Ryan Day's Orange Slices column in the newspaper has spun off this more informal blog. Ryan, The Citizen's sports editor, offers observations on the world of Syracuse University athletics in this space, and he loves to hear from SU fans.
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Orange Slices wrote on Mar 12, 2010 5:33 PM:
Arinze Onuaku had an MRI taken of his right knee this afternoon. It was determined, based on the MRI, that he has a right quadriceps injury. He has begun receiving treatment for the injury. His status is day-to-day. Arinze’s return to practice is anticipated on Monday.
That whooshing sound you hear? That's Orange nation breathing a sigh of relief. AO still probably won't be 100 percent, but just to have him on the court next week is huge. This is great news, considering the injury looked bad and possibly season-ending. Plus, it's his quad, not his surgically-repaired knee. And for the moment, it appears that SU's title chances are still in tact.
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 12, 2010 9:59 AM:
I'm not gonna lie, I've never seen anyone who's been carried off the court like that return a week later and play. I know the initial reports were positive, I'm just saying that I'm doubtful Onuaku, who has a history of knee problems, will be able to play or be effective the rest of the season. I hope he proves me wrong -- you never want to see injuries impact a team's chances to win a title.
If AO didn't get injured yesterday, I think SU fans would be able to accept the Georgetown loss, even though Syracuse played its worst defense of the season by miles. The Orange don't need to win the Big East tourney and there's no need expending extra energy when the true prize lies just a few weeks away.
But AO's injury turns yesterday into a worst-case scenario situation for SU. It has a week to rest for the NCAAs, but that won't do any good if AO is grounded for good.
On to another topic -- ESPN kept scolling this little nugget on its bottom line all day Thursday: "No team has ever lost its first-round conference tournament game and won the NCAA championship." It's a fun fact, yet, absolutely worthless. The Big East superconference is incomparable. There's never been a league like it.
Let's put this in persepective. If the ACC's top team, Duke, had to play the league's eighth best team, it would play 15-15 Boston College. If the Big 12's best team, Kansas, had to play the league's eighth best team, it would play 15-16 Colorado. But Syracuse, the Big East's top team, had to play eighth seed Georgetown, a team that's been ranked all season and could legitimately make the Final Four.
There's never been a conference in the history of sports that's been so deep. That's why 3 of the 4 double byes lost yesterday -- their opponents were REALLY good. So yes, ESPN's stat is fun to throw around, but it means nothing considering this reincarnation of the Big East, a roided-out version, is still new. Look at last season -- UConn lost it's opening-round game to Syracuse in the Big East tourney then went on to make the Final Four. It didn't seem to hurt them.
So yes, I am concerned about Syracuse's recent lack of defense. And I'm concerned how they'll mentally deal with their first losing streak of the season. But losing to G'town isn't the worst thing in the world and it may give them time to get fresh and create a new mindset.
Of course, none of that matters if AO is out. No AO, no title shot. It's that simple.
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 10, 2010 7:41 PM:
-- Day "
GoCuseviaBoston wrote on Mar 10, 2010 12:52 PM:
On that note GO CUSE!!!
I will be watching tomorrow, most likely from the internet... But hope to snag a spot in front of some type of... what do they call those things?... ah Yes... Televisions! "
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 10, 2010 10:48 AM:
But there is no doubt that Kansas, Kentucky and Syracuse have solidified themselves as the elite in college basketball. A loss in the conference tourney isn't going to change that.
Of course, a second straight loss for the Orange would be problematic in other ways -- you don't want to enter the NCAAs on a losing streak.
- Day "
GoCuseviaBoston wrote on Mar 9, 2010 2:30 PM:
Thanks in advance for your wisdomry!
P-Naude "
bigal wrote on Mar 8, 2010 3:22 PM:
OrangePeels22 wrote on Mar 8, 2010 1:56 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 8, 2010 11:20 AM:
Player of the year: Scottie Reynolds (only because nobody helped their cause in the past two weeks. Andy Rautins is a close second)
Coach of the year: Jim Boeheim (Pitt's Jamie Dixon would have taken this award any other year)
Freshman of the year: Cincy's Lance Stephenson (Though Rutgers' Dane Miller is the sleeper in this category)
Sixth man of the year: Kris Joseph (easiest pick on here)
Defensive player of the year: Rautins (I doubt he'll win -- coaches will probably be hesitant to vote for someone who plays in a zone. Even though Rautins IS the best defender in the conference, by a long shot)
Most improved player: Pitt's Ashton Gibbs (Joseph and Notre Dame's Tim Abromaitis could also get this)
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 5, 2010 4:14 PM:
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 27, 2010 6:22 PM:
- Day "
OrangeFan wrote on Feb 24, 2010 4:19 PM:
Now we're 28 games into this season, and the whole nation is buzzing about this Orange team, who really do seem to have all the right ingredients all of the sudden to be a legitimate National Championship contender. Not only that, but if you look at our team as a whole (coaching staff, veteran leadership, talent, etc.), this team really looks more and more identical to the National Championship team that won it all in 2003. Call me crazy, but the lineup of G-Mac, Duany, 'Melo, Warrick, and Forth reminds me a lot of our current lineup of Triche, Rautins, Wes Johnson, Jackson, and Onuaku. The coaching staff is still the same just even more experienced (JB, Mike Hopkins, Bernie Fine, and Rob Murphy), and even the bench from '03 and '10 look similar. Our '03 bench consisted of McNeil, Pace, and Edelin, and that reminds me a lot of our current super subs Scoop Jardine, Kris Joseph, and the combo of Mookie Jones/James Southerland/DaShonte Riley. We even are blessed with the luxury of carrying G-Mac as a grad assistant on our bench, and he can help us in big time situations since there isn't any type of big time situation that he hasn't already experienced at SU at least once. All in all, this really does look like a team who could do something that I don't think any team has ever done before, win the Big East regular season title outright, win the Big East Tournament, and win the NCAA Tournament. I'm certainly not getting my hopes up that we'll definitely even win 2 out of 3 of those goals, but my expectations now are much higher than before this season began because I've watched this team all year and I can see that we can be a great team if we want to be.
The Villanova game this Saturday live from The Loudhouse on College Gameday will be the game of the year. I know both our losses this season have come at the Dome, but it's hard for any team to beat us especially when we bring nearly 35,000 to the place. 'Nova loves to foul, in fact, I think they average more fouls per game than any other team in the country. Of course, they have the ability to do that since they usually play 12 guys every night. We've got to make sure we play smart and just because they'll be fouling us doesn't mean that we should do the same. Only playing 7 people vs. playing 12 people is very different. We'll need to make our FT's, and I'm sure we'll be shooting a lot of those. Good news is that the last few games, I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but Syracuse has been shooting much better free throws, even Rick Jackson's made like his last 6 in a row or something like that. This may very well be the first game of the year where free throw shooting might be the deciding factor between winning and losing the game. But if we come out, and play our game for a full 40 minutes, I have a good feeling about this game.
Will be having a big time tailgating party at my house for the big game on Saturday. I'll be cheering for my school as hard as anyone. LET'S GO ORANGE! SHUT IT DOWN!!! "
Citizen editors wrote on Feb 24, 2010 1:47 PM:
We invite you all to take part in a live chat program featuring Mr. Day's observations from press-row during Saturday's Villanova game. Head to http://auburnpub.com/sulive to find a link that will take you to the chat site, starting at 8:30 p.m. You'll be able to take part in a live discussion about the game. You can also submit comments via Twitter by including the hashtag #sulive in your comment. "
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 23, 2010 1:09 PM:
- Day "
OrangePeels22 wrote on Feb 19, 2010 3:17 PM:
After reading posts like that you def tend to bite your tongue from saying how bad the coaching and game play by the Orange was last night.
Seth Davis needs to def calm down. "
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 19, 2010 12:14 PM:
You win games this time of year by GRINDING IT OUT. Yes, Syracuse nearly blew a 23-point lead, but it still won at Georgetown, who just happens to be a top-10 team.
Did the game induce some heart attacks amongst Orange nation? You bet.
But it was an incredible win. To weather that storm with your two big men fouled out is huge. Another great road win for the Orange.
But others will have you thinking otherwise.
SI's Seth Davis says that Syracuse has lost its "aura of invincibility." Really, Seth? Kansas and Kentucky were pushed to the limit this week and they didn't lose their "aura."
Davis needs to acquaint himself with Big East basketball. Being a Duke graduate, he probably doesn't understand how top-of-the-conference teams can lose to middle-of-the-pack teams. But this isn't the ACC, which is awful this year by the way. It's the Big East, where 11 teams are vying for NCAA tournament spots. This is real basketball, Mr. Davis, where every game is a grind and thus, every team is battle-tested.
Nobody ever said Syracuse in invincible. But you know who I'll take them against -- your Dukies, who just happened to be blown out by Georgetown in the same building where the 'Cuse won last night.
Look, I'll nit-pick -- SU didn't play its best last night, especially in the second half.
Wes disappeared. Two many second-half turnovers. Scoop didn't get anything going.
And yet, Syracuse is 25-2. That's not too shabby.
