Photo credit: Syracuse.com/ Syracuse Post-Standard
Disappointed by a 14 point win over Akron? It’s cool, that’s what basketball season is for!
The idea that one can judge a team by it’s performance in an exhibition game is silly to say the least.
But there was some pretty cool stuff going on Sunday at the Carrier Dome.
The class of 2013 shined, James Southerland (pictured) specifically looked great, and Scoop Jardine proved that not ordering philly cheese steaks is a good idea.
Fifteen pounds lighter, the sophomore looked quick. He anticipated the action plays ahead, and ended up with a double-double because of it.
The most interesting subplot of this season will be the Triche and Jardine duo. Both have said they don’t care who starts, but both bring different things to the table.
Jardine is the quicker, sneakier point guard who excels in transition.
Triche is the bigger guy who can play over the top of the defense, shoot, and keep the turnovers down.
It makes for a good dynamic and will keep them both fresh, but is most certainly a departure from the last few years, when the team’s point guard was guaranteed 35-plus minutes a night.
As for Southerland, it took him a while to get on campus (damn you SATs!) but he looks comfortable in a spot that’s filled with experienced guys.
And from beyond the arc: 5-5. Even Gerry McNamara looked impressed from the bench.
Two incoming recruits look ready to contribute, and a team might be ready to do just a little more than replace three starters.
So when you’re gritting your teeth on Saturday during the Cincinnati game, just think of the hurting this team will put on LeMoyne the following Tuesday. It might make you feel better.
Maybe.
