Bourama Sidibe

[RF2044]

Then why does SU continue to recruit players like him, given that their
player development has not consistently turned that type of athlete into
a solid college player? I don't want "athletes learning how to play the
game" at the position, I don't want to think about putting Junior and his
career 4 rpg in the Ivy League at the position, nor Swider and his 2.5 rpg
there either. SU has enough trouble rebounding and playing D at the
position already. And honestly, those thinking that Sidibe was last year
going to be great or this year is going to be serviceable, I think you're
reaching. He is a guy who had a string of six good games at the end of
his junior year, and had put together a grand total of eight good games for
the rest of his career, half of which were against such hoop powerhouses
as Colgate (twice), Niagara, and Oakland. I don't see what he's done to
drive expectations that he's was going to be a solid player last year or
this. I think SU'd be far better off riding Jessie Edwards into the
ground, and going to recruit someone like Myles Johnson of Rutgers, who's
now at UCLA. The dude is 6'11", 265 lbs, and goes for running two year
averages of 8p/8r/2b per. He came out of HS listed at 6'9", 245 lbs, and
ranked like 300th, but SU has to go and find the skinniest kids at the
position they can find, and then can't coach them up to be able to play?
This is from the coach constantly, "he's not ready". Your JOB is to get
them ready, correct? Then the other parts of the job, winning, bringing
in revenue/exposure for the school, get easier.

Sidibe is a good student-athlete, school rep, ambassador of the game,
and other stuff, I just don't think he's someone you can count on to
contribute much, and it's unfortunate that he's had such physical issues.

Kev

Why? Because he has immense physical tools. Million dollar athleticism, but 10 cent feel for the game. He was a worthwhile gamble because quality bigs don't grow on trees. Him needing some seasoning to bring his understanding of what he's supposed to do out there isn't a knock on the player or our coaches.

Sure, it would have been great if he had been ready to come in and contribute day 1. If he had, then he probably would have been a McD's AA type, with his thoroughbred athleticism, and he probably have ended up at a blue blood.

I think people need to think about him like Etan Thomas. Elite athlete, didn't have a clue how to play the game when he arrived on the hill. By his second year, he was starting caliber. It is doubtful that Frank will follow that steep trajectory -- all indications are that he might need another year. But if he ends up being a quality two year starter, you're really going to complain about that?

He's not "the skinniest kid" -- he's big, strong, and fast. Now, he needs to bring his hoops IQ up to the level of those impressive athletic attributes.

 

[RF2044]

hearing anything about Sid and whether they think he'll be able to contribute?

Not more than is being reported. He's still recovering, and with his track record of injuries, it is tough to expect him to be ready. Fingers crossed -- but anything we get from him is gravy.

 

[pearl31]

Not more than is being reported. He's still recovering, and with his track record of injuries, it is tough to expect him to be ready. Fingers crossed -- but anything we get from him is gravy.

thx RF

 

[CuseFaninVT]

Why? Because he has immense physical tools. Million dollar athleticism, but 10 cent feel for the game. He was a worthwhile gamble because quality bigs don't grow on trees. Him needing some seasoning to bring his understanding of what he's supposed to do out there isn't a knock on the player or our coaches.

Sure, it would have been great if he had been ready to come in and contribute day 1. If he had, then he probably would have been a McD's AA type, with his thoroughbred athleticism, and he probably have ended up at a blue blood.

I think people need to think about him like Etan Thomas. Elite athlete, didn't have a clue how to play the game when he arrived on the hill. By his second year, he was starting caliber. It is doubtful that Frank will follow that steep trajectory -- all indications are that he might need another year. But if he ends up being a quality two year starter, you're really going to complain about that?

He's not "the skinniest kid" -- he's big, strong, and fast. Now, he needs to bring his hoops IQ up to the level of those impressive athletic attributes.

Why in the world did we get him to reclass then? Honestly, I don't understand some of the decisions made up there.

 

[RF2044]

Why in the world did we get him to reclass then? Honestly, I don't understand some of the decisions made up there.