Listen folks, this time of year is never pretty. Syracuse isn't going to blow anybody out, and the wins are sometimes going to be ugly. But there's something to be said about a team that just knows how to win, that makes big plays when it counts. That's the Orange.
If you want to see style points, you should have watched men's figure skating instead.
- Day "
OrangePeels22 wrote on Feb 15, 2010 2:20 PM:
Coaches like Jaime Dixon, Calhoun, and Pitino know how to play 'Cuse. They know how to out coach Boeheim. They make the correct adjustments in practices leading up to that game and obviously know what will be thrown at them. Bottom line is great coach's make the right adjustments to win basketball games. Jimmy B has never done so in my opinion. A defensive press should have been put on much earlier in the game (say the 6 to 7 minute mark of the second half) against Louisville or some sort of half-court trap. Pitino's players always play tight, in-your-face defense for 40 minutes. Jimmy plays a 2-3 zone up until the game is at a total loss. These are young collegiate athletes who should be diverse in playing many defenses in case they are needed and should be athletically sound to do so for long periods.
My second thought is Jimmy B's unwillingness to utilize more of his bench and play Mookie, Southerland and Riley, to get them that game experience when needed and give more players a breather. Mookie came in for a few minutes of the first half against the 'Ville, which was nice to see, but what if Mookie gets hot in the second half from beyond the arc? It's also crucial to get guys like Southerland and Riley into games during the season so that they can get the experience for the rest of the season and oncoming years. Riley gives Jackson and AO a rest for a bit longer and also doesn’t make ‘Cuse go to a smaller lineup. As for Southerland, we know that guy can stroke the 3 ball. I mean you watch Pitino play Mike Marra who goes 4-12 from 3-point land and hits a big three in the closing minutes to give Louisville a 6 point lead. Great coaches play a deep bench.
Another thing that separate’s Jimmy B from great coach's like Dixon, Coach K, Self, Pitino and Knight to name a few, is your home record. Going into the Peterson center, Cameron Indoor, Allen field house, Rupp or Freedom Hall, and Assembly Hall (in the days of Knight) are tough places to play for any visitor. Those places have a ridiculous win/loss record and have had long winning streaks. No reason for a Pitt and Louisville team, who are having down years, come into the Carrier dome and win. Absolutely, no reason. Oh and 'Cuse also had double digit leads, on both home losses. Teams like 'Nova, Kansas, and Kentucky don't let those leads slip at home.
I know a lot of fans (including myself) are upset with Tim Huggins intentional foul call at the end on KJ, but ‘Cuse doesn’t put themselves in that position if they play with more intensity and better coaching from Jimmy B. "
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 15, 2010 10:24 AM:
"I told the guys, 'Which one would you rather win, St. John's or Syracuse? Here's your chance to beat a team that is top three in the nation and could win a national championship.'"
And beat the Orange they did.
So I ask you Syracuse fans, who would you rather beat, Louisville or Georgetown?
The Orange travel to play the Hoyas for another epic showdown on Thursday. SU, for reasons unknown to me, actually has played better on the road this season. Especially Andy Rautins, who has stuggled to find his stroke in the Carrier Dome. Both teams will be looking to avoid two-game losing streaks, as Georgetown suffered its own setback Sunday, losing to Rutgers.
The game will be of greater meaning because Syracuse is looking to stay in the running for a No. 1 seed in the NCAAs while Georgetown is looking to stay in the Big East top four and nab a double bye in the first round of the conference tournament. Oh, and it is a rivalry game, even though ESPN fails to recognize it. And we all know, whatever ESPN says is the law.
Look, Syracuse losing to Louisville isn't the end of the world. It's an end to a fun run that included 11 straight wins. But this is the Big East, and as Pitino put it, "Louisville isn't chopped liver."
It's disconcerting that Syracuse played so poorly, but the defense and rebounding were still there. I'm not worried about SU's offense -- that's its greatest strength. As long as the defense and rebounding stay strong, the Orange will be fine.
There's no need to panic just yet. Syracuse is still 24-2. That's not too shabby. And think about this -- the last two times that Syracuse lost (even though one was an exhibition game) it went on to put together win streaks of 13 and 11, respectively. The Orange has been a bounce=back team this year. Sometimes they just need a little wake up call.
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 10, 2010 11:27 AM:
One of my favorite memories of that game was of Joseph playing center against Hasheem Thabeet. K-Jo hadn't played at all during regulation, and had never played center in his life, but was forced to take over for A.O. after he fouled out. Lucky for him though, Thabeet fouled out two possessions later, so Joseph didn't have to body up with him for long.
One current player who was conspicuously missing from that game was Jerome Dyson, who missed the last quarter of the season with a knee injury suffered against Syracuse in February. With Dyson, I think last year's UConn team would have at least made the national title game, if not given UNC a run for its money.
Dyson is the Huskies' best player this season and probably the best combo guard in the Big East. He's really their only shooter -- though Stanley Robinson is improving -- and paired with speedster Kemba Walker out top, they form a dynamic open-court duo.
Syracuse hopes to get its best player back healthy. After falling violently last Tuesday against Providence, Wes Johnson has been sore and not moving at full speed. With a week to rest, I wouldn't be surprised if he comes out blazing tonight.
The Huskies are only 14-9, but this is a rivalry game. Throw the records out the window kiddies. Expect this one to be close.
- Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Feb 8, 2010 5:02 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 8, 2010 3:13 PM:
The Louisville game will also be tough -- the Cardinals are pesky and always give the Orange trouble. And at Providence is definitely a trap game. SU has Nova and 34,616 fans waiting that Saturday, and it will be natural to look ahead to that meeting.
But things definitely aren't getting easier. Wes has to get healthy and Syracuse has to maintain focus. It has played especially well on the road thus far, and that will have to continue.
I think this team's poise is its strength -- the players just never look flustered.
Kris Joseph was justifiably named to the Big East Honor Roll this week, after averaging 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals in a 2-0 week. And the 'Cuse jumped to No. 2 in the AP poll and No. 3 in the ESPN/USA Today poll.
Keep on eye on the Kansas-Texas game tonight. If the Jayhawks lose and Syracuse takes care of business this week, then the Orange are likely taking over the top spot in at least one of the polls.
And before that Kansas-Texas game, make sure to watch Nova-West Virginia. What a great night for hoops. Enjoy.
- Day "
OrangePeels22 wrote on Feb 8, 2010 10:06 AM:
This 'Cuse team as another tough 4 games, before the big one with 'Nova on the 27th. Soem quick thoughts on their next 4 opponents.
-UCONN is having a down year, but are still a solid team. UCONN is 0-5 on the road however this year. 'Cuse should win this one with relatively no problem i think.
-Louisville scares me. Pitino usually out coaches Boehiem when they meet and they play the same type of uptempo game like 'Cuse. Plus 'Cuse is only 1-4 against Louisville since they entered the BE.
-@ G'Town will be another nail better. Yes 'Cuse blew them out at home, and with the exceptions of Old Dominion and USF, G'town is tough at home. I do think 'Cuse will pull this one out but will be tough
-@ Providence could be a trap game. Especially if 'Cuse contines to win all the way up to that game. "
OrangePeels22 wrote on Feb 1, 2010 1:59 PM:
Great article from SI last week and their thoughts on where 'Cuse stands in their view:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/luke_winn/01/28/power.rankings.1/index.html?eref=sihp "
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 1, 2010 1:34 PM:
The coaches' poll did get one thing right though -- Cornell slipped into the rankings at 25.
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 26, 2010 4:11 PM:
- After trailing 14-0, the Orange outscored the Hoyas 73-42 the rest of the way.
- The crowd was absolutely electric. There were only 26,000-plus fans but it was the loudest I've heard the Carrier Dome since G-Mac was in uniform. Aside from the giant cut-out heads of Wes Johnson and assistant coach Bernie Fine, one fan had a full cut-out of an old school Jim Boeheim in an '80s-esqe plaid suit. When asked if Boeheim saw it, the coach responded: "I don't even like to look at my face when I'm shaving." Needless to say, Jimmy B was in a good mood in his post-game presser, and who can blame him.
- Though I hesitate to call Kris Joseph and Scoop Jardine bench players -- they play starters' minutes -- the SU bench outscored the G'town bench 24-0.
- Rick Jackson had a very telling sequence early in the second half, when he got three offensive rebounds on a single possession and muscled his way over Georgetown defenders for the bucket. When Rick and Arinze Onuaku are playing physical ball like they did against the Hoyas, the Orange are almost unbeatable.
- I know we're 21 games into the season, but I'm still left speechless every time Wes Johnson soars for a dunk or a block. I've never seen anybody elevate so quickly. He gets off the ground in a split second. Athletically, he's just a level above the rest of the country.
- To hold Greg Monroe and Chris Wright to 15 combined points says a lot about the SU defense. And much props to Andy Rautins, who was all over the place disrupting play. He is the Orange's best on-ball defender by far.
