Year 47 of the Jim Boeheim era at Syracuse got off to an excellent start last night. SU dominated start to finish against Lehigh in a 90-72 win. The Orange had eleven different players connect on a field goal against the Mountain Hawks. Despite the balanced effort, three players have separated themselves from the pack.
Judah Mintz
Whatever rust the true freshman had to shake off from the second preseason game against SNHU, he definitely shook it off. Mintz flashed everything about the “unorthodox game” he possesses and showed everyone why he was so highly sought after on the recruiting trail.
The Maryland native scored 16 points in 26 minutes of action. The 6’3 point guard showcased the plethora of ways he can score. Mintz hit nylon off the dribble, driving to the rack, and at the free throw line as well with a perfect 4-4 performance. The hype should only continue to build around Syracuse’s young stunna.
Jesse Edwards
The center has come back from the wrist injury last February and really elevated his game. Edwards filled out his frame and was relentless in the gym over the summer. Now the 7-footer looks like a dominant force in the paint.
The Dutchman scored 18 points, which he only did four times last season, and snared 21 rebounds. Edwards only racked up a pair of double-doubles last season and through one game he already has one.
Another impressive attribute to the big mans start is his efficiency. Edwards was 5-8 from the field which means he was converting on most of the chances given to him. Granted, it’s extremely hard to miss when you have wide open jams in the paint or runaway flushes in transition.
Hey what’s not easy is finishing 8-10 at the charity stripe. That’s 80% and yeah it’s only one contest, but Edwards was just a 60% shooter from the line last season.
Joe Girard III
Staying along the trend of returners, the transition from point guard to shooting guard has been mutually beneficial for both JG3 and SU Hoops. The Glens Falls, N.Y. product averaged 16 point per game between the two exhibition games and he didn’t slow down against the Mountain Hawks.
The Jerry West Award watch list honoree totaled 19 points with a 4-6 showing from beyond the arc. Additionally, the former point guard was 5-5 from the free throw line and dished three assists. It’s clear there’s an established chemistry between Girard and Edwards. Now Mintz is picking his spots and filling in where needed by hunting his shot and turning defense into offense.
