Fizz 5: Why Jim Boeheim is Smiling & How His Team Grew from Scandal
D.A. | Dec 21, 2011 | Comments 9
Kevin Rivoli/AP
Syracuse has easily dispatched another inferior opponent in Bucknell and run its record to 12-0. But can we learn anything with big wins against overmatched teams like the Bison? Absolutely. SU seems a lock to hang on to the #1 ranking for another week or three. The Orange has sent both tough teams and cupcakes home without much drama. But here are the five most important lessons so far of the non-conference season. It’s the first ever hoops Fizz 5.
1. This team is loaded with scoring.
Having depth is one thing. Having a depth of scorers like the Orange is entirely different. Of the games SU has lost in recent years, there’s been the occasional defensive implosion (Seton Hall going bombs away in the Dome last year). But more often it’s from a lack of offense. The few consistent scorers for SU (Kris Joseph, Scoop) have gone cold at times. That’s not a problem this year.
- Follow The Fizz on Twitter for live updates from SU hoops games
Specifically, Joseph and Jardine are more consistent this season because they’ve added range and consistency to their jumpers, and are better finishing at the rim. Dion Waiters emergence as an “I can score whenever I want” player has completely changed this team. Any college squad with three solid scorers is set. But SU is just getting started. James Southerland’s scoring bursts are no joke. The guy can shoot and because of his size/length, can get his shot off over almost anyone. Brandon Triche can dominate in stretches, which suddenly is good enough because he’s not relied on to score. CJ Fair’s offensive game has evolved (added range, much improved handle, still makes the little plays). Fab Melo can do damage inside, while every other game Baye Keita does insane work on the offensive glass. And then there’s the two McDonald’s All-Americans. Good luck getting all those guys to go cold on one night.
2. That’s great, but defense wins championships.
Jim Boeheim’s best teams over the last 15 years were the ’03 National Championship team (duh) and the ’10 team derailed by AO’s quad injury. They were not coincidentally also his best defensive teams. They played the zone better than other editions. Longtime SU observers believe there are stretches where this team’s defensive prowess is the best they’ve ever seen. Within the team there was clearly a focus in the off-season to become better individual defenders. The most improved is Waiters, who last year was below average as a defender at best. A close second is the newly aggressive Melo, who can be a game changer in the middle.
It’s also mathematic. The ’10 zone was so good because of its length. The wings were 6’9” Rick Jackson and 6’9” Wes Johnson (who has a 7’4” wingspan) surrounding a 6’11” Arinze Onuaku. The guards were a 6’4” Brandon Triche and a 6’5” Andy Rautins, who knew how to jump passing lanes as well as anyone. A zone defense is designed to have players cover areas. The way to beat it is to find the space in between. With guys who cover that much ground, there isn’t any space. This year’s zone is nearly as big and the pieces are continually coming together. If they stay invested on that end, look out New Orleans.
3. Fab has to adjust defensively.
Right now, Melo challenges every jump shot he can get to, but leaves his feet to do so. It hasn’t bitten him yet, but the book to beat him will soon be shot fake city in the middle of the zone. This would mean: Option A – Foul trouble as guys run into him. Option B – Teammates get in foul trouble as opponents drive past an airborn Fab and they have to help. Option C – Help doesn’t come and there’s open shots. The adjustment is simple – be selective. Challenge what you can, jab at other shooters and make them think about it.
4. Maaaaaaan… we talkin bout practice!
Who’s the best squad Syracuse will play between now and Marquette (1/11)? Correct answer: the second team. The most underrated part of SU’s depth is the intensity of its practices. Last year Scoop was being guarded by Brandon Reese in practice. This year it’s Michael Carter-Williams, who would be a starter on nearly any other top 25 team. SU’s practices are more competitive than nearly any other team in the country, and it’ll pay dividends. The eyes of guys like Jardine light up when you ask him about the intensity of practice.
5. Yeah I’ll say it. The scandal helped on the floor.
The Bernie Fine scandal unquestionably has been a negative for the university. But, from a pure basketball perspective there’s a net positive. It brought a relatively tight team even closer to block out the surrounding chaos. It removed Fine and opened up a spot for Gerry McNamara. Remember, Fine didn’t recruit a single player on the SU roster. Many relationships are built during recruiting, and outside of Fab did any player really have a close relationship with Fine?
More importantly, it slid McNamara into a “real” coach slot. College kids don’t like listening to guys in their 60’s and 70’s. Hall of Famer Boeheim is one thing. The guy’s a legend. But a staff of younger coaches (Hop, Autry, GMac), who can connect with the players more authentically, can only be a positive. There is a “cool” factor to McNamara for many of the younger athletes on this team, especially for guards hanging on his every word.
