sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to National Fried Scallops Day!
in honor of @lil joe. Gone but not forgotten...
Scallops are marine mollusks that are about two to five inches in length and swim rapidly in water by opening and closing their shells. One of the main ways they are eaten in the United States is by being fried, but there are many other ways to prepare them such as putting them in soups, in sushi, and sautéeing them in butter.
National Fried Scallops Day is being observed today! It has always been observed annually on October 2nd.
SU News
Three Reasons why Isaiah Jackson would Pick Syracuse – Orange Fizz – Free Syracuse Recruiting News (orangefizz.net; Gross)
5-star recruit Isaiah Jackson has the Orange in his top three. He is ESPN’s #22 ranked recruit in the class of 2020. 247sports.com has the Michigan native at #25.
It’s been a while since the Orange has landed a recruit as coveted as Jackson. Darius Bazely would qualify, but in order to find a similar recruit who actually played (sorta) you would have to go back to Chris McCullough in the class of 2014. Here are three reasons why Jackson might choose SU.
1. SU was on-board first
Offer Dates
Syracuse: July 27, 2018
Alabama: July 21, 2019
Kentucky: September 1, 2019
Recruits love it when teams believe in them early on. If Syracuse is going to pull of this recruiting upset, you’d have to think loyalty plays in. Kentucky was the last in on Jackson and playing time has to be a question with the Wildcats. Coach John Calipari has the number one recruiting class in 2020.
2. Zone fit
Jackson seems to like the 2-3 zone. “When I went on campus for an unofficial last year I liked it, I liked the vibe and stuff and the way they play defense with a 2-3 zone kind of thing,” Jackson told 247sports.com, “I think that fits me perfect with me blocking shots.”
Jackson is long and bouncy. He could rack up steals and blocks in the Boeheim system.
3. Nobody can figure him out
247sports.com’s crystal ball projected Michigan State as the most likely landing spot for Jackson by far at 56%. The unpredictability is a good thing for a program like Syracuse going up against a blue-blood like Kentucky. “Jackson is very likely to surprise either with his destination, or with the timing of the decision,” said 247Sports national recruiting analyst Brian Snow.
Tech ACC Home Opener vs. Syracuse Now Dec. 7 or 8 (ramblinwreck.com)
ECH ACC HOME OPENER VS. SYRACUSE NOW DEC. 7 OR 8
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech’s 2019-20 men’s basketball schedule underwent some changes with the announcement of the full Atlantic Coast Conference slate last Thursday, most notably the Yellow Jackets’ ACC home opener against Syracuse, which will now be Dec. 7 or 8 at a time to be determined.
The ACC has instituted flex dates for all three conference games that weekend to avoid having a conference team play a basketball game on the same day its football team might be competing in the conference’s football championship game, which will be played the evening of Dec. 7. Those games, including the Tech-Syracuse contest, will be played either on Dec. 7 or 8 at a time to be determined. It will still be televised on the ACC Network, and the date and time will be announced at a later date.
Additionally, four of Tech’s non-conference games have been picked up for television coverage, including the Nov. 25 date against Arkansas, which will be televised nationally on the ACC Network and tip at 7 p.m. The ACC’s Regional Sports Network (RSN) will televise the Yellow Jackets’ Dec. 1 game against Bethune-Cookman (6 p.m. tip) and the Dec. 18 game against Ball State (7 p.m. tip).
Tech’s Dec. 14 game at Kentucky will be televised nationally on ESPN and tip at 5 p.m. The only game left to be determined is the Jackets’ Nov. 20 visit to Georgia.
Tech opens the 2019-20 season Nov. 5 at NC State (8:30 p.m., ACC Network), with the home opener against Elon set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 (ACC Network Extra). The Jackets host Georgia College in an exhibition game at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at McCamish Pavilion.
How Syracuse grad Noah Eagle, at 22, landed the Clippers radio play-by-play gig (PS; Ditota)
His earliest memories drift to his dad’s office, piled high with magical media guides exhaustive with information. Noah Eagle would flip through them, note pertinent details about Jamal Mashburn or Jason Collins and file them away for future reference. He was 4 years old, and the media guide immersion kept him occupied as his dad prepared for a broadcast.
When he got older, Noah would sit a few feet away as Ian Eagle held a microphone and told viewers what to expect from an imminent game. He saw the cameras framing shots, focusing on his father. He watched other broadcasters banter with his dad, a Syracuse University graduate who made a name for himself calling NBA, NFL and NCAA basketball games. By middle school, Noah Eagle knew what he wanted to be when he grew up.
He yearned to become a sports broadcaster, someone who could narrate a game and infuse it with interesting artifacts he’d learned about its participants. He wanted to escape from his own introversion, to take the advice of all those teachers who’d suggested he should choose a career that utilized his polished public speaking skills. He wanted to do what his dad did, to continue the family tradition of entertainment that stretches back two generations.
“Once I was 11 or 12 years old, I really started focusing on this as my future,” Noah Eagle said. “My dad used to do a broadcasting camp. I went when I was 14 and I loved it. I loved every second of it, and from there I just knew in my heart that I would do it and I could do it. I’ve seen it my whole life and I knew what it took.”
...
30 Minutes in Orange Nation (espnsyracuse.com; Steve & Seth)
Steve and Seth dive into the passing of California’s “Fair Pay to Play Act” that was signed into law on Monday, including whether it’s good or bad, what kind of problems can pop up and more.
