DaJuan Coleman is enjoying the best three game stretch of his career. While that has drawn some headlines, Syracuse is 1-2 in its last three games and that fact is receiving much more attention.
For now, let’s give Coleman his due.
Against Wisconsin, the center was Syracuse’s best and most consistent scoring option. He made five baskets and hit two free throws to finish with 12 points in Madison.
The graduate student followed that performance up by putting in a career high 15 points against North Florida in the Dome.
Syracuse’s most recent game was Coleman’s best though. Against Connecticut Monday night, Coleman was a beast. He finished with 10 points and had a career high 16 rebounds in the 52-50 defeat.
That’s the key word though, defeat. Coleman’s playing well for Syracuse, but lately he hasn’t received very much help.
“I don’t care how well I played because we lost,” Coleman said after the UConn game. “That’s not good for the team. We lost, so there’s still work to do.”
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In games one through four for Syracuse, Frank Howard and John Gillon looked capable of filling the void left by Michael Gbinije. Now there is some cause for concern.
Yes, there have been bright spots for these two players in the last few games. Howard scored in double figures against North Florida and Gillon did the same against Wisconsin. Buuuuut, the bad has outweighed the good lately. By a mile.
Howard was 0-9 from the field versus UConn. 0%. Zilch. Nada. Nothing.
Outside of the Carrier Dome, the sophomore is shooting 26% from the field. That number needs to get better.
You’d think with Howard struggling, Gillon’s numbers would improve, but that hasn’t happened.
The grad-transfer has not scored since the Wisconsin game. He went 0-4 against UConn and did not attempt a shot against North Florida in 11 minutes.
As a point guard not scoring is fine, but there need to be assists. Looking at Gillon’s last four games for Syracuse he has 13 points, ten assists and nine turnovers.
Sure, it’s too early to panic. But if DaJuan Coleman is Syracuse’s best offensive player, it’s going to be a long season.
Posted: Connor Morrissette