- Finally Syracuse University has gone with an idea I've been pitching for years. Just prior to tip-off, they play a video on the dome's jumbotron featuring clips from Orange basketball history, including Hakim Warrick's block from the 2003 national title game. That video isn't played enough at the dome in my mind. If you want to fire up an SU fan, show him Warrick's block. The dome should have been doing this for the past seven years.
- How about Syracuse saving its best games for the biggest stages. The Orange absolutely broke down UNC at Madison Square Garden, they stepped up on the road at West Virginia and Notre Dame, and now they played their best game of the season against rival Georgetown on Big Monday. This team thrives in the spotlight.
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 25, 2010 1:21 PM:
Needless to say, things may get a little intense inside the dome this evening.
The Hoyas (15-3, 6-2) rely on a triumvirate at the top -- Greg Monroe, Austin Freeman and Chris Wright. This trio combines to score more than 45 points a game. Monroe isn't your typical big man -- he plays more at the foul line than down on the blocks.
For Georgetown to be successful, Monroe has to be aggressive. In two of their three losses, he has failed to take more than nine shots. But in the last two games, wins over Pitt and Rutgers, Monroe has taken 14 and 12, respectively, and G'town cruised to victory in both games.
As for Wright and Freeman, they're both good 3-point shooters so Syracuse is going to have to extend the zone. Wright has especially been hot -- he's averaging 18 points in the Hoyas' last eight contests. And if anyone saw Freeman's display against UConn, you know he can fill it up. His 33-point performance against the Huskies was the best Big East showing I've witnessed this season.
For Syracuse, the best game plan is to keep attacking. Georgetown has a short bench, and if any starter gets in foul trouble, the Hoyas may start reeling.
In fact, in their three losses, Georgetown's bench averaged just 4 points per game.
Defensively, Georgetown is excellent, as proven by second-half shutdowns of UConn and Villanova. But the Hoyas will have their hands full with the Orange, who have five, nearly six, players averaging in double figures. It'll be interesting to see who guards Wes Johnson -- Freeman and guard Jason Clark are too small, while starting forward Julian Vaughn is too slow. I'd expect a lot of double teams to come Johnson's way.
Defensively, Syracuse must play a full 40 minutes. Georgetown has been a second-half team this year, facing large first-half deficits against UConn and Nova, only to battle back and win the UConn game, while being narrowly edged by the Wildcats.
Against Marquette, Syracuse looked complacent with a 16-point lead and let the Golden Eagles back in the game with some lackadaisical D. No lead is good enough against the Hoyas. But, with the magnitude of this rivaly, I would be shocked if the 'Cuse gets complacent at any point during the game.
I expect a close, physical game tonight. If it's a run-and-gun shootout, advantage SU. If it's a low-scoring, slowdown game, advantage Hoyas.
Either way, this matchup has all the makings of a Big East classic. Let's see if the Syracuse-Georgetown rivalry still has some heat.
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 20, 2010 12:17 PM:
But a more fun debate at tourney time could be whether the Orange deserve a No. 1 seed. Now, there's a lot of basketball to be played but as of the moment, Syracuse has one of the best resumes in the nation.
RealTimeRPI.com has Syracuse at No. 1 while Ken Pomeroy's ratings have the 'Cuse's RPI at No. 4. CollegeRPI.com has them at 2.
In terms of actual bracket projections, ESPN's Bracketology guru Joe Lunardi has SU a one seed, as does CollegeRPI.com.
And all those weasels that complain about Syracuse not leaving home in the non-conference -- meaning all the lazy analysts who just don't want to do their homework -- the Orange have one of the top strength of schedules in the country too. Right now, they're ranked anywhere from seventh to 10th. (Here's my beef. Everybody whines that MSG is a home game for SU, but apparently when the Orange play Florida in Tampa, that's not a road game. Give me a break)
The numbers project out well for Syracuse. That S.O.S. won't dip any, and we'll see how much the computers value the Big East when the Orange pick up a few more losses. But overall, unless Syracuse goes in a tailspin, I see it competing for a hallowed No. 1 seed in the NCAA tourney until the very end of the season.
- Day "
OrangePeels22 wrote on Jan 18, 2010 11:59 AM:
-Huge win against WV on the road. That was a game they should have actually been won by 10-12 points.
-Why was 'Cuse not pressing or having a player up, when WV was rolling the ball up the court in the last minute to even the last 10 seconds of the game?? They play a guy up, they take 2-5 extra seconds off the clock.
-Again I thought there was poor officiating as well. Those charges were "Aronious!" Way too many of those for a Big East game. College hoops also needs to implement that circle underneath the basket like they do in the NBA for no call fouls.
-What as happened to AO??!! He seems very slow, very lethargic on the floor lately.
-If 'Cuse can win tonight against ND (Which they haven't won there since '06), it only helps build that resume and confidence. Plus it doesnt get any easier with Marguete and Georgetown coming to the dome for their next 2 games. "
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 18, 2010 11:54 AM:
Here's the scoop with Notre Dame. Luke Harangody is the best scorer in the Big East. You can't stop him, you can only slow him. He's going to get his 20 points and 10 boards by just showing up.
What Syracuse has to do is worry about everybody else.
As with Notre Dame most years, they jack a lot of 3s. Thus, the games are always unpredictable.
Syracuse, once again, has the edge in athleticism and size, but if the Irish get hot from behind the arc, there might be no stopping them.
So, I think this game goes in one of two directions.
1. Notre Dame struggles against the long SU zone and can't buy a bucket. The Orange open the first half clumsily, build a moderate lead and cruise to a 5 to 10 point win. Or...
2. Notre Dame hits 8 first-half 3s, opens up a 15-point halftime lead. SU battles back in the second half, only to lose close because Notre Dame is a good free throw shooting team.
In my mind, those are the options. The Joyce Center is always a difficult place to play -- just ask West Virginia -- and a win there would be huge. But SU has to clean up the turnovers and on defense, find the shooters -- i.e. Ben Hansbrough and Tim Abromaitis.
Also, keep on eye on Arinze Onuaku. For some reason, he usually plays his best against Harangody. In fact, A.O. has outplayed Gody in the last two meetings. Weird, right.
Big Monday folks, it doesn't get any better than this. Enjoy the comedic stylings of McDonough, Bilas and Raftery.
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 16, 2010 10:34 PM:
- Brandon Triche grew up right before our eyes. He went from awful (three turnovers in first few minutes) to the best player on the floor (late three-point play and put-back).
- A.O. and Rick can be physical when they want to be. This is frustrating because some games -- i.e. Rutgers -- they play like they're made of glass.
- How can Bob Huggins get away with dressing like he's a youth soccer coach? Really, Bob? A wind suit? Someone get Huggs to Joseph A. Bank, stat.
- Andy Rautins is Syracuse's most important player. Yes, Wes Johnson will be a lottery pick and is a freak of nature athletically. But Andy does everything on the floor, and I guarantee if he didn't foul out in the final minutes, the game wouldn't have gotten so close.
- Are you serious with all those charge calls? What, was Shane Battier on the floor? You don't even have to have your feet set any more to draw a charge. From what I can tell, all you have to do is flop to the floor like you've been shot. C'mon refs, don't reward someone for playing lazy defense.
- What is it about Syracuse that it always likes to make games interesting? There were definitely some major heart palpitations felt throughout Orange nation in the final minute of that game.
- A buddy of mine proposed this -- can we start referring to Kris Joseph as "Air Canada." I like it. I think we can get this to catch on.
What a tremendous start to a three-game road swing. But things don't get any easier, with Monday's pit stop in South Bend -- the Irish are always nasty at home. Any predictions for that one? I'll have mine on game day. Until then, enjoy the football.
- Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Jan 5, 2010 10:24 AM:
OrangePeels22 wrote on Jan 5, 2010 9:29 AM:
Pitt is a good team, but i thought poor officiating played a huge role in Syracuses loss to Pitt Saturday. "
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 4, 2010 11:24 AM:
For those of you who missed my "Top 10 games of the decade" column, here it is -- http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2009/12/27/sports/sports01.txt
Now, onto the debacle that was the Pitt game. And seriously, who couldn't call this one. Pitt absolutely owns Syracuse. It's like the Yankees and Red Sox pre-2004. It doesn't matter how good the Orange are, they just can't beat the Panthers. So what is this, the curse of Brandin Knight? Of Chevy Troutman? Maybe it's karma for those two Jeremy McNeil free throws that clearly never were intended to go in back in that epic game in 2003.
Anyways, Syracuse has been brought back down to earth. No longer are they an "elite" team. They're good, but not great. The supposedly great teams they beat -- North Carolina, Florida, Cal -- haven't done much since playing 'Cuse. UNC has no marquee wins, Florida dropped swiftly from the rankings and Cal isn't even an NCAA tourney team.
So was Syracuse really as good as it looked or was it a product of poor competition? We'll find out for sure as the Big East schedule unfolds.
In the meantime, I have a five point plan for the Orange to get them back on a winning track:
1. Stop gambling. No not at Turning Stone. On defense. Sure, this team led the nation in steals early on, but Big East teams just aren't going to be that careless with the basketball. So stop playing for the steal and just play good D. The Orange are gambling too much on defense and it's leaving too many wide open shots for the competition.
