 assists per game last year in league play.

St. John's was noted in the honorable mention of the Top 25, receiving 11 votes.

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