Syracuse saw its best chance to repeat as national champions declare for the NBA draft on Thursday. But, even without Carmelo Anthony, the Orangemen have the core of players returning needed to remain among the nation's elite teams in 2003-04.

The Orangemen won't have a player who can carry them the way Anthony did at times this past season when he averaged 22.2 points, 10 boards and six assists a game. But, Anthony's decision to leave school after one season also doesn't mean Syracuse can't challenge Connecticut for the top spot in the newly formatted Big East, or make another deep run in the 2004 NCAA Tournament.

	Gerry McNamara become Syracuse's No. 1 option without Carmelo Anthony.

As expected, Anthony emerged as Syracuse's leader as a freshman, its go-to scorer, and the main focus of any opposing defense. But, remember Gerry McNamara? And don't forget about Billy Edelin, Hakim Warrick or Josh Pace.

With these capable scorers, and Craig Forth and Jeremy McNeil up front, Syracuse has the players in place to make another run at at least the Sweet 16.

Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim talked Thursday about the veteran leadership he has returning -- if not in class, at least experience -- and the fact that the Orangemen played well when Anthony slumped a bit this past season.

"We've got players who are eager to step up to the challenge," Boeheim said. "(Without Anthony) they'll be asked to do more next season. And they will."

With Anthony gone, McNamara becomes Syracuse's leading returning scorer and No. 1 option for a team that should be much more balanced next season. McNamara (14.4 ppg) showed as a freshman he loves the spotlight, making six 3-pointers against Kansas in the first half of he national title game. He attracted plenty of attention from defenses, but a year of learning how to get open and Edelin as the primary ballhandler at point, will help ease his transition.

Edelin was a key contributor off the bench at the point after sitting out the first 12 games of his freshman year because of an NCAA suspension. Give Edelin a full offseason of working with the Orange, and he should be able to mesh even more as the team's starting point guard from the opening tip in November.

Syracuse assistant Troy Weaver, who was actually surprised Thursday that Anthony declared for the NBA draft, said they'll likely start Pace as a third perimeter player. Pace was critical off the bench, making shots and grabbing boards. He scored eight and pulled down eight in the title game win over Kansas. McNamara, Edelin and Pace match up favorably against any backcourt in the Big East.

The frontcourt scoring responsibility will shift to Warrick. And yes, Boeheim dismissed reports of Warrick's early NBA aspiration, saying "don't believe the Internet."

Warrick -- who became a household name after his blocked shot against Michael Lee in the final seconds of the title game -- has the skills to be even more of a scorer. Warrick scored 18 in the national semifinal win over Texas. He's one of college game's best finishers on the break, and if he can develop more of a consistent low-post game, then the Orangemen can start pounding the ball inside.

Forth and McNeil, a pair of bangers who are good at screening and finding putbacks loose off the rim, will split another season in the post.

Oh and Boeheim's infamous 2-3 zone will be just as effective, even without Anthony.

"We'll be fine, and this team will be a Sweet 16 team without a doubt," Weaver said.

The only other loss, outside of Anthony, is senior Kueth Duany. His leadership will be missed, as will his long reach in the zone. He was a sleeper 3-point threat, but that can be replaced. The biggest difference will be the impact of the three freshmen coming in this season.

Unlike Anthony, McNamara and Edelin, the class of 2003 won't be relied on to score. The Orangemen wouldn't have won the title without their freshmen last season. But they can add forwards Terrence Roberts, Demetris Nichols and guard Louis McCroskey as role players without any issues next season. There is a chance Nichols could challenge for a starting role, but it's not a necessity like it was to have Anthony and McNamara start this past season. If any of the three contribute significant points, boards and steals, it'll be a bonus.

"We're right where we want to be with this program," Weaver said. "We've got the young guys coming in here trying to work for time. The last couple of years we have needed them right away. But now we're like the Arizonas and Dukes."

Winning the national title, losing a player like Anthony and maintaining an elite level puts them in the such company.

Andy Katz is a senior writer for ESPN.com.