2. Mixed Martial Arts lessons for A.O. and Rick Jackson. Someone's got to toughen them up.
3. More Wes Johnson. That's easy to say, considering he's the focal point of every opposing defense. But SU should get Wes the ball more on the block. He can post up any defender, and either turn and slash to the hoop or turn and shoot a jumper. He's actually more efficient when he has his back to the basket than when he's facing up at the 3-point line.
4. More screens for Rautins. Look, Andy isn't an All-American like Johnson, but he's the team's most important player. The Orange go as he goes. And lately, he's been struggling. But if history shows us anything, it's that all Rautins needs is one big game to find a groove. He hasn't seen many uncontested shots lately, so Jim Boeheim has to draw up some more plays for SU's sharpshooter and get him out of this slump. Without a consistent 3-point threat, Syracuse is much easier to defend. Just ask Pitt.
5. Revisit the Le Moyne game. Well, there's not need to watch the game film. But revisit the experience. Because it seemed to be the best thing to happen to the 'Cuse. They opened the regular season with a flurry, winning 13 straight following the exhibition loss to the Dolphins. The Pitt game can act as a similar catalyst. It's possibly the wake-up call SU needs. For a couple months they've been hearing how great they are -- from ESPN's talking heads, and me, of course. But against Pitt, they were utterly embarrassed. It's time to wake up and return to the type of play that vaulted Syracuse into that "elite" group of teams.
Memphis will be a good test on Wednesday. The Tigers don't have many scorers but they defend and will get physical. It's pretty much a Big East game, which is what Syracuse needs right now. The Orange need to win a game and in a physical way. There's no room for finesse in the Big East. You have to bump and claw your way to wins. Syracuse has to change its style of play, and fast. Physicality wins out in 90 percent of Big East games. And at the moment, the Orange just aren't tough enough.
- Day "
OrangeFan wrote on Dec 29, 2009 3:44 PM:
PitinosValentine wrote on Dec 27, 2009 11:26 PM:
uncleoneflop wrote on Dec 27, 2009 7:00 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Dec 22, 2009 1:50 PM:
OrangeFan, i don't think it's time to panic at all. Syracuse didn't look particularly sharp the past two games, you're right, but they still won going away in both instances.
Look, it's not easy to get up for St. Francis or St. Bonaventure, especially when they come off the heels of Florida.
It'll be easier for the players to get fired up for Big East opponents.
Syracuse annually plays to the level of competition. Always have, probably always will. We've already seen that this year -- their best games came against UNC and Cal. I wouldn't worry about their recent play.
As for the Big East, I think the Orange's biggest competition comes from West Virginia, Villanova and Georgetown. Pitt is way down, UConn has been plenty erratic and Louisville has a bunch of good players but nobody great.
The thing that separates Syracuse this year is defense. The Orange can beat you on both ends of the court, they don't have to rely on just outscoring you. I seriously think they'll challenge for a Big East title and if players stay healthy, a top 3 seed in the NCAA tourney.
- Day "
OrangePeels22 wrote on Dec 21, 2009 1:43 PM:
OrangeFan wrote on Dec 20, 2009 11:33 AM:
Orange Slices wrote on Dec 16, 2009 3:36 PM:
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Dec 15, 2009 4:29 PM:
And this takes us into an even greater discussion about rankings and how worthless they actually are.
If we want to have true rankings, then we should do away with preseason rankings. This applies to college football as well.
If the first Top-25 came out this week, you're right, Syracuse would probably be No. 1, 2 or 3. But since the Orange started the season unranked, it takes them longer to climb up the standings.
Just look at what happened when Syracuse beat Cal and UNC in back-to-back games -- it made the second biggest leap in AP poll history and still didn't even crack the top 10. Voters won't put Syracuse ahead of certain teams just because they started the season ranked ahead of the Orange.
Take Purdue for example. Sure, they beat Tennessee but they barely escaped against Alabama and haven't looked nearly as impressive as the 'Cuse.
But voters won't put Syracuse ahead of them just because Purdue hasn't lost yet.
Find me someone in the country, outside of Indiana, who thinks that Purdue has been more impressive than Syracuse. But the Boilermakers get the benefit of the doubt because they started the year ranked in the top 10 and Syracuse didn't.
This is an even bigger problem in college football. Simply put, Cincinnati, TCU and Boise State aren't playing for the national championship because Alabama and Texas are perceived as the better teams, and have been since the preseason. TCU, Cincy and Boise aren't going to jump Bama and Texas in the polls unless they lose, which wasn't the case.
Of course, rankings don't mean nearly that much in college bball, but it's a fun debate nonetheless.
Syracuse WILL NOT jump Kansas, Kentucky, Purdue or Texas unless one of those four teams lose or unless the voters get some guts.
I mean, come on, Bob Knight said Syracuse is the No. 1 team in the country. And if we know one thing about Bob, he doesn't just talk to hear himself listen. He believes it.
So really, who am I to argue with Bob Knight? I'll take him at his word.
- Day "
OrangePeels22 wrote on Dec 14, 2009 2:53 PM:
1) Syracuse. Overall record: 10-0 Record against top 25 teams: 3-0. Margin of victory over top 25 teams: 16.1 points. Margin of victory against unranked opponents: 30.85.
2) Kentucky. Overall record: 10-0 Record against top 25 teams: 2-0. Margin of victory over top 25 teams: 2.5 points. Margin of victory against unranked opponents: 16.625. Key Note: Kentucky beat Miami (OH) by 2, beat Stanford by 8 in OT, and beat Sam Houston St. by 10.
3) Kansas. Overall record: 9-0. Record against top 25 teams: 1-0. Margin of victory over top 25 teams: 2 points. Margin of victory against unranked opponents: 34. Key Note: Kansas beat Memphis at home by 2 and a weak UCLA team on the road by 12.
4) Texas. Overall record: 8-0. Record against top 25 teams: 0-0. Margin of victory over top 25 teams: n/a. Margin of victory against unranked opponents: 27.875. Key note: Texas as yet to play a ranked team, but will take on UNC and Michigan St. in the next week and a half.
5) Purdue. Overall record: 9-0. Record against top 25 teams: 1-0. Margin of victory over top 25 teams: 1 point. Margin of victory against unranked opponents: 20.75. Key Note: Purdue beat a Tennessee team by 1 (who is over ranked anyway) and also beat a weak Alabama @ 'Bama by 8 points.
I would even place West Virginia and/or Duke in the top 5. "
Orange Slices wrote on Dec 11, 2009 11:51 AM:
I'm trying to look at this team and find its weaknesses -- where it might slip up -- but I really can't find much. Syracuse has won games with the 3-pointer, with the fast break, with its defense and now, with rebounding. This is without a doubt the most multi-dimensional Syracuse team I have ever watched. Completely agree with you guys, top-five team no question, and a legitimate title contender.
It's still early in the season, and we all know the pitfalls of a Big East schedule, but I don't see too many losses in Syracuse's immediate future.
- Day "
OrangePeels22 wrote on Dec 11, 2009 10:38 AM:
OrangeFan wrote on Dec 10, 2009 6:42 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Nov 21, 2009 12:12 AM:
- Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Nov 20, 2009 5:51 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Nov 18, 2009 12:09 PM:
And another thing, where are all those weasels that used to slam Boeheim for scheduled cupcakes in the nonconference schedule. Where they at now? SU plays No. 13 Cal, then either North Carolina or Ohio State, then has a home game with Cornell, who just went on the road to beat Alabama.
Who has a tougher three-game stretch than that? What now, Gottlieb?
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Nov 10, 2009 1:07 PM:
SYRACUSE -- Less then five minutes into Syracuse’s season opener, freshman Brandon Triche committed the first turnover of his college basketball career. In transition, Triche threw an alley oop to a streaking Wes Johnson, but the pass was two high and a fast-break opportunity was wasted.
Jim Boeheim didn’t like this at all.
The Syracuse head coach pivoted to his left, yelled in disbelief and did his best David Beckham impersonation, kicking a warm-up jacket into the scorer’s table.
The hall-of-famer still has that fire.
The Orange picked up their first win of the season, 75-43 over Albany Monday night, and Boeheim opened his 34th season with his 800th career win. He joins Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski and Connecticut’s Jim Calhoun as the only active Division I coaches to reach the milestone.
Coach K and former teammate Dave Bing each recorded messages for Boeheim that were played on the Carrier Dome video boards following the game.
“Keep doing your thing,” Krzyzewski said. “It’s what you do as well as anybody.”
At 64, Boeheim has shown no signs of slowing down. Longtime assistant Mike Hopkins is the de facto replacement, but doesn’t look to be taking over the program any time soon.
From the look of him Boeheim isn’t going anywhere.
He’s his same old self.
He’s still a screamer. He’s still got a short leash when it comes to mistakes. He’s still ornery with the media.
Yup, same old Boeheim.
And true to form, he didn’t seem comfortable when discussing the historic win. While addressing the crowd in a short postgame ceremony, Boeheim deferred much of the credit.