He was a late add. The decision to reclassify was from Anselem's camp. We just took advantage, gambling on potential.

 

[althea]

Honestly, I don't understand some of the decisions made up there.

When you say "up there", I assume you mean Jim Boeheim's brain. Is it because you don't have all of the information or you think some of the decisions are wrong?

 

[KevMonstah]

If I'm covering what all I want for a center recruit, it's not outrageous:

Have some idea of post offense, shot-blocking, and rebounding. Be able to catch the
ball, turn, and put it up. Other aspects should be picked up in HS for a big guy: dunk
everything, reject everything, rebound everything. If you're the biggest guy on the
court, play like it.

I don't want a kid who doesn't have a clue of post play, because the player development
of Cs with the staff hasn't been up to par.

I don't want a kid who's way undersized, because the strength training of the program
doesn't seem to be up to par either.

They shouldn't be bringing in the same types of kids over and over when they've
shown little ability to turn them into a success. Let those kids go to teams outside
the top 100.

However, if a center-god chooses the orange, I'll have no complaints on that. And I was
very happy with Sidibe as a recruit. He gave you that one tantalizing game vs Pitt,
despite being a physical wreck, and sadly was unable to really match that for 2 years. That
really sucked.

And I'll add this: yes, I think some of the decisions are wrong. I think it is too
much of an ask for a center to be responsible for corner threes, and then to take the
blame when the team doesn't rebound. You will be good at one or the other, but not
both, unless you're the right type of player. And that should not be the determining
factor on whether or not you want the recruit. Just like the end all be all of a PG is not
"is he six five, to play at the top of the zone?"

 

[walsh2012]

He’s going to become the victory cigar

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

If I'm covering what all I want for a center recruit, it's not outrageous:

Have some idea of post offense, shot-blocking, and rebounding. Be able to catch the
ball, turn, and put it up. Other aspects should be picked up in HS for a big guy: dunk
everything, reject everything, rebound everything. If you're the biggest guy on the
court, play like it.

I don't want a kid who doesn't have a clue of post play, because the player development
of Cs with the staff hasn't been up to par.

I don't want a kid who's way undersized, because the strength training of the program
doesn't seem to be up to par either.

They shouldn't be bringing in the same types of kids over and over when they've
shown little ability to turn them into a success. Let those kids go to teams outside
the top 100.

However, if a center-god chooses the orange, I'll have no complaints on that. And I was
very happy with Sidibe as a recruit. He gave you that one tantalizing game vs Pitt,
despite being a physical wreck, and sadly was unable to really match that for 2 years. That
really sucked.

And I'll add this: yes, I think some of the decisions are wrong. I think it is too
much of an ask for a center to be responsible for corner threes, and then to take the
blame when the team doesn't rebound. You will be good at one or the other, but not
both, unless you're the right type of player. And that should not be the determining
factor on whether or not you want the recruit. Just like the end all be all of a PG is not
"is he six five, to play at the top of the zone?"

Then open up your wallet and match the bags that’s Kentucky, Duke, UNC LSU, Kansas, Arizona, etc., throw out there.
Next, line up the co-eds who will entertain the recruits like some of the other schools.
Lastly, convince them that Syracuse isn’t all that cold and snowy from November through April.
Once you do that, SU will be on even footing for the types of bigs you want on campus.
It all starts with your wallet. As a fan I want to thank you in advance for the recruiting turnaround that is sure to follow your generosity.

 

[KevMonstah]

i wonder how much was offered to arinze or to that myles johnson dude. had a concept how
to play, was physically developed, ... and ended up at ... Rutgers? he considered ivy league
schools too. that doesn't seem that difficult to get the center i'd like, cuz it has been done
before by SU.

how they got fab melo, i have no idea, nor rakeem.

but there is a vast difference between a top C prospect in HS and a bench full of 6'9"-6'10"
skinny kids who aren't "ready".

