Former Fizz is a new interview series where we talk with previous Orange Fizz staff writers about Syracuse sports from when they were on campus. Topics include specific players and games, special memories and of course Jim Boeheim throughout the years. You can listen to all of the episodes on the Orange Fizz SoundCloud or orangefizz.net.
On this episode, Dave Van Moffaert joins in on the fun. Dave is currently working for the MLB/NHL Network and called Syracuse University home from 2009-2012. He remembers Wes Johnson commanding the court and Chandler Jones dominating the field. The interview is below, followed by an abbreviated Q&A from the discussion. We hope you enjoy!
QUESTION: What was it like being a student during such a great stretch for Syracuse Basketball?
ANSWER: It was the golden age for Syracuse Basketball when you look back on it. In the tournament, they were a number one seed twice and a three seed the other year. When I first got there, they weren’t supposed to be great, but Wesley Johnson came in and was a superstar. The deepest team was my senior year of 2011-2012.
QUESTION: What were your thoughts on Big East basketball and how Syracuse left it for the ACC?
ANSWER: I grew up as a UCONN fan, so I watched Big East basketball all the time. There were so many good teams and there was so much history. So when Syracuse switched over, the Big East kind of fell apart. Plus, the ACC doesn’t have as much hatred and rivalry.
QUESTION: What team from the old Big East do you hate the most?
ANSWER: The answer most Syracuse fans say is Georgetown, but the way I grew up I just didn’t like Villanova. I don’t know why, but I have never liked them.
QUESTION: If you could put together a starting five of Syracuse basketball players that played while you were a student, who would be in it?
ANSWER: Dion Waiters, Brandon Triche, Wesley Johnson, CJ Fair, Fab Melo
QUESTION: What were some of the big name recruits Syracuse Football brought in while you were a student?
ANSWER: Wayne Morgan was a big name, four-star recruit. Also Ritchy Desir, Julian Whigham and George Moore were some good recruits I followed and got to talk to.
QUESTION: Who were some of the star players for Syracuse Football?
ANSWER: Number one has to be Chandler Jones because he legit took over games and was a first round pick. His brother, Arthur Jones, was also very good. Offensively, Ryan Nassib was playing while I was there and he is one of the best quarterbacks in SU history. Delone Carter in the backfield was also a great weapon.
QUESTION: What was the feeling like on campus when Syracuse Football was going into a bowl game?
ANSWER: There was a lot of people that didn’t even like football that were still excited for the Pinstripe Bowl and went to the game because it was so close.
QUESTION: What are your opinions on Doug Marrone when he was at Syracuse?
ANSWER: Marrone was a well-respected coach. He surrounded himself with a lot of great assistant coaches as well.