2019-2020 ACC Basketball Preview (howtheyplay.com; Lowder)
Last season saw the ACC clearly divided into two divisions, with NC State and Clemson occupying the space between. The league sent that seven team first division to the NCAA Tournament, where Virginia bounced back from the biggest upset in NCAA Tournament history to win the first NCAA Championship in school history as well as the ninth National Title for an ACC team in the last 19 years. The lone offseason coaching change was a complete surprise in multiple ways, with Buzz Williams departing for his home state after taking Virginia Tech to its first Sweet 16 since the Tournament first expanded to 32 teams while Danny Manning held on at Wake Forest for a possible lame duck season on primarily contractual grounds and Boston College kept Jim Christian around because they’re evidently used to being bad at basketball now. The ACC landed 20 of the nation’s top 100 high school recruits and received significant reinforcements through the transfer market, but heavy losses to graduation and the NBA Draft and a postseason ban for Georgia Tech could limit the conference to six NCAA Tournament berths. Finally, a rule change moving the 3 point line back to the international distance could have a significant impact for all of college basketball; among other things, scoring in the paint will get easier for teams that still shoot well, while the adjustment from high school to college will get even harder.
*This article will be updated for personnel changes through the beginning of the season and will receive additional updates prior to conference play and prior to Tournament play.
North Carolina Tar Heels
2018-2019: 29-7, 16-2 in the ACC (tie for 1st); lost to Auburn in the Sweet 16
Preseason Projection: 1st in the ACC; National Title Game
Departures: Coby White (16.1 ppg., 4.1 apg., 35.3% 3pt.), Cameron Johnson (16.9 ppg., 5.8 rpg., 45.7% 3pt.), and Nassir Little (9.8 ppg., 4.6 rpg.) were 1st round picks in the NBA Draft; Luke Maye (14.9 ppg.,10.5 rpg.) and Kenny Williams (8.6 ppg., 3.5 apg.) graduated; Seventh Woods transferred to South Carolina
North Carolina concluded last season with their tenth Sweet 16 appearance in Roy Williams’ s 16 year tenure. Now, after losing five major contributors, the Tar Heels will welcome a recruiting class that includes two 5 star prospects for the second year in a row. However, with holes on his roster that his recruiting class wasn’t going to fill, Williams set off on a new adventure of sorts by visiting the graduate transfer market for the first time, eventually landing two of the most highly regarded players available.
The Tar Heels will be replacing one one and done, shoot first point guard with another with the addition of Cole Anthony, a top 5 recruit and projected top 10 pick in next year’s draft. While Anthony lacks White’s length, he possesses excellent speed and athleticism, can score at all three levels, and may actually be a more assertive driver and defender than his predecessor. Like White, passing and avoiding turnovers will be a work in progress. Even though White posted an assist to turnover ratio of less than two to one, UNC always passes extremely well as a team; they finished 13th in the nation in assist to turnover ratio a year ago, with only Nassir Little posting more turnovers than assists. Also like White, Anthony will have plenty of help taking care of the basketball. Among those will be Leaky Black, who stands to be the most improved of North Carolina’s returning players. An ankle injury essentially cut his freshman year short, but he flashed the skill set and athleticism that made him a top 50 recruit while he was healthy. At a lean and athletic 6-7, Black has the versatility to defend anywhere on the perimeter, while offensively his passing ability makes him a legitimate option as Anthony’s backup and his perimeter jump shot and driving ability should make him a double digit scorer. A second freshman, top 70 recruit Anthony Harris, will see time at point guard as well; in addition to being a skilled perimeter shooter and passer, he plays with energy and aggression at both ends of the floor. The first of Williams’ graduate transfers, Christian Keeling, will have a chance to start at shooting guard. Keeling (18.7 ppg., 6.9 rpg., 38% 3pt.) was a first team All Big South selection as a junior at Charleston Southern, where he led his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. He shoots well from the perimeter, defends, and is an excellent rebounder for his position that will help UNC retain their usual dominance of the boards. 3 and D wing Brandon Robinson should also see a larger role as a senior; he still doesn’t look for his shot often, but when he does he shoots a high percentage (46.3% 3pt.) and he makes good decisions with the basketball.
Junior Garrison Brooks (7.9 ppg., 5.6 rpg.) will again anchor the Tar Heels in the paint. While he doesn’t post huge numbers, he moves his feet well and makes excellent decisions at both ends of the court. Armando Bacot, the second five star recruit, will be the flashier frontcourt player and give the Tar Heels a long and imposing post scorer in the Kennedy Meeks mold, which will be a nice weapon to have with the increased floor spacing. At 6-10, Bacot will also be important to replacing Maye’s rebounding. Brooks may be mobile enough to guard some stretch 4s, so if Williams wants to play with two bigs like he would have four years ago he will be able to do so. With three point percentages likely to decrease and more space around the paint, that becomes a more viable option. Another interesting option to start with Brooks will be graduate transfer Justin Pierce, who will see time at both forward spots but will serve as the team’s only real option as a stretch 4. Pierce is a solid outside shooter, although his percentages fell off as a junior when he played with a lingering wrist injury and was forced to serve as the team’s primary facilitator, something he won’t be asked to do at UNC. At 6-7, 225 pounds, Pierce will be roughly the average size for a stretch 4 in the ACC with most of the conference playing small. He won’t put up huge scoring numbers, but he’ll hit open 3s (41.6% as a sophomore), find the open man (4.1 apg. last season), and attack the boards (8.9 rpg.); he’s a perfect fit for what the Tar Heels do. 6-11 junior Sterling Manley has the potential to provide Williams with another imposing big man, but he has been slowed by knee injuries. When he has played, he has put up outstanding per minute rebounding numbers.
