For five years, Syracuse fans have searched for answers.
Why has one of college basketball’s proudest programs missed the NCAA Tournament five straight times? Was it NIL? The transfer portal? Was it coaching?
The answer is probably some combination of all of those things.
But listening to Tyus Battle speak this week to Mike Waters on “Inside Syracuse Basketball,” it feels like the people inside the program have identified another issue.
Competitiveness.
Battle was asked what he wants Syracuse basketball to be. His answer was immediate.
“You have to be the most competitive team on the floor.”
That sounds a lot like what Syracuse fans have been hearing ever since Gerry McNamara arrived.
McNamara talks about competitors. He recently praised Gavin Doty by calling him a “maniac competitor.”
When discussing his roster, G-Mac repeatedly references toughness, effort, commitment and winning habits. Now Battle is echoing that.
Syracuse fans knew something was off. The Orange certainly didn’t have a parade of NBA lottery picks during the last five seasons. But there were plenty of nights when losses piled up against mediocre opponents.
Too many games where the energy wasn’t there. Too many second halves where Syracuse got punched in the mouth and never punched back. Too many defensive possessions where assignments are blown.
Too many moments where the Orange didn’t seem connected to one another, or the coaching staff.
The frustration wasn’t always losing. It was how some of the losses looked.
Later in the interview, Battle expanded on what he believes fans want from the program.
“People want to see a winning program, a program that plays with pride.”
Then came perhaps the most important line.
“Even if you don’t win, you just want to be ultimate competitors.”
Correct.
The thing Syracuse fans have been craving. Central New York is a tough place. You don’t survive these winters without some grit. The fans appreciate effort and tenacity. This program has been lacking that.
For years, Syracuse fans have said something felt missing.
Tyus Battle may have just put a name to it.
Competition.
And if he’s right, bringing it back could be the most important rebuild of all.
