SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) Jim Boeheim is back in a good place as he begins his 43rd season at Syracuse - all five starters return, he has a much stronger bench, and his youngest son is a freshman guard who's ready to contribute.

"Everybody worked hard. Everybody had a good summer," Boeheim said Friday during the team's media day. "I see more improvement than normal with this group. Kind of extraordinary."

Despite an injury-riddled roster that relied too heavily on three players - guards Tyus Battle and Frank Howard and freshman forward Oshae Brissett - Syracuse made the NCAA Tournament last spring after a one-year hiatus and reached the Sweet 16 with three dominant defensive performances, finishing at 23-14 after losing to Atlantic Coast Conference rival Duke in the round of 16.