Few quick thoughts on where we stand and concerns going forward

[Willy75]

Totally agree with your standpoints. Gait does seem to be making strides on the recruiting front, especially compared to the 2022 class. That said, I always come back to the educational aspect. Syracuse will definitely be in the mix for most top players—we'll continue to get those kids who have loved Syracuse Lacrosse since the moment they first heard about the sport.

However, the educational appeal of attending Syracuse University does have its drawbacks. This isn’t a knock on the school at all—just stating the facts. Yes, there are some strong programs at Syracuse, but when compared to certain peer institutions, there’s a noticeable difference.

When a kid is looking for a strong academic experience and compares rankings, it becomes clear: Syracuse sits at #73 among (National Universities), while UNC is at #27, UVA at #24, Notre Dame at #18 and Duke at #6. Not to mention, some of the other ACC schools have top 20, name-brand business schools that really stand out and can definitely influence high school recruits.

Unfortunately, I think we’ll continue to see the same recruiting trend play out for years to come, regardless of who’s coaching. Call it a result of social media, or just the fact that today's parents are more tuned in to the long-term value of a college education. For many families, the decision comes down to education over just being a "lacrosse school."

Of course, some parents will let their kids make the call, but even then, they’re more informed than ever about the impact a college degree can have on a future career. For example, comparing Duke’s Fuqua School of Business to Syracuse’s Whitman School of Management—while Whitman has its strengths, it’s hard to compete with Fuqua or even Darden (UVA) when aiming for careers on Wall Street.

Personally, I’d encourage my kid to seek out the best educational opportunity available. Again, this isn’t meant to bash Syracuse at all—just sharing what I believe is shaping recruiting today.

FWIW (and this has been discussed in a football thread) when the current chancellor arrived SU was no. 53 among national universities.

 

[nocohalo]

FWIW (and this has been discussed in a football thread) when the current chancellor arrived SU was no. 53 among national universities.

That's partially explained by the major shake up in USNWR ranking methodologies. A lot of schools fell down the rankings within the last couple years as a result. Had to do with schools getting punished ranking wise for having a certain percentage of students not on need based and merit aid.

 

[Willy75]

That's partially explained by the major shake up in USNWR ranking methodologies. A lot of schools fell down the rankings within the last couple years as a result. Had to do with schools getting punished ranking wise for having a certain percentage of students not on need based and merit aid.

It wasn’t a one-time drop but rather a steady decline over time.

 

[DoctahLexus]

anecdotal -- how many times i saw shellenberger throw a btb shot? i recall zero. cormier? zero. a rare pass maybe. this year? an around the world in transition that was very costly. more btb shots than i've seen in decades. results were almost all bad. including how the team has fared, maybe not a coincidence.

Not too many at all from Cormier/Shellenberger, however, as a counterexample, the back to back champs attack line of Pat/Chris Kav and Jake Taylor have had about a zillion. Sometimes it is not costly to attempt. Sometimes it is even the right move to improve your angle. It is about knowing when it is worth it to attempt. Overall I think it is not the main issue with our team/offense, despite some noteworthy examples like that between the legs from English. Impatient poor angle shots early in the shot clock has been a bigger issue. I think that is the bigger issue with Millons game too, not his occasional attempts at flashy moves.

 

[cuselaxss26]

officially in car and on way up to syracuse. Please orange win toma !

 

[wgdsr]

Not too many at all from Cormier/Shellenberger, however, as a counterexample, the back to back champs attack line of Pat/Chris Kav and Jake Taylor have had about a zillion. Sometimes it is not costly to attempt. Sometimes it is even the right move to improve your angle. It is about knowing when it is worth it to attempt. Overall I think it is not the main issue with our team/offense, despite some noteworthy examples like that between the legs from English. Impatient poor angle shots early in the shot clock has been a bigger issue. I think that is the bigger issue with Millons game too, not his occasional attempts at flashy moves.

my point was that at the margins, it can grow into a much larger deal, and at the wrong times. and i put the low angle, sick-if-it-makes-it to-insta in that category.
and re: millon - they're not occasional. and that's on coaching (love it or leave it) moreso than players.

re: the kavanaughs. they practiced it a lot in their backyard. so they had built in advantages.

 

[cuselaxss26]

little off topic so apologize. But all times been up in syracuse i kept hearing dinosaurs bbq is good. So one is that true ? also if worth going anyone know if close to campus on campus or close to the mall? Just curious where exactly located ? Town name ?

 

[JeremyCuse]

little off topic so apologize. But all times been up in syracuse i kept hearing dinosaurs bbq is good. So one is that true ? also if worth going anyone know if close to campus on campus or close to the mall? Just curious where exactly located ? Town name ?

Yes it's worth going, it's near the mall and the Dome. Just put this address into google maps ow waze or whatever you use - 246 W Willow St, Syracuse, NY 13202

 

[FloridaCuse]

little off topic so apologize. But all times been up in syracuse i kept hearing dinosaurs bbq is good. So one is that true ? also if worth going anyone know if close to campus on campus or close to the mall? Just curious where exactly located ? Town name ?

It's slightly northwest of downtown. Yes it's good.

 

[cuselaxss26]

ok thanks prob gonna go there for dinner tonight thanks everyone. Always heard of it but normally only would be up for day or two never whole weekend.

 

[blust2i3d4]

I feel when dust settles top 3 programs will be Notre Dame, UNC and Duke. We are longer an elite program. From regular final four program to the occasional NCAA tournament participant, we have fallen hard.