sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to Beer Can Appreciation Day!
Where do you like the beer you drink to come from? Do you prefer draft, bottles, or cans? On January 24, 1935, Krueger's Finest Beer and Krueger's Cream Ale became the first beers to be sold in cans, and it is on this anniversary that we celebrate Beer Can Appreciation Day.
The American Can Company began working on canning beer in 1909, but they were not successful at the time. They found that carbonation was too much for cans, leading them to sometimes explode. They eventually found a remedy: coating the inside of cans as they did with kegs.
An April 7, 1933, light beer, which had no more than 3.2% alcohol by volume, began being sold. The Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company made a canning deal with the American Can Company in November 1933, right before the repeal of Prohibition. The can company installed canning equipment for free and 2,000 cans of beer were canned and made available in Richmond, Virginia. A poll was conducted and the results said that 91% of people liked the canned beer. Because of the positive feedback, Gottfried Krueger decided they would continue to can beer.
On January 24, 1935, Krueger's Ale and Krueger's Beer began being sold in cans. (Multiple sources contradict each other here. Some sources say that the January 1935 date is when the 2,000 cans were sold, which led to the 91% favorability rating. Other sources say this happened in 1933 and that January 1935 brought about the selling of canned beer on a wider scale). By the summer of 1935, Pabst began canning their Export Beer in cans, being the first major brewer to do so. By the end of the year, over 200 million beer cans had been sold by thirty-seven breweries.
SU News
The next day: Symir Torrence's injury might put a thin Syracuse lineup in flux (DO; Crane)
Symir Torrence