North Carolina’s ability to pass and shoot the basketball will allow them to space the floor as much as any ACC team with the new 3 point line, while post scorer Armando Bacot and multiple drivers will be able to take advantage of it in the paint. Offensive rebounding, which is always a strength (11th in offensive rebounds per game last season), will actually get easier. At the other end of the floor, the team is loaded with tough, defensive minded players both inside and particularly out, and, while leading the nation in rebounding margin for the second straight year is unlikely, it will still be a strength thanks to the carefully chosen newcomers. Freshmen and small conference transfers can be slow to adjust, so there is definitely the possibility of disappointment, but there is a very real possibility that Roy Williams will again be coaching a National Championship contender in March.
Duke Blue Devils
2018-2019: 32-6, 14-4 in the ACC (3rd); lost to Michigan St. in the Elite 8
Preseason Projection: 2nd in the ACC; Elite 8
Departures: Zion Williamson (22.6 ppg., 8.9 rpg., 2.1 spg., 1.8 bpg.), R.J. Barrett (22.6 ppg., 7.6 rpg., 4.3 apg.), and Cam Reddish (13.5 ppg.) were top 10 picks in the NBA Draft; Marques Bolden (5.3 ppg., 4.5 bpg., 1.7 bpg.) also entered the NBA Draft
Mike Krzyzewski had his work cut out for him a year ago with only one player, Marques Bolden, having previously received anything resembling significant playing time. Even with 3 eventual top 10 draft picks, Duke’s Elite 8 finish was an impressive feat of team building. This year’s Blue Devils will again be heavily dependent on freshmen and may be slightly less talented overall, but with four significant contributors returning Krzyzewski at least isn’t looking at another complete rebuild.
As far as experience is concerned, it doesn’t get much better than a point guard that isn’t seeing his first rodeo, and Tre Jones will be looking to build on a solid freshman campaign. Jones proved to be one of the better defensive point guards in the country, and he was an extremely efficient ball handler and distributor, maintaining a better than 3 to 1 assist to turnover ratio. Unfortunately, his job at point guard will get substantially more difficult without the playmaking ability of Barrett and Williamson. Jones did struggle with perimeter shooting to the point that defenses started to abandon him when he was off the ball on the perimeter, but he will undoubtedly be focused on it as he attempts to build his case as a first round pick in next year’s draft. Perimeter shooting was the biggest weakness for last year’s Blue Devils (328th in 3pt.%), but that wasn’t a death blow to the offense due to the ability of Williamson and Barrett to score inside the arc (26th in overall fg%). Without them, the Blue Devils will need to rediscover what is traditionally a major strength for the program. Jones's backup, junior Jordan Goldwire, won’t help with that or any type of scoring, but he does play excellent defense and take care of the basketball. Alex O’Connell will help as the team’s best returning perimeter shooter (37.5% 3pt.), and he should see his role expand as a junior. At 6-6, he’s also a mobile defender that was also to handle playing point guard for short periods last season. A pair of highly regarded, athletic 6-5 wings will also see major playing time at shooting guard and small forward. Wendell Moore, a 5 star recruit, should make an immediate impact at the defensive end, while offensively he can attack the basket as well as find the open man. Cassius Stanley, a top 30 prospect, is an explosive leaper with great mobility that is the more likely of the two to be able to hit a 3 as a freshman. Increased spacing benefits explosive athletes more than anyone, and the Blue Devils added two of them in Moore and Stanley. If Duke is able to shoot the 3 well, they are the players most likely to take advantage and get to the rim off the dribble.
The need for shooting is the reason Matthew Hurt is likely to be the most important of Duke’s freshmen. As a top 10 recruit and one of the best shooters in his class, he should have no problem with the new line. He’s also a threat to score in the paint and a capable passer that will help the Blue Devils remain efficient offensively. Hurt will be a fairly lean freshman and will need to add strength in time, but even at 6-9, 215 pounds he will be one of the larger players at his position with most of the ACC playing smaller lineups. If Hurt doesn’t develop into Duke’s leading scorer, fellow top ten recruit Vernon Carey, a 6-11, 275 pound widebody in the Jahlil Okafor mold, certainly could. There aren’t many college players that will be able to knock him off the block, and the new 3 point line will give him more room to work before guards can collapse on him. Carey has also developed his perimeter jump shot, although it is yet to be seen whether it can extend to the new line. He should be able to replace a significant amount of the rebounding lost with Williamson’s departure, although he doesn’t really offer the athleticism to be an intimidating shot blocker. 6-10 junior Javin DeLaurier does provide that sort of athleticism, and he will again provide energy defensively and on the boards as well as rim protection off the bench. Jack White, a 6-7 senior who will see time at both forward spots, provides more of the same, and he can also help Duke with perimeter shooting if he's able to avoid another major cold stretch. White suffered through a 12 game, 0-26 slump from behind the arc, and ended the season in a six game draught as well, but he managed to shoot 41.5% from 3 the rest of the year. If he shoots well, he’s a huge plus for the Blue Devils. With Hurts’s ball skills and White’s mobility, the two would be able to be paired at the forward spots at times to allow Krzyzewski to completely spread the floor.
While there is reason to believe the Blue Devils can shoot better from the perimeter than they did a year ago, scoring could still be more difficult without Barrett and Williamson. Being able to play from the inside out will help. At the other end of the floor, Duke should still defend the perimeter well and generate steals (16th in 3pt.% defense and 6th in steals a year ago), but their post defense could take a hit. Carey’s lateral movement will be a particular concern with more open space on the floor, and without Williamson and Bolden the Blue Devils won’t have quite as much rim protection as they did a year ago when they led the country in blocked shots. Still, Mike Krzyzewski will again have one of the most talented teams in college basketball, and a little bit of experience should go a long way. Duke, like their long time rivals, should be in the National Championship hunt in March.