Simply put, this team is nasty. Nothing is guaranteed, but all the pieces are there for a Final Four run. SU has veteran leadership (specifically at the guard spots), a great defense, and a balanced offensive attack. Is it too early to say “Final Four or bust?” Maybe. But, its not unreasonable either.
Posted: Craig Hoffman
6’11” Arinze Onuaku? Huh, maybe 6’8′ish……good article otherwise
What difference does a couple of inches make? The way Arinze played in the middle,seemed to me like he was 9’6″ tall. He played with passion and showed us all the love he had for the game.
This Syracuse Squad is good,and I mean really good. The only difference, between this squa and the 2013 squad is the depth of the bench. They can run,play defense,have multiple scores and are fun to watch play the game.
After we got Fab Melo last year I made a statement saying(within the next 3 years)that Syracuse would win another National Championship. This could be the year.
Nice article to boot. Keep up the nice work.
GO CUSE
This team will be playing defense even better than the ’10 team come season end. So much length and athleticism and the depth just means we have enough top notch guys to go hard defensively all game long.
The way this team is shutting down those key perimeter shooters is the best I have ever seen out of a Boeheim Zone, I cant wait to see what we can do against those teams that always get us like Louisville, Pitt and Marquette.
NUMBER 1 BABY, GO CUSE
Great article. Top to bottom this is one of JB’s best teams ever. In terms of top tier talent, I still think the 1989 team may have been his best. It had Coleman, Owens and Sherman Douglas in the starting lineup. This team may be just behind that one. The 2003 team was led by SU’s best player since Dave Bing (and Melo may go down as being even better by the time his career’s over) but there were no other NBA guys on the team. Josh Pace has made some money overseas, but no one else really did much professionally. Having Gerry on the staff now does make a difference. It’s not just the “cool factor” though. It’s also the banner in the Dome, the pictures in the Melo Center and all over campus. Gerry is basically a folk hero in CNY and for good reason. As JB has said, “Gerry’s hit a few shots in his time.” The 2010 team was a great team that got screwed by fate. If AO doesn’t get hurt, the 2010 trophy is in the Melo Center. JB clearly learned something about big man depth from that team, as he has quality center options behind AO. In 2010, it was Ricky playing out of position dropping the ball all game long against Butler, and DaShonte’, who really wasn’t ready. He got pushed around and generally juked when he got some PT in the second half of the GTown game in DC that year. This year’s team may have better top to bottom depth than even the 1989 team. I hear critics say there is no “great” player on this team. I disagree. Dion will be a lottery pick, and according to Fran Fraschilla, will be a better pro than college player. Kris will be a first round pick, Fab will be a lottery pick, and the other guys, it is too soon to tell, but you might be able to field an NBA starting lineup from this year’s team in about 5 years. I keep hoping the light will go on in Brandon’s head, but am starting to become skeptical. With confidence, the sky’s the limit for Brandon. With C.J., MCW and Rakeem, it’s going to depend on their development over the next couple of years. Scoop might make an NBA team, but I suspect he’ll be a second round pick. Bottom line as far as we are concerned: this is a deep, talented team that can score in many different ways and defend. As long as they keep their focus and things keep going as they are, they should have a nice NCAA seeding, and then will need to go on the only 6 game winning streak that matters. They have the talent to cut down the nets in New Orleans. They just need to keep focused. The rebounding needs to be better though. They will need to create TOs against teams like Pitt or they could have problems. If the rebounding improves a bit (they struggled against N.C. State at times), then there’s little else to complain about unless they fall in love with the 3 pointer and don’t remain aggressive.
2003 had Anthony, warrick (NBA)
Am I the only one excited about the George Morris signing?! Based on everything I’ve read up to this point it sounds as if his stock is rising and may ultimately be a 4 star after all the all star games are played out. I also like the last name especially given the previous running back who’s last name was Morris.
Not that I’m huge on the rating system but it gives Marrone a little more clout in terms of how he is fairing during his 3rd recruiting class.
The ’89 team didn’t have Owens
Thanks all for reading and the kind words. AO is officially listed at 6’9″, but I’ve stood next to the guy. He’s massive. He feels like he’s 6’11″ and is at the very least 6’10″.
Skin – thoughtful as always. Totally agree with you on Dion. When his head’s on straight (which is happening way more often) he’s as unstoppable as anyone in CBB.
Andy – your point is spot on. The zone almost looks like a 3-2 at times b/c they wings are covering the 3 point line so well. It’s really impressive and so unique to any 2-3 I’ve ever seen.
Jesse – We’ll definitely have more on Morris ASAP. We’re thrilled. All of us are really high on him. The kid’s a beast.
[...] Public Boeheim 2 Melo 0 Syracuse Scouting Report: Tulane Boeheim Declines Comment on Lawsuit Why Boeheim is Smiling and How Team Grew from Scandal 3 Keys to Remaining #1 Scoop Setting Tone for Unselfish [...]