“I’d like to thank all the players over the years, all the coaches,” he said. “And a special thanks for the guy who’s sat next to me for 800 wins, Bernie Fine.
Boeheim better be up to the challenge this season because he’s got a team that has yet to be defined. Gone are Jonny Flynn, Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris. That leaves the role of go-to scorer up for grabs.
Johnson looks like a prime candidate, though his jumper was off against he Great Danes. Andy Rautins could also be a big-time point producer, but he’s struggled from long range as well.
The strength of this team is also unknown.
I’d like to say defense -- with a back line of Johnson, Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson, you’ve got some big trees to navigate through.
But Syracuse’s defense was its main problem in an exhibition loss to Division II Le Moyne College. The 2-3 zone looked good Monday night, though I could argue that a bulk of Albany’s 32 turnovers were self-induced.
In his speech, Boeheim even acknowledged that this team needs a lot of work.
“I guarantee you one thing. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re going to give you all we’ve got, this year and every year,” he said.
This season is more of a puzzle than most. Boeheim has many talented pieces, though it may be a struggle at times trying to fit them together.
There was a certain simplicity last season. Give the ball to Flynn or Devendorf and let them create.
It’s not that simple now.
But let’s not kid ourselves -- with 800 wins now in his back pocket, Boeheim isn’t going to see anything this year he hasn’t seen before.
And that’s what’s so great about college athletics. Whether it be football or basketball, the coaches are the stars. From Joe Paterno to Bobby Bowden, from Coach K to Roy Williams, the coaches in Division I sports are the constants. Players come and go, but most coaches stick around for a decade or so. There’s more loyalty in college than in the pros. Coaches are given the opportunity to build a program.
Some do it from the ground up.
And though Syracuse already had a strong basketball tradition when Jimmy B took over, he has elevated the ’Cuse to a completely different level.
“I also want to thank (the fans) for making this the toughest place in the country to play,” he said in his postgame speech.
Syracuse is now known for two things -- snow and basketball.
The latter can be credited to a certain hall-of-fame coach who may or may not look like he’s enjoying himself.
But trust me, he is.
-Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Nov 10, 2009 10:31 AM:
uncleoneflop wrote on Nov 7, 2009 3:07 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Oct 12, 2009 1:30 AM:
- Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Oct 11, 2009 4:30 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:22 PM:
- Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Oct 8, 2009 11:28 AM:
Orange Slices wrote on Oct 6, 2009 11:25 AM:
Paulus spent the past four years playing Division I basketball at Duke. He wasn't the greatest athlete, so he got by on his smarts, his grit and his never-say-die attitude. Basketball is a sport where you rarely get yourself in trouble for trying to do too much. Well, the same can't be said for football.
I think this is what's hurting Greg. He's the type of player that prides himself on never taking plays off. That may work on the bball court, but not on the football field. Sometimes, the best play is throwing the ball away. Take your medicine, throw the ball out of bounds, and move on. It's not giving up. It's playing smart.
I believe Paulus is trying to do too much on the field. He's forcing passes when he doesn't need to, leading to more interceptions.
We saw this in the season opener, when he was picked in the end zone in overtime. If he had just thrown the ball out of the back of the end zone, Syracuse would have kicked a field goal and might very well have won the game.
The quicker that Paulus learns that less is more, the better he'll be.
Don't get me wrong, he's having a good season, especially for someone who hadn't played football for 4-plus years. But he's a few throws away from being great. And Syracuse is a few throws away from being 3-2, not 2-3.
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Sep 26, 2009 12:30 PM:
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Sep 24, 2009 3:57 PM:
- Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Sep 16, 2009 11:57 PM:
New season, new coach, new quarterback ... same outcome.
But not really.
Yes, the Syracuse football team is off to ANOTHER 0-2 start, but this one is different. Syracuse lost to a BCS school -- Minnesota -- in overtime in the opener, then lost by 21 points in Happy Valley. Twenty-one points is probably considered a blowout, but figure this. The Orange held Penn State to one touchdown each quarter -- no more, no less. They covered the 29-point spread and their defense held Penn State to less than 100 yards rushing.
That's a victory my friends.
Now, it's not time to pop the champagne. But there has been much improvement. You get rid of a few dropped passes, and SU beats the Gophers and plays the Nittany Lions to within two touchdowns.
In my preseason column, I asked for just one thing -- keep the games close. So far, so good.
The Penn State game wasn't exactly close, but it was much better than last year's absolute drubbing at the hands of JoePa and company at the Dome.
So I'm pleasantly surprised. The Cuse is by no means a bowl team, but I have a feeling that they'll knock off someone big in the Big East.
I'm going with Pitt. Just a hunch.
- Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Jul 31, 2009 5:55 PM:
FS II wrote on May 18, 2009 8:47 AM:
uncleoneflop wrote on May 15, 2009 11:08 AM:
Orange Slices wrote on May 14, 2009 4:33 PM:
(Sarcasm, folks. It's a wonderful thing)
I have a problem with the Syracuse football team "leasing" Greg Paulus' services for a year.
Will it make them better? Probably.
Will it make them a top-tier team? No.
Paulus was a prize recruit out of CBA, and if the Orange snagged him then -- in 2004 -- then it would've been time to rejoice.
But now? He's been out of football for four years. The arm strength is probably still there. So are the instincts.
But when he takes the field this fall, he'll be a freshman. He's never played against Division I talent -- not on the football field anyways.
There will be a learning curve, heck, it make take most of the season for him to get comfortable.
And that's all well and good for most freshman. But not for a one-and-done guy. He'll probably gone before he fully grasps the offense.
I also don't like this move because it goes against everything Doug Marrone has preached since he was hired.
Marrone has said all the right things so far. He's all about loyalty to the Syracuse community, and he's all about loyalty to his players.
He practically bleeds orange, and that's what has made him so appealing.
But this move doesn't jive with what he's been saying.
Marrone will say that Paulus will have to compete for the starting job, but c'mon, he's not coming to SU to ride the bench. He'll be the starting QB.
This bumps current starter Ryan Nassib, who was named the Orange's starting QB by Marrone early in spring practice.
What does this say to guys like Nassib, or last year's starter Cam Dantley?
We appreciate your dedication and all the work you've put in, but you're getting benched for a past prodigy who hasn't taken a snap in four years. That's got to really boost your confidence. (Again, sarcasm people)
Let's be clear, Paulus may get Syracuse one or two more wins, but this isn't a football move. It's a PR move.
With Paulus behind center, Syracuse will have more games on ESPN and more cameras at media day. The Orange will move from the bottom line to the highlight reel.
If Greg Robinson is still in charge, I like this move. But not with Marrone.
This season should signify a new start for Syracuse football. Marrone should be building this program from the bottom up, and instilling a new passion among the players and fans.
Instead, SU pulled a New York Yankees and went out and got the big name free agent.
Will it work? I clearly have my doubts, but I hope it does. It would be an unbelievable story -- Paulus returns to his hometown and turns around a reeling program.
I'll admit, this move isn't a risk in terms of results. Syracuse isn't a worse team with Paulus as its QB.
But I think it's risky for Marrone, who will face all the backlash if this gamble fails. And that's not a risk I'd be willing to take in my first year on the job.
- Ryan Day "
FS II wrote on Apr 18, 2009 10:30 AM:
Orange Slices wrote on Apr 17, 2009 2:51 PM:
That's not a bad rotation. Don't forget, Scoop was a pretty good point guard two years ago. He's not much of a scorer but he's an above average ball-handler and distributor. Plus, I anticipate a big season from Jackson -- I think he'll eclipse A.O. as SU's premiere post player.
Long story short, Syracuse lost a heck of a lot of talent, but not all hope is lost. The Orange have a great recruiting class and will have the most formidable frontcourt in the Big East in Jackson and A.O. Plus, they'll have the conference's best shooter -- Rautins.
Somebody will have to become a leader though. Flynn and Devo filled that role this past season. I think Rautins is the logical choice, and I've heard a lot of good things about Johnson. So I remain optimistic.
Syracuse could have been the favorite to win a championship. Without Flynn, Devo and Paul Harris, the Orange might not be a top-five team like many SU fans envisioned, but they're still a top-25 squad. So don't expect a complete fall-off -- Syracuse will be one of the Big East's top teams next season, I guarantee it.
- Ryan Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Apr 14, 2009 11:05 AM:
OrangeFan wrote on Apr 9, 2009 9:56 PM:
What bothers me is that Jonny Flynn, Paul Harris, and Eric Devendorf are all leaving for the NBA draft. Quite frankly, Harris doesn't make sense at all. He's not an established shooter or passer. He doesn't really have any defined position and the NBA is really only a place for true centers, true point guards, etc. Plus even though Harris is a good rebounder, he's still not that tall and he really won't rebound against the NBA players so him leaving makes no sense to me at all. Devendorf also makes no sense at all! He's a good 3 point shooter, not great like Andy Rautins, but still pretty good. But that is not going to get him very far in the NBA, he will have to drive the hoop more often and when he does that already in the College game he often gets rejected because he makes bad decisions and lots of turnovers so I don't see him even getting into the NBA unless he stays in the Developmental League forever only to play like 10 minutes in his career. Flynn is the only one that kind of makes sense although I still think he's leaving a year too soon. He really is awesome at everything in basketball except his 3 point shooting could use a little more work but other than that I can see this kid being like a Nate Robinson, small but still a great talented player. Well, what looked like we could look forward to a possible national championship team next season looks now like it could be a .500 team without these 3 guys... What's your take Orange Slices? "
uncleoneflop wrote on Mar 30, 2009 3:34 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 28, 2009 12:05 AM:
...Who the heck where's sleeves while playing basketball.