Virginia Cavaliers
2018-2019: 35-3, 16-2 in the ACC (tie for 1st); National Champions
Preseason Projection: 3rd in the ACC; NCAA Round of 32
Departures: De’Andre Hunter (15.2 ppg., 5.1 rpg., 43.8% 3pt.), Ty Jerome (13.6 ppg., 4.2 rpg., 5.5 apg., 39.9% 3pt.) were 1st Round NBA draft picks and Kyle Guy (15.4 ppg., 4.5 rpg., 42.6% 3pt.) was taken in the 2nd Round; Jack Salt graduated
Last season, Virginia utilized one of the most suffocating defenses (5th in fg% defense, 4th in 3pt.% defense) as well as one of the most efficient offenses (39th in fg%, 7th in 3pt.%, and 5th in assist to turnover ratio) in college basketball on their way to more than making up for their first round upset two years ago. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers were quick to learn that there are usually roster consequences for winning a National Championship, and Tony Bennett will now be left to defend a title without the 3 players that scored 83.6% of Virginia’s points in the Final Four.
With Jerome and Guy gone, Kihei Clark will be the only player with traditional point guard skills on the roster. Clark was a revelation as a freshman, providing a steady hand to direct the offense and pressuring ball handlers before teams had a chance to get into their offense. Offensively, Clark is more of a functional point guard than a playmaker; while he can hit an open 3 (37.8% 3pt. once his wrist brace was removed) and occasionally slip into the paint, he isn’t going to beat people off the dribble often or create his own shot. Without Jerome, Guy, and Hunter, other players will need to step up to make things happen. Freshman Casey Morsell, a top 50 recruit, may be forced to serve as the backup point guard by default, even though he is definitively a shooting guard. Although he's 6-3 and has limited athletic ability, Morsell can create his own shot and doesn’t look to pass often. While he could struggle when forced to run the offense, he will at least be a solid fit for the Cavaliers defensively. Two more inexperienced wings will compete with Morsell to start with Clark. 6-5 Junior College All American Tomas Woldetensae could be an important player due to his ability to create space and get off his own midrange and perimeter jump shot. Along with Morsell, he may be the best bet to make something happen on his own as the shot clock winds down (and with Virginia, that is a common occurrence) the way that Jerome, Hunter, and Guy did last season. Kody Stattmann should be better prepared to contribute after being a noticeably lean freshman; at 6-7, his offensive game could resemble Guy’s by the time he graduates.
While the backcourt has become very young, Mamadi Diakite’s decision to return leaves Bennett with a long and athletic veteran frontcourt. Jay Huff could become the most visible member of the team as a high flying, 3 point shooting, post scoring, smooth passing, shot blocking, 7-1 junior center. Unfortunately, he isn’t a perfect fit for Bennett’s defense; his lateral movement is poor and he has difficulty changing direction, so he can get behind people cutting to the basket, although he can partially make up for it with his shot blocking ability. Stamina may be an issue as well, but his offensive capabilities should become very important for a Virginia team attempting to remain efficient at the offensive end. Diakite, the breakthrough player of last year’s NCAA Tournament run, will be particularly important for Huff because of how much ground he is able to cover defensively. After flashing potential throughout his first three seasons, Diakite finally put everything together in the Tournament, averaging 10.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. He’s a fun player to watch score in the post and he should benefit from playing in space, while his shot blocking and out of area rebounding should make him a candidate for the ACC all defensive team as a senior. 6-8 senior Braxton Key will complete the loaded starting frontcourt. Key made an impact on the Championship game with 10 rebounds, but he has much more to offer offensively and will get more opportunities to show his perimeter skills in the wake of last year’s big 3. Bennett will have young frontcourt depth as well. A second 7 footer, redshirt freshman Francisco Caffaro, should be ready to contribute in the post after a medical redshirt. He offers a sturdier build and moves his feet better defensively than Huff, and he’s an imposing post scoring threat. Freshman Kadin Shedrick may have the most NBA potential on the team; at 6-11, he’s a mobile shot blocker and effective out of area rebounder with excellent range on his jump shot. However, Shedrick is young for his class, enters college at just 200 pounds, and the defensive responsibilities in Bennett’s pack line defense seem to be more difficult for big men to pick up immediately, so there may be a 1 year delay before he can be effective at the collegiate level.
Tony Bennett has had three or more players with point guard skills for years, but he will now be left with just one, and the newcomers cannot possibly be expected to shoot as well as Guy, Jerome, and Hunter; offensive efficiency is going to drop, (of course, I thought the exact same thing last year after Devon Hall’s graduation and UVA won a National Title, but this is a much bigger change) although with skilled big men and almost everyone able to stretch the floor to some degree the drop may not be precipitous. Defensively, Bennett’s pack line could have occasional lapses early on with so many new faces, but should eventually return to what is now traditional dominance. Another significant Tournament run will be difficult unless a newcomer or two thrive late in the shot clock, but Virginia should again be among the premiere teams in the ACC and provide a tough matchup in March.
Malik Williams could make an all conference team if he can find enough minutes.