 

[RF2044]

i wonder how much was offered to arinze or to that myles johnson dude. had a concept how
to play, was physically developed, ... and ended up at ... Rutgers? he considered ivy league
schools too. that doesn't seem that difficult to get the center i'd like, cuz it has been done
before by SU.

how they got fab melo, i have no idea, nor rakeem.

but there is a vast difference between a top C prospect in HS and a bench full of 6'9"-6'10"
skinny kids who aren't "ready".

Not sure why you keep insinuating that Anselem is "skinny" -- he arrived at 6-9 220 pounds, and has gained muscle since.

So, comparatively speaking, he's quite a bit different that many of the centers we've recruited.

 

[althea]

i wonder how much was offered to arinze or to that myles johnson dude. had a concept how
to play, was physically developed, ... and ended up at ... Rutgers? he considered ivy league
schools too. that doesn't seem that difficult to get the center i'd like, cuz it has been done
before by SU.

how they got fab melo, i have no idea, nor rakeem.

but there is a vast difference between a top C prospect in HS and a bench full of 6'9"-6'10"
skinny kids who aren't "ready".

Arinze was not a top prospect out of high school, he had one red-shirt year and eventually developed into a very good player.

 

[dasher]

First, Sid will play this year unless he gets hurt again. If the season started now, he would be playing.

 

[CuseFaninVT]

First, Sid will play this year unless he gets hurt again. If the season started now, he would be playing.

From all reports, he actually hasn't even started playing yet. So your statement appears to be wishful thinking at best. I don't believe he's even been cleared to play.

 

[dasher]

From all reports, he actually hasn't even started playing yet. So your statement appears to be wishful thinking at best. I don't believe he's even been cleared to play.

We will see. I wouldn't just say it. You should know that.

 

[FRANKIEFAN]

Its fine to have him in the mix but Edwards was excellent in the NCAAT and a hobbled upperclassman with limited mobility should not play over Jesse. I don't think Edwards shortcomings really matter either now that we can see how much range he has defensively. Anselem should be second at the 1. I think he showed enough to be backup center second year in the program. If Sid takes time away from Frankie thats fine but Edwards can't be given the JB doghouse treatment in favor of Sid IMO.

There isn't a second of PT available at the 4 for our centers behind Swider and JBJr.

 

[UnderHisOwnPower]

Its fine to have him in the mix but Edwards was excellent in the NCAAT and a hobbled upperclassman with limited mobility should not play over Jesse. I don't think Edwards shortcomings really matter either now that we can see how much range he has defensively. Anselem should be second at the 1. I think he showed enough to be backup center second year in the program. If Sid takes time away from Frankie thats fine but Edwards can't be given the JB doghouse treatment in favor of Sid IMO.

There isn't a second of PT available at the 4 for our centers behind Swider and JBJr.

The idea that a C could see minutes at the 4...is that really a thing?

 

[Newhouser]

The idea that a kid like Frank hasn't progressed enough, with over a year ( I know covid cut into it) of coaching by our staff, to give even minimal back-up minutes seems crazy to me. We aren't teaching him mandarin. It's basketball.

 

[dasher]

The idea that a kid like Frank hasn't progressed enough, with over a year ( I know covid cut into it) of coaching by our staff, to give even minimal back-up minutes seems crazy to me. We aren't teaching him mandarin. It's basketball.

People get it at their pace. Not everyone is equal in learning and growth. Frank is getting better.

 

[two3zone]

People get it at their pace. Not everyone is equal in learning and growth. Frank is getting better.

Seems like a lot of guys the past few years have zero pace.

 

[kcsu]

Don't sleep on Frank

 

[Cusefan0307]

Don't sleep on Frank

Something tells me this is a setup when you get angry that Jimmy or Swider play the 5.

 

[syrBossHogg]

I think there were reports last offseason Jesse wasn’t progressing, then he got some run in the tourney.

Who knows, maybe Frank starts putting it together when the games actually start.

 

[kcsu]

Who says Frank isn't putting it together now?

 

[dasher]

Who says Frank isn't putting it together now?

This is a bit old, but last year, I was told that the coaches were disappointed in where Frank was. Now, no idea.