Really? Tony Crocker? The sleeve-wearing Sooner drilled six 3s and scored a career-high 28 points against Syracuse. Oh, and might I add that he went scoreless last game against Michigan.
That's about right.
Aside from Oklahoma's onslaught from 3 and it's man-child inside, Syracuse just never looked comfortable in this game. Rautins and Devendorf missed wide open looks early, and the 2-3 zone looked stagnant from the game's first possession.
They just looked dead. I mean, there's no excuse for that. If you can't get up for a Sweet 16 game, what can you get up for? This looked like the SU team that lost to Pitt and Nova midway through the season, not the team that beat UConn and West Virginia in the Big East tourney.
Syracuse shot poorly, sure, but this game was lost at the defensive end. The Orange's recent surge has be predicated by defense -- they somehow transformed from a medicore defensive team to a great defensive team in just a few weeks.
But that wasn't the case against Oklahoma.
Too many open looks, too many offensive rebounds and not enough hustle. It's a shame that such an extraordinary run ended in such a whimper.
On a side note, how about Jonny Flynn? That kid is in pain and still slices up the Sooners' defense. What a fighter. For the sake of Syracuse fans, and college basketball fans everywhere, I hope he comes back to school. The college game is better off because of guys like Flynn.
- Ryan Day "
BarackObama wrote on Mar 27, 2009 9:29 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 23, 2009 12:36 PM:
Listen, the Orange played like crap against Stephen F. Austin, but that's typical Syracuse -- they play to the level of competition. It may not have looked pretty, but it resulted in a win.
As for the ASU game, I thought Syracuse looked great. A.O. and Rick got involved, Devo and Rautins found their shots and Flynn didn't have to do too much, other than distribute.
Hey, I hear your gripe about Paul Harris, but right now SU doesn't need him to score. And that's a good thing.
Jim Boeheim needs two things out of Harris at this point in the season -- rebounding and defense. If he throws down a fast break dunk or hits a mid-range jumper every now and then that's fine, but offensively I'd prefer it if the ball wasn't in his hands.
Offense has never been a problem this season, so I wouldn't go messing with it now.
Plus, Paul has ripped down 23 rebounds in two games, so lets not bury the guy just yet.
Against Oklahoma, the key won't be stopping Blake Griffin, mainly because it can't be done. Griffin is the BEST player in college basketball. So you spot him his 25 points and 15 rebounds and focus on stopping everybody else.
Willie Warren is my main concern. He's the most overlooked freshman in the country, and in my opinion, better than Memphis' Tyreke Evans. He's hit 63 3s and is a dangerous slasher. Tony "Sleeves" Crocker is also a lanky perimeter player with the ability to cut through the lane.
The zone should force Griffin to work a little harder, but he'll find a way to get his points. Stopping the guards is the key -- you've got to hope they don't go off from behind the arc.
Right now, Syracuse is peaking -- the Orange are playing their best basketball of the season, especially defensively. Offensively, Rick has never looked better and A.O. is finally healthy.
I do like Syracuse's chances against Oklahoma, mainly because the Orange have so many offensive weapons. As for North Carolina, I think Syracuse matches up fairly well, only because the Tar Heels play zero defense. With that said, UNC is the best offensive team in the country. Nobody wants to play them right now.
But Oklahoma is first up, and I like the matchup. Remember, don't worry about Blake, he's going to get his points and rebounds. The key is stopping everyone else. And if Syracuse plays the 2-3 zone like it has for the past eight games, the Orange might just live to see another day.
- Ryan Day "
OrangeFan wrote on Mar 22, 2009 6:33 PM:
Its great that we beat up on Stephen F. Austin (whoever the heck that is) and shut down James Harden and Arizona State but I still think we aren't playing as good basketball as we were at the Garden last week. Don't get me wrong, we're not terrible (although we did look pretty bad especially in the 2nd half against SFA) but we definitely could be better. Paul Harris has turned into a total ghost on the team. He's hardly involved anymore in our game plan. Any time he gets the ball, he always passes it up or takes a stupid long range jumper which rarely goes in. I miss him taking it to the basket for thunderous slam dunks but now he barely even scores anymore. He doesn't get assists and he just isn't the same Paul Harris that he used to be, at least he's rebounding right now but that's about it, because of a lack of Harris and with Kristof not feeling well, we only really have 5 guys who are playing well right now (Flynn, Devo, Jackson, AO, and Rautins). I still say that Paul Harris will be the X factor if he gets involved in the game against Oklahoma, they'll have too many people to guard and we will overpower them, but if Harris is quiet again we might have our season end in the Sweet 16 this year. I wish that Jackson and Onuaku would stop getting into foul trouble especially when they're gonna have to stop Blake Griffin on friday which is their toughest test of the year. Well I still think if we play our game we will beat Oklahoma, but what will we do against North Carolina??? HELP US ORANGE SLICES!!! "
uncleoneflop wrote on Mar 18, 2009 9:03 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 13, 2009 4:31 PM:
I'm tired, and I didn't even play last night.
Whether you're a Syracuse fan, a UConn fan or just a college basketball fan, you have to appreciate what transpired last night at the Garden.
That was something special. And definitely the best basketball game I've ever seen.
It took the Orange six overtimes to trump the Huskies in what has to be the greatest Big East game of all time.
It had everything.
- A game-winner that wasn't.
- Clutch free throws and not-so-clutch free throws.
- Two point guards absolutely taking over the game.
- Key players fouling out
- Walk-ons playing critical minutes.
That was like two games in one, and it left everybody in disbelief.
Some of my favorite moments:
- A.O. knocking down those two free throws late in regulation. Those were huge.
- Jonny Flynn taking it right at Hasheem "The Dream" Thabeet in overtime, forcing him to pick up his fifth foul.
- Paul Harris missing two straight layups that would have put the game away, and Jim Boeheim's reaction on the sideline (I thought he was going to have a heart attack).
- The postgame press conference, which turned into a comedy routine between Jimmy B and Harris.
The only question now is how will Syracuse respond tonight against West Virginia. Luckily, A.O, Rick Jackson and Kristof Ongenaet got plenty of rest because each fouled out relatively early, but I've got to believe that Jonny and Paul will be running on fumes.
But either way, win or lose, this Big East Tournament will be a memorable one for the 'Cuse.
- Ryan Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Mar 12, 2009 10:47 AM:
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:23 AM:
- Arinze Onuaku instigating a brief spat by waving his hand in a defender's face.
- Kristof Ongenaet was intentionally fouled, which led to a "meeting of the minds" by both teams, during which Eric Devendorf and Eugene Harvey exchanged some words and some pushes.
- After all the fracas had calmed down, Devo continued to fan the flames by jawing at Seton Hall players and showboating after every made shot.
It was quite the scene at the Garden. And while some will have you think that this type of behavior is unacceptable on the basketball court, I say it was the perfect catalyst for Syracuse.
The Orange have dealt with motivational issues all season. They've seemed flat too many times, and I've chastised players like Onuaku and Paul Harris for being mentally weak.
Call me crazy, but I liked seeing A.O. fired up and getting in some dude's face. And when Devo came to Kristof's defense, I knew this was something that would fire up the entire team -- and it did. SU quickly went on a 17-3 run.
Syracuse is a team that needs a little more emotion, especially tonight against UConn. I don't condone fighting, but if a little smack talk fires them up, hey, I'm all for it. The Orange need as much confidence as they can get, especially with Hasheem Thabeet guarding the interior tonight. I'm not suggesting they pick any fights, but the Orange have to take it at "The Dream" full throttle.
And if someone on the Huskies mistakenly fires up Devendorf, well, Syracuse just may be primed for the upset.
- Ryan Day "
CuseInDaHouse via Boston wrote on Mar 6, 2009 1:33 PM:
Rutgers probably played like that in the first half, but Cuse was setting the table for them by playing putrid offense and seemingly stinking up the dome...
I like your thoughts on the Marquette game...
What are your thoughts for the NCAA Tourney. Are we playing for seeding now? And how high do you think we can get pending certain performances in the NCAAs? Can you break down scenarios for us?
p.s. A reference to both the ShamWOW and the Snuggie in the 1st two stanzas of your last post... I thought I was watching cable television at 1AM... You are quickly becoming a Poor Man's Bill Simmons! ... WHat??? I said Bill Simmons.... "
Orange Slices wrote on Mar 6, 2009 12:54 PM:
There's no doubting that the Golden Eagles will be fired up Saturday because it's senior day and they've lost three straight.