Louisville Cardinals
2018-2019: 20-14, 10-8 in the ACC (tie for 6th); lost to Minnesota in the NCAA Round of 64
Preseason Projection: 4th in the ACC; NCAA Round of 32
Departures: Christen Cunningham (10.1 ppg., 4.8 apg.) and Khwan Fore graduated; V.J. King entered the NBA Draft
Chris Mack’s first season at Louisville was a relative success, returning the Cardinals to the NCAA Tournament after a one year absence despite having limited options in the backcourt. The team now returns what could be the best frontcourt in the nation and welcomes Mack’s first recruiting class at the school which includes five top 100 recruits, although a clear heir apparent at point guard is noticeably missing.
Christen Cunningham was really Louisville’s only complete guard last year, and the team was so dependent on him as their floor general that they could barely afford to take him off the court in close games down the stretch. Replacing him will be Mack’s biggest challenge. Multiple outlets have implied that graduate transfer Lamarr Kimble will take over, but that just isn’t a realistic expectation. Kimble is a 6-0 guard that barely had more assists than turnovers as a junior (2.8 apg. to 2.1 tpg.) and has shot the ball poorly for most of his career (39.7% overall, 29.2% 3pt. last year); to expect that to improve while moving from the A-10 to the ACC doesn’t make sense. By contrast, Cunningham was 8th in the country in assists per game and shot 35.4% from 3 in his last healthy season before transferring from Samford. Darius Perry, a former top 60 recruit, is another option, but he has done little to inspire confidence as a distributor in his first two seasons. He did at least shoot the ball well (37.5% 3pt.) as a sophomore and he excels defensively. The team’s best hope may have been freshman combo guard David Johnson, a top 80 recruit who at least passes well and would be an asset defensively at 6-5. Unfortunately, his development was slowed significantly by an offseason shoulder injury that will last into the season. Johnson doesn’t handle the ball as smoothly as most point guards at this point and wasn’t likely to shoot the new 3 well as a freshman, so there were things he needed to work on. Samuel Williamson, the most highly regarded newcomer as a top 20 recruit, should take over at shooting guard. Williamson has a strong midrange game, although it will be interesting to see if Louisville will be able to space the floor well enough for him to take advantage of it. At an athletic 6-7, he will be a positive addition defensively and on the boards. Josh Nickelberry, a 6-4 top 100 recruit with explosive leaping ability, will be in the perimeter mix as well. Neither is likely to be helpful from the new 3 point line as a freshman. Ryan McMahon (7.2 ppg., 35.3% 3pt.) is still available as a 3 point specialist off the bench, although his contributions in other areas are limited. He may still need to see significant minutes for Louisville to be able to space the floor.
Louisville’s frontcourt is loaded with veterans with NBA potential, and that is the primary source of optimism for significant improvement in Mack’s second year. The surprising return of Jordan Nwora, in particular, serves to boost expectations. Nwora (17.0 ppg., 7.6 rpg., 37.4% 3pt.) emerged as a star as a sophomore, shooting a high percentage of a large volume of 3 point attempts with his quick release while also quickly attacking the rim off of hard closeouts. With long arms at 6-8, he’s also an excellent rebounder. Unfortunately, Nwora doesn’t help move the basketball, and he turned the ball over nearly twice as much as he dished out assists. Senior Dwayne Sutton (10.0 ppg., 6.9 rpg., 34.8% 3pt.) became a star of a different sort last season, consistently making hustle plays at both ends of the court to help the team while also improving as a three point shooter. Centers Malik Williams and Steven Enoch returned after testing the NBA Draft waters as well. Williams began to fulfill the promise that made him a top 20 recruit as a sophomore. While he continues to try to establish his ability to hit 3’s, he proved that he can be an effective post scorer, and, with his unique athleticism at 6-11, he was easily the team’s best per minute rebounder and shot blocker (6.1 rpg. and 1.2 bpg. In 18.2 mpg.). If Mack can find him more minutes, he could emerge as the best post player in the conference. Enoch (9.4 ppg., 5.2 rpg., 35.9% 3pt.) began the season as a starter and provided solid contributions in the post as well. He actually shot better from distance than Williams, but was eventually replaced by his longer and more athletic counterpart. Williams is mobile enough that the pair could play together, allowing Mack to take full advantage of his big 4 up front, although he didn't attempt to do so last season and he will want to find time for his freshmen bigs as well. Aidan Igiehon, a 6-10 top 50 recruit, has long term potential due to his size and strength, but his game is a work in progress, while Jaelyn Withers, the fifth top 100 recruit, has potential as a mobile stretch four and may be the best perimeter shooter among the freshmen. Either could be a redshirt candidate due to the team’s depth.
Even with Cunningham’s efforts, Louisville struggled with offensive efficiency a year ago, finishing 228th in field goal percentage and 193rd in 3 point percentage; without him or an obvious replacement, those numbers could get worse. While the Cardinals have plenty of length and athleticism that could potentially excel with increased spacing (Williamson in particular would excel in space), they may not have enough perimeter shooting to take advantage of it. Fortunately, the offensive rebounding efforts of Williams, Sutton, and Enoch (the Cardinals were 30th in offensive rebounds per game) will help. More importantly, Louisville excelled defensively and on boards in Mack’s first year (30th in fg% defense, 55th in 3pt.% defense, and 65th in rebound margin), and could become elite as they get longer and more athletic on the perimeter. If either Perry or eventually Johnson is able to step up and run the offense efficiently, Louisville has the talent to compete at the top of the ACC and be a major threat in March; if not, they have more than enough talent at every other position for a return to the Tournament and a chance to advance beyond the first round.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2018-2019: 14-19, 3-15 in the ACC (tie for 14th)
Preseason Projection: 5th in the ACC; NCAA Round of 32
Departures: D.J. Harvey (10.7 ppg., 4.2 rpg., 0.7 apg., 1.5 tpg., 29.9% 3pt.%) transferred to Vanderbilt
What looked to be a rebuilding year with a young (but talented) roster turned into a disappointing tie for last place in the ACC for the Irish following the early season loss of senior Rex Pflueger, who was leading the team in assists, steals, and 3 point shooting percentage at the time. The team now stands to reap the benefits of last year’s adversity, with Pflueger returning on a medical redshirt and last year’s freshmen having received more playing time than they would have otherwise.
