Jim Boeheim started off Syracuse basketball’s annual media day claiming that he, “wasn’t aware,” he had named Michael Gbinije the team’s starting point guard. CBSSports’ Jon Rothstein reported that news on Twitter earlier this week. The longer the day went on it became clear that Boeheim does indeed plan to roll with Gbinije at the one though.
When asked directly if he’ll start at the point Gbinije said, “so far, yes.”
He went on to say, “I’m excited first and foremost. I feel comfortable in this position…I’m just going to go out there and play my game, get others involved. Hopefully we’ll have a successful season.”
In addition to starting at the point guard spot, Gbinije is also a leader for Syracuse as a fifth year senior.
“I do kind of feel like it’s my team this year, but I also have to remember it’s a team game as well. I just want to get things going and be a leader out there and just play hard and everybody else will follow.”
As Gbinije alluded to, assistant coach Gerry McNamara expects the fifth year senior to lead by simply working hard, showing others the way.
“Michael and Trevor, they’ve never been rah-rah guys and that’s fine…I think one of the greatest attributes someone can have…is you have guys that lead by example. These guys come in everyday and they work their tails off…[Cooney and Gbinije] have earned the right to be in the positions their in.”
Gbinije may not be the most vocal player, but when he speaks up it’s going to mean something this year according to McNamara.
“When you hear [Gbinije] everybody sits back and it’s like wow I might want to listen to this.”
Look for Gbinije to have a major influence on the team this season when Boeheim isn’t on the sideline. He’s one of SU’s leaders and is primed for a big-time senior year.
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
