Perhaps things are slowly starting to click for Kaleb Joseph.
The freshman point guard scored 13 points in the 69-61 win over Boston College on Tuesday night, but nine of those points came from the free throw line. That statistic right there is solid proof of Joseph driving more to the basket and drawing fouls.
Like he did in Syracuse’s loss to Clemson on Saturday, Joseph has become more aggressive and driving through lanes to get to the basket, rather than simply dishing the ball to players who don’t have as good of looks.
“That’s something me and Coach G-Mac (McNamara) have been talking about a lot,” Joseph said. “He told me that’s the next step I have to take in my game.”
Sophomore Ron Patterson has been able to get some more playing time recently due to the freshmen mistakes Joseph has been making. To his credit, Joseph has cut down big time on his turnovers, but Boeheim still credits the Nashua, N.H. native with good plays while still needing to improve.
“He was much better in the second half,” Boeheim said. “He made some really good plays and he’s learning.”
Boeheim went onto say with Joseph, he can do one thing really well and the next thing could be horrendous.
It is all part of growing up and being a better overall player. For Joseph, his comfort level is expanding.
Even Boston College junior guard Olivier Hanlan had noticed good things about Joseph.
“He’s pretty good,” Hanlan said. “He’s good at managing the team. He doesn’t have all the pressure in the world on him. I feel like he did a good job in terns of controlling this team and running the plays and getting guys open shots. He’s making good decisions down the stretch.”
Syracuse enters the tough stretch of the ACC on Saturday at home against Miami.
Posted:  Austin Pollack