Freshmen rarely receive extensive minutes at Notre Dame until they’ve had time to grasp Mike Brey’s offensive system, but that wasn’t an option a year ago and the offense suffered mightily as a result; while the Irish are routinely one of the most efficient offenses in the country, they finished last season 344th in overall field goal percentage and 312th in 3 point percentage (although they still took care of the basketball, finishing 18th in assist to turnover ratio). Without other veterans able to ease the offensive load, TJ Gibbs struggled with his shooting all season (34.7% fg., 31.8% 3pt.), although he did still manage a nearly 3 to 1 assist to turnover ratio. If the sophomores have learned how and when to get their shots and keep the ball moving, he should at least return to his sophomore form (15.3 ppg., 40.3% 3pt.%) as a senior, and he could even ascend to an all-conference team with his ability to attack the basket and take advantage of the additional floor spacing. Prentiss Hubb was forced into Pflueger’s role as a facilitator following his injury, and, while he managed to take care of the basketball as well (4.0 apg. to 1.9 tpg.), he may have suffered the most from the premature youth movement, shooting just 32.4% overall and 26.2% beyond the arc. Hubb, a top 90 recruit a year ago who needed to add weight and was coming off his own knee injury as a high school senior, should benefit more than anyone from the year of experience as well as improved execution and ball movement. Dane Goodwin, another top 90 recruit with a reputation as a strong outside shooter, rarely looked to score despite playing nearly 25 minutes a game, while a third, Robby Carmody, saw his freshman year end early with a shoulder injury. Both should be ready to do more. If Pflueger (8.1 ppg., 4.7 rpg., 4.3 apg., 1.7 spg., 38.9% 3pt. prior to his injury) is reasonably well recovered from his knee injury, he will simplify things for everyone at both ends of the floor; he’s always been outstanding defensively, he was the team’s second leading rebounder prior to his injury (Notre Dame finished 277th in rebounding margin), and offensively he’s unselfish and a strong passer that is also capable of hitting open 3’s.
The most obvious bright spot for last season’s Irish was 6-9 forward John Mooney (14.1 ppg., 11.2 rpg., 37.4% 3pt.), who emerged as a slightly more agile and active version of North Carolina’s Luke Maye and was named third team All-ACC. In addition to his ability to score inside and out and gather out of area rebounds, he competes defensively and moves his feet well enough to be able to defend most stretch fours. Mooney’s scoring opportunities in the paint, where he enjoys a significant size advantage over most college fours at this point, will increase with more floor spacing provided by the new 3 point line, and he should be in line for first team All-ACC honors as a senior. Although he missed several games with a lingering ankle injury and wasn’t quite the same upon returning, 6-11 junior Juwan Durham ( 3.9 rpg., 2.3 bpg. in 15.3 mpg.) made a huge impact defensively and on the boards when he was on the court. While he doesn’t offer much offensively, his rim protection at center becomes even more important with a more open lane. Finally, Nate Laszewski showed flashes of the shooting stroke that made him the most highly regarded of the freshman a year ago, but with just 200 pounds on a 6-10 frame he provided little help defensively and on the boards. He should make more of an impact as he gets stronger.
Despite their offensive struggles, the Irish managed a thoroughly respectable, and above average for the program, showing at the defensive end (124th in overall fg% defense, 104th in 3pt% defense) even without the services of Pflueger, who has been the team’s best defensive player for most of his career. With his return, the physical maturation of last year’s freshmen, and the possibility of a healthy Durham, Notre Dame could actually be above average defensively and at least be able to compete on the boards. More importantly, offensive efficiency, and shooting percentages in particular, should be ready to skyrocket to the levels of Mike Brey’s better Irish teams (who finished, on average, 42nd in fg.% and 36th in 3pt.% from 2014-2017) with the return of Pflueger and the rising sophomores (all of whom are better shooters than they have shown) as well as the departure of the team’s least efficient offensive player. Freshmen on scholarship will not be taking any shots for this Irish team because it doesn’t have any. The improvement should be night and day for Notre Dame, who could compete at the top of a diluted ACC for the first time in three years and be a threat for multiple wins in March.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
2018-2019: 24-12, 9-9 in the ACC (tie for 8th); lost to Lipscombe in the NIT Quarterfinals
Preseason Projection (with Funderburk): 6th in the ACC; NCAA Round of 32
Departures: Torin Dorn (14.0 ppg., 7.2 rpg.) and Wyatt Walker (4.5 rpg.) graduated
While NC State posted respectable offensive and defensive efficiency numbers that resulted in a final ranking of 36th in the NCAA’s new NET evaluation tool, a 1-8 record versus the ACC’s first division of NCAA Tournament teams relegated them to the NIT last season. With most of their roster returning plus a couple of promising additions, Kevin Keatts will attempt to add a few more big wins and return the Wolfpack to the NCAA Tournament.