But Villanova's win over Providence Thursday night guaranteed the Wildcats that coveted fourth seed in the Big East, meaning Marquette has already locked up the fifth spot and has nothing to play for but pride against the Orange.
But Syracuse has a ton to play for.
Think about this, if the Big East Championship started today, Syracuse would get the sixth seed and play the winner of Seton Hall and South Florida on Wednesday. But if the Orange lose to Marquette, they'd fall to the seventh seed and potentially play Notre Dame.
I don't care about their record, I would want no part of the Fighting Irish. They can shoot lights out on any given night. That six seed would be crucial for SU.
So I think it's great that Syracuse has momentum and some added confidence, but it probably won't be enough against a hungry Marquette team.
Syracuse has put together three stellar defensive performances in a row -- for any avid SU observer, that seems about two too many.
And while I did enjoy "The Paul Harris Show" against Rutgers, I wouldn't bet on him just yet. In fact, I'm guessing he'll pull a Barbaro against Marquette. (Too soon?)
On a side note, I have a bad feeling about you this week Aaron. This better not be the last time we see you. Duck and cover bro.
- Ryan Day "
Aaron Pierce wrote on Mar 5, 2009 2:51 PM:
• There's only one word to describe the first half against Rutgers: Shamwow. Why? Because the Orange really sucked up the Dome.
• I don't know what happened at halftime, but I'm sure glad it did. Devendorf was so cold I ordered him a Snuggy to warm him up in Marquette. But he's carried the Orange on the scoresheet the last couple games, so you can't blame him for an off day. The key is that someone needed step up – which didn't happen during Cuse's losing streak. This time, someone did. Thank you, Secretariat. Or was that Paul Harris? Tough to tell. Nice to see Rautins heat up too.
• Aside from Harris' antics, the "garbage" minutes at the end of the game were the most exciting part of the night. You can't help but feel great for guys like Thomas and Presutti. I'm a huge fan of Presutti simply because he drains the deep ball the same way I do – a little kiss off the window. You know all of CNY was smiling as that shot caught twine. I mean, even Jimmy B was showing off his pearly whites, and I haven't seen those since Craig Forth graduated.
• I'm really going to miss Ongenaet next year. He plays with such passion it'll be hard to replace that shot of energy when he's gone. You can tell he gives the entire team a huge lift. I get so fired up just sitting at my house that sometimes I go do karate in the garage just to let off some steam.
Now, to defer to the expert, what should we expect for the Marquette game? The Orange have clinched the coveted Tuesday bye at MSG, and can't climb higher than sixth. It's almost a must-win for Marquette, who's lost three in a row. Granted, they were all to top-10 teams, but they won't want to close the season on a four-game skid, especially at home. With the swagger back on the side of Syracuse, I fear they might be due for a softsational performance?? "
uncleoneflop wrote on Mar 2, 2009 10:07 AM:
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 24, 2009 1:13 AM:
Syracuse, simply, cannot close out opponents. The Orange took a brief lead in the second half against Nova, and instead of taking control, gave up an immediate 10-0 run.
Are you serious? That is not what good teams do.
I give a ton of credit to Jay Wright. He recruits guys with high basketball IQs and it shows. Syracuse recruits spectacular athletes who don't always make smart decisions. I guess it's a trade-off, but right now it's not working in SU's favor.
I said it in my preseason column, Arinze Onuaku is this team's most important player. Flynn is the best, but AO is the most valuable. When he's healthy, he's an immovable force underneath. Nobody can stop that baby hook.
And I don't care who's guarding him -- GET HIM THE BALL. Find a way to get the rock to AO. I mean c'mon, he is leading the nation in field goal percentage. I don't care if he's operating at 10 percent or 99 percent, get him the ball on the post and he'll score. It's that simple.
Obviously, there are far too many problems to name right now. But I say a lot more AO, and a lot less dribbling sounds like a pretty good game plan down the stretch.
Remember, Syracuse is in the tournament right now. Sure, they can play their way out. But right now, if they just take care of business, they'll be fine. Get used to the term "must-win" because that applies to Syracuse's next three games.
Enjoy.
- Ryan Day "
uncleoneflop wrote on Feb 23, 2009 4:59 PM:
CuseInDaHouse via Boston wrote on Feb 23, 2009 12:06 PM:
I think the last thing we want is to give the committee ANY reason to think twice or have to 'make a decision' on Syracuse. We have seen where that has gotten us... "
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 19, 2009 12:29 PM:
I know Boeheim gets on his players, but getting in Harris' face or yanking him from a game in the first minute probably isn't the best way to handle him. You risk Harris checking out mentally for the rest of the game.
Boeheim has sort of zapped Paul's confidence, and that's not good for SU, a team that absolutely thrives when Harris is posting double-doubles.
Now, I don't want to make excuses for Harris. He needs to be mentally stronger and definitely needs to stop pouting, which he does often.
But I also think Boeheim needs to adapt his coaching with certain players. Some you can scream at, others you have to be calm with. There's clearly plenty of animosity between the two, and that must change down the home stretch if Syracuse is going to make any kind of run.
- Ryan Day "
CuseInDaHouse via Boston wrote on Feb 18, 2009 3:24 PM:
Nice story on SI about Cuse. Orange Sizzle - aka Ryan Day called this article when he told me that his father John Day was sitting next to an SI writer at the game (ironically on RD's normal seat)... Foreshadow Much...? "
OrangeFan wrote on Feb 17, 2009 10:31 PM:
1. That Georgetown game at home was WAY too close! To only win that in overtime just shows how badly all these consecutive losses have crippled us mentally. I mean a win is a win and now win is better than when it comes to GTOWN whether their ranked or not, its still sweet. Maybe it will propel us into the Villanova game with some confidence. Lots of confidence = great success in College Basketball.
2. Jonny Flynn and Eric Devendorf have really stepped it up. But WHERE IS PAUL HARRIS??? You know for a former 5 star recruit, your really stinking up the Dome lately! GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!!! Even if everybody else is playing well, its still nice to have Harris playing well because when he's on, he really lights the place up and that makes the Cuse win big ballgames!
3. Devendorf, if your reading this, then I have something to tell you... STOP TRAVELING AND MAKING THOSE STUPID PASSES TO NOBODY WHEN YOUR UP IN THE AIR YOU DUMMY!!! Jeez I mean your talented and all and you get lots of big points but you just have way too many turnovers to the point that if you suddenly stop scoring then you become a liability rather than an asset on the team!
4. That "flagrant technical" on Kristof was total crap! They missed DaJuan Summers hacking Kristof before hand.
5. I feel good about the rest of our schedule. We can beat Nova on Sunday and then we got St. John's (WIN), Cincy (should be WIN), Rutgers (WIN), and Marquette may not even matter which means we could win and it would be great but losing won't damage us. Things are starting to look bright for the Pride of the Orange! "
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 14, 2009 9:30 AM:
But there's no use sulking about it now. Like my man Danny Fara says, "what happened, happened."
Now, Georgetown is next on the list of "must-win" games. The Hoyas are only 4-7 in conference, but you can throw out the numbers when they play the 'Cuse.
Let's face facts, if Syracuse loses to Georgetown then you can bid adieu to the NCAA tournament. At 2-6 in their last eight games, the Orange need to turn the fail-safe key immediately.
Syracuse does have three marquee wins -- Memphis, Kansas, Florida -- but it hasn't beaten anyone of substance in the Big East. For the most part, Syracuse has beat who it's supposed to beat and lost to who it's supposed to lose to.
And that's not good enough.
It's tough not having a healthy Arinze Onuaku, but there's still enough talent to challenge the powers in the league. But for some reason or another, Syracuse just hasn't done it.
A loss today would be crippling. SU needs to stay above .500 in the league and it NEEDS to beat the Big East teams below them in the standings.
But maybe worse, a loss today would completely deplete Syracuse of any confidence it has left.
Let's not kid ourselves. If Syracuse loses to Georgetown, they'll be Christian Shephard. They may not look dead. They may not act dead.
But they're dead. Oh, they're dead.
- Ryan Day "
Jack Shephard wrote on Feb 12, 2009 10:53 AM:
• There's no shame in falling to the No. 1 team on the road. But after a strong, energetic first half, it was tough to watch the Orange literally throw away opportunities. It would have been less painful to watch my DVD of Bonds on Bonds.
• Eric Devendorf travels on the court like Charlotte Lewis travels through time – way too often and your brain hurts after each trip.
• I know Arinze is going to miss his free throws, but et tu Jonny? You're better than that.
• What on earth was Boeheim thinking? Was his gameplan really to attack Hasheem Thebeast inside? How many times does he have to block you before you realize there's just no room? Am I the only one who noticed that the offense was clicking when the Orange moved the ball around and set up open looks instead of driving inside and getting manhandled? Let's bring in Cpt. "Sully" Sullenberger. At least we know he can make the best out of something that's crashing. (Too soon?)
• On a positive note Krystof looked AWESOME. He impressed me all night, with the exception of one or two miscues. But he showed more fire and energy than anyone on the floor. He was EVERYWHERE on defense and was a large reason for UConn's 20 turnovers.