Markell Johnson flashed star potential throughout his junior year, adding a confident and accurate three point shot that he can often get away while closely guarded to his already outstanding ability to pass the basketball, attack off the dribble, and defend. Unfortunately, he was among the players that struggled against the conference’s first division, posting just 10 points and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 23.8% behind the arc in the 8 games he played against those opponents versus 15 points, 4.8 assists, and 48.7% 3pt. shooting in the other 22 games he was healthy for. If he finds his confidence and aggression versus the ACC’s elite, he will make an All-ACC team and make a strong case to be drafted as a senior. His backcourt mate, junior Braxton Beverly, could do more to help Johnson given the opportunity. Beverly (9.4 ppg., 34.7% 3pt.) is an outstanding passer in his own right, but he served primarily as a spot up shooter as a sophomore. While his minutes were limited behind Johnson and Beverly, junior Blake Harris shot well when he chose to do so (42.1% 3pt.) and led the team in steals per minute. 4 star recruit Dereon Seabron will vie for time in the backcourt as well; at 6-6, he has potential as a drive and dish playmaker that could also help at the defensive end, although he doesn’t shoot well from the perimeter at this point and needs to add strength. C.J. Bryce (11.6 ppg., 4.6 rpg.) made a strong ACC debut for the Wolfpack after following Keatts from UNCW, and should be in position take over as the team’s leading scorer as a senior. His efforts on the boards become more important following Dorn’s departure. Utah transfer Devon Daniels (9.3 ppg., 4.4 rpg.) impressed at times as well, although in his desire for more scoring opportunities he often put up questionable shots. His maturation will be particularly important as the Wolfpack strives to become more efficient at the offensive end.
The tendency of Keatt’s Wolfpack to go all out to defend the 3 (they finished 27th in 3pt.% defense but only 198th in overall fg% defense last season) makes redshirt freshman Manny Bates the most important addition to the roster. The defense often leaves big men on an island in the paint, and Bates, who was considered one of the best shot blockers in his class, will give them a significantly better chance to defend that area than Walker did last season. Bates was a top 80 recruit a year ago, but became a medical redshirt due to a shoulder injury; at 6-11, he has managed to bulk up to 221 pounds in the meantime, and he will also be crucial to the Wolfpack’s efforts to compete on the boards. *D.J. Funderburk (8.8 ppg., 4.2 rpg.) may actually be the starter at center after showing an ability to make good things happen in the paint; he has potential to put up points both inside and on the perimeter, and he has the length and athletic ability to help protect the rim as well. Unfortunately, with just 210 pounds on a 6-10 frame, he can struggle to carve out space, and he is limited as a rebounder. If Bates is ready to play significant minutes, Funderburk would be able to spend time at his natural position as a power forward and give the Wolfpack above average size on occasion. Keatts also brought in 6-8 graduate transfer Pat Andree (12.9 ppg., 6.2 rpg., 41.9% 3pt. at Lehigh) to provide perimeter shooting at power forward. While he’s an excellent catch and shoot scorer, his playing time may ultimately be decided by his ability to defend and rebound. He did lead his team in rebounding a year ago, but will find things much tougher in the paint in the ACC. Athletic 6-7 sophomore Jericole Hellems should see time in the frontcourt as well; he flashed the potential to eventually be a difference maker at both ends of the floor as a freshman, scoring in double digits 6 times. As his shooting improves and he continues to get stronger, he should emerge as a starter by the time he graduates.
With a maturing roster, four point guards available, and improved shooting from the power forward position, NC State should become even more efficient at the offensive end after finishing 89th in field goal percentage, 132nd in 3pt. percentage, and 80th in assist to turnover ratio a year ago. The athletic roster will benefit from increased spacing, and Bates will provide Keatts with the best rim protection he has had, although selling out to defend the 3pt. line will now leave the paint more open to offensive rebounding. NC State was close enough to be disappointed when their name wasn’t called on Selection Sunday a year ago; now, with what can now be considered a veteran roster, Keatts should take the Wolfpack back to the NCAA Tournament, where their talented perimeter will make them a threat for a win or two in March.
*With little frontcourt depth, D.J. Funderburk’s indefinite suspension could have a significant impact on the Wolfpack's season depending on how long it eventually lasts. If he doesn't return this season, the team would have tremendous difficulty defending the paint and competing on the boards, particularly when Manny Bates is off the floor. Without Funderburk, the Wolfpack would fall to 8th in the ACC in this projection and could again have difficulty reaching the NCAA Tournament. A middle of the pack ACC team should benefit; even in a down year, it seems unlikely that the ACC would earn just five Tournament berths.
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Syracuse Orange
2018-2019: 20-14, 10-8 in the ACC (tie for 6th); lost to Baylor in NCAA Round of 64
Preseason Projection: 10th in the ACC; NIT
Departures: Tyus Battle (17.2 ppg.) and Oshae Brissett (12.4 ppg., 7.5 rpg.) entered the NBA Draft; Frank Howard (8.9 ppg., 1.5 spg.) and Paschal Chukwu (5.4 rpg., 1.7 bpg.) graduated
Syracuse was again able to reach the NCAA Tournament last season, but their overall record and first round defeat was somewhat of a disappointment considering the team’s Sweet 16 appearance the year before, the return of almost every major contributor, and the addition of some notable perimeter firepower. Following the season, the graduation of Frank Howard and Paschal Chukwu and the expected loss of Tyus Battle to the NBA Draft was compounded by Oshae Brissett’s early entrance, and as a result Jim Boeheim will be left with several major holes to fill and mostly freshmen and sophomores to turn to.
With the departure of Battle and Howard, the heir apparent at point guard will be sophomore Jalen Carey, a top 40 recruit a year ago that struggled mightily as a freshman and eventually fell out of the rotation entirely. Carey proved horribly inefficient offensively with regards to both shooting (39.2% fg., 17.4% 3pt.) and passing (41 turnovers and just 25 assists). His size and athleticism would be perfect for Boeheim’s zone, but those that are reminded of Howard’s freshman year should remember that Howard at least managed a 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio that season. Carey still has potential, but he has a lot further to go. Another option at point guard will be redshirt sophomore Howard Washington, who saw his freshman year cut short with a knee injury and missed last season after suffering a stroke. He has been cleared to play, and while he doesn’t have Carey’s physical gifts he would at least provide a more efficient ballhandler and distributor. Boeheim also added 3 star guard Joseph Girard, a prolific perimeter scorer in high school that handles the ball well but isn’t a great passer. Syracuse didn’t generate much offense through passing a year ago (233rd in assist to turnover ratio), and if that isn’t a priority then Girard could be an option, although at 6-1 with limited athletic ability he doesn’t fit what the team does defensively either. Whoever winds up at point guard will be surrounded by perimeter weapons that will not have trouble with the new 3 point line. Buddy Boeheim’s freshman year got off to a slow start, but once he found his footing he averaged 9.1 points per game, including 9 double digit scoring games, on 41.1% shooting from 3 over the teams last 19 games. He will see substantially more opportunities as a sophomore. Brycen Goodine, a 6-4 top 100 recruit, will see time at shooting guard as well; while he may need to add strength to his frame, he should eventually disrupt passing lanes, provide 3 point shooting, and help facilitate the offense. The biggest addition to last year’s team was Elijah Hughes, a 6-6 former East Carolina transfer that should emerge as the team’s leading scorer. Hughes (13.7 ppg., 4.3 rpg., 36.9% 3pt.) can create his own shot and hit contested threes, both of which will be very necessary considering the point guard situation. Robert Braswell, a four star recruit a year ago, may be ready to contribute as well; he was in major need of adding strength to what was a 6-9, 175 pound frame, but when he’s strong enough he’s a high flyer that will also be dangerous from the new 3 point line.
Marek Dolezaj has emerged as a fan favorite at Syracuse over the past two years. At 6-10, he hustles, passes well, and can hit open 3’s (37.9% 3pt.). Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to be able to hold more than 180 pounds on his almost birdlike frame, and he can pushed off the block by big guards. Despite that, Dolezaj has been shoehorned in at center fairly often. Rebounding is a common issue with a zone, and Syracuse struggled with Brissett and Chukwu in the fold (274th in rebounding margin); if that is going to change, someone that can actually hold their position in the paint will need to emerge at center so that Dolezaj can move to his more natural position at forward. 6-10 junior Bourama Sidibi will be one option, although he has Chukwu’s limitations without providing quite as much of a shot blocking threat. 6-11, 4 star Dutch freshman freshman Jesse Edwards may be the best hope; he needs to get stronger, but he already weighs more than Sidibe and has the face up offensive skills of a European big man. If he can learn his defensive responsibilities, he would represent a substantial improvement offensively and possibly on the boards, and his passing out of the post would help take advantage of the new line. Another X factor will be Quincy Guerrier, a 6-7 top 70 forward that could provide another 3 point threat and attack the rim on occasion. Guerrier is of particular interest because of his potential as a rebounder.
Syracuse was not a good offensive basketball team a year ago (280th in fg%, 233rd in 3pt.%), and their youth movement and uncertainty at point guard won’t help. However, they do suddenly have a lot of people that, in theory, can shoot the 3; if some of those players can attack the basket as well, they may be able to take advantage of the new line. Unfortunately, without the offensive rebounding of Chukwu and Brissett second chance opportunities are going to be harder to come by. At the other end of the floor, the new line is bad news for the normally suffocating Syracuse zone (the Orange were 21st in fg% defense last year)-- at least when they’re playing teams that pass and shoot well enough to take advantage of it. Increased spacing will also complicate defensive rebounding out of the zone, which was already an issue. Jim Boeheim is facing a tough challenge with three of his top four players departing and a roster loaded with youth and inexperience, but he does have a lot of potential talent to work with.
While an immediate return to the NCAA Tournament seems unlikely, a middle of the pack finish and NIT appearance will be a possibility for the Orange.
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Jersey Mike’s opens first Syracuse-area shop today; more planned in Central NY (PS; Tampone)
Sub chain Jersey Mike’s opens for business today in DeWitt, but the local franchisee already has plans for more Syracuse-area restaurants.
Locations in Clay, Camillus and Cicero are likely to follow the DeWitt shop, the chain's first in the Syracuse area. A location in New Hartford is on the way as well.
The DeWitt Jersey Mike’s is at the Marshalls Plaza on Erie Boulevard. It’s in the same building as the newly opened Blaze Pizza and Smoothie King.
A CoreLife Eatery opened in the building last year.
Exact locations haven't yet been chosen for the other Syracuse-area restaurants, said Roger Wagner, general manager for the DeWitt Jersey Mike's. The New Hartford site is in a plaza on Commercial Drive that is also home to Starbucks and Blaze Pizza.
Jersey Mike's has a number of locations in the Albany area as well and is looking to expand to Rochester and Buffalo, Wagner said.
Wagner said the chain’s simple turkey, ham and roast beef subs often prove popular. An Italian cold cut sandwich and Jersey Mike’s cheesesteaks are also big sellers.
The DeWitt shop will run a fundraiser for the Jamesville DeWitt Athletic Booster club through Sunday, said Jonathan Trager, the local franchisee. Customers get a coupon for a free sub with a $3 donation to the club.
Jersey Mike’s is open in DeWitt seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