• Losers in 5 of their last 6, I just hope the Orange can make like Jin (SPOILER ALERT) and come back from the dead. "
Orange Slices wrote on Feb 4, 2009 12:31 PM:
Riding a three-game losing streak, Syracuse needs a win tonight against West Virginia, for multiple reasons.
1. Confidence - a win over the Mountaineers would get the Orange back on track and might mentally propel them into road games at Villanova and UConn. A loss could cripple this team mentally, and a three-game skid could very easily turn into a six-game slide.
2. Respect - SU, once ranked as high as eighth in the country, is now a mid-level squad that isn't getting any dap even in its own building. The 20th-ranked Orange are underdogs against the unranked Mountaineers. You read that correctly, West Virginia is a one-point favorite IN THE CARRIER DOME. This never used to happen. Syracuse needs a win to garner more national attention and improve its stock come selection time.
3. Standings - it's assumed that SU will be in a battle with West Virginia, Notre Dame, Georgetown and possibly Providence for the eighth and ninth seeds in the
Big East Tournament. This is huge, considering the field has been expanded this year. The ninth seed will have to play an extra day down in New York City, and win five straight games (impossible) to win the whole shabang, while the eighth seed will get a first-round bye. The Orange currently sit at No. 7 in the Big East, while the Mountaineers at No. 8. This season, there's a world of difference between being the eighth and ninth seed in the Big East.
West Virginia is a great defensive team, but it's no Louisville. To me, the key is Paul Harris. Harris hasn't had a double-double in three games. Not coincidentally, Syracuse hasn't won in three games.
When Harris is on, meaning he's getting to the foul line, he's rebounding and he's knocking down the 15-footer, he's unstoppable. It also opens up driving lanes for Jonny Flynn and Eric Devendorf.
We're not sure how effective Rautins or Onuaku will be tonight, both are still fighting off the effects of injuries. This should be Paul Harris' game to shine. Things will get physical, and West Virginia will undoubtedly key in on stopping the 3-pointer. So Harris has to take this game over. He's clearly capable. And his team desperately needs him.
- Ryan Day "
OrangeFan wrote on Feb 3, 2009 4:48 PM:
uncleoneflop wrote on Feb 3, 2009 11:42 AM:
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 29, 2009 4:27 PM:
You did get one thing right -- where was Paul Harris? Granted he didn't get the start, for reasons Boeheim is keeping to himself, but when he was in there he struggled. Harris did hit two 3s down the stretch, but his play in the first half was horrid. Harris hasn't been himself for three straight games, and that has to change quickly.
As for Boeheim, you can debate whether he should have tried to man-to-man earlier, but at some point you have to rely on the players to step up. Who's to say the man-to-man would have been any different?
Boeheim didn't blow this one people. He didn't coach his finest game, but the players didn't take it upon themselves to make a dang stop at the defensive end. How do you go from Louisville, possibly Syracuse's finest defensive game of the season, to Providence, by far their worst.
After a two-game offensive slump, it was promising to see Syracuse shoot the ball so well, especially without Rautins and a healthy A.O., but it was just as depressing to see the Friars just eat up the zone.
I do have to give some major props to Jonny, who I called out after Sunday's game. He played poorly for two straight games, and for Syracuse to get back on track, Flynn has to be the best player on the court.
Well, he was on Wednesday. And he did all he could to get SU the win.
It was a tremendous offensive performance, but you've got to play more than 50 percent of the game. That's why the Orange have been losing -- no offense against Pitt and Louisville, no defense against Providence.
And things won't get easier -- SU faces West Virginia, Villanova, Connecticut, Georgetown and Villanova -- in that order.
Where are the wins going to come from?
- Ryan Day "
djinrochester wrote on Jan 28, 2009 11:54 PM:
NIT's here we come for the 3rd year, it is unexcusable. "
OrangeFan wrote on Jan 28, 2009 5:55 PM:
dynasty11 wrote on Jan 27, 2009 6:51 PM:
The last point I want to make is that this team is extremely talented. Although the orange has struggled against some stiff competion it is not time to panic... at least not yet. With Rautins maybe hurt, Flynn getting testy with the media, Harris sulking on the bench, and no easy games in the near future the cuse has got to get a win tomorrow against the friars. A loss to Providence and the Orange suddenly seem incredibly mediocre and on the verge of yet another dissapointing season.
So lets go baby...gotta treat tomorrows game like a cuse/gtown game. ONIONS! "
phillyDC wrote on Jan 26, 2009 10:35 PM:
First and foremost, let me say happy new year to you. Now let's start in on The Orange. So as much as I like the barrage of buckets from 20'9" our boy Andy "The Dew" Rautins has been hitting lately...I can not help but scream at my television each and every time he gets the ball anywhere other than from the arc. His passing ability can only be likened to D-Nice's public speaking abilities. Can you chime in on the status of Rautins as well as how Jimmy B should utilize his bench players like Joseph and Ongenaet [and Devendorf?] now that we're getting into the thick of conference play? Will Devendorf soon be starting now that his off-court issues are behind us...
-Philly "
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 19, 2009 1:03 PM:
There's not a team in the country that plays better at home than Pittsburgh. Add to that the Panthers are coming off their first loss of the season, so you know Syracuse is in for a battle.
The Orange could not have played better in Saturday's 93-74 win over Notre Dame. Most notably, Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson were tremendous inside both offensively and defensively. That's going to have to happen again tonight, especially defensively against DeJuan Blair, who is a walking double-double.
Turnovers cost Syracuse a victory against Pitt last year, so the Orange must take care of the ball.
Sam Young is a guy to keep your eye on. He was my preseason pick for Big East player of the year, but his numbers have plummeted in conference play. I wouldn't be surprised if he snapped out of his funk tonight.
Frankly, I don't see Syracuse winning this game unless Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins have huge games. The Panthers will dominate the glass and will probably double Syracuse up on second-chance points. The only way to cancel that out is from behind the arc. Pittsburgh is a staunch defensive team, so SU's shooters are going to see hands in their faces all night.
Syracuse is probably the best offensive team in the league, but Pitt is without a doubt the best defensive team in the league. We'll know early on who's dictating the pace of the game.
If there are constant fast breaks, the advantage goes to the 'Cuse.
If it's half-court basketball, the advantage goes to Pitt.
Syracuse just has to stay in this one. The Orange fell behind way too early against Georgetown, and had no chance of fighting back against a good defensive unit in a hostile environment. SU needs to keep it close for a half, and hope a few breaks go its way in the second.
Syracuse just doesn't match up well with Pitt. The Panthers rarely turn the ball over, they crush you on the boards and they have two of the 10 best players in the league -- Young and Blair.
Syracuse is a nine-point underdog for a reason. A win tonight would be the most improbable of the year.
- Ryan Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 13, 2009 12:29 PM:
Also, Jonny's dunk in the Rutgers game not only was the No. 1 play on Sportscenter the next morning, it was the No. 2 play of the weekend on ESPN. It was only topped by an 82-foot buzzer-beater in a high school game.
Huh, buzzer-beaters. Sounds familiar.
- Ryan Day "
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 9, 2009 9:04 PM:
I think 5-5 should be the goal. Assuming they win tomorrow (which I'm not sure they will, SU never plays well at the RAC), Syracuse would be 21-6 if they make it through that stretch going .500.
It would also give them multiple wins over ranked teams. Plus, if SU picks up a road win here or there, those would be marquee wins come NCAA selection time.
Anything under .500 would be a failure in my mind, and anything over would be gravy.
But it is an unbelievably brutal stretch. I've never seen anything like it in my years watching college hoops.
- Ryan Day "
eichelberg wrote on Jan 8, 2009 8:13 PM:
Orange Slices wrote on Jan 4, 2009 2:55 PM:
"Is Andy Rautins good?"
It was a fair question. Rautins is known as a 3-point specialist, but started the season shooting poorly from long range.
My answer was yes, Rautins is good. He's one of SU's best defenders and he's a tremendous passer -- people just get caught up in the missed shots.
And, I told my buddy the shots would eventually start falling. He was getting good looks, and it's not like he was forcing up bad shots.
Well, the shots have started falling in bunches, as Rautins has connected on 16 3s in his last two games.
But still, I'm more pleased with the rest of his play. Rautins continues to surprise me. I thought he'd just be a shooter at Syracuse, and now it turns out he's the team's best defender. He's great in man-to-man and at the top of the zone.
Seriously, he gambles a lot, but he's quick, lanky and picks up a few key steals a game. Andy Rautins is much more than just a shooter.
And with Rautins catching fire, Syracuse is a match-up nightmare. You can play them zone, but Rautins, Devo and Flynn will kill you on 3s.
You can play them man, but Flynn will be able to get to the basket or distribute to Rick Jackson and Arinze Onuaku for easy buckets.
The Orange aren't great defensively and they're terrible on the glass, but with Rautins playing at this level, there's few teams in the country that can match SU's offensive firepower. Actually, maybe only one -- North Carolina.
- Ryan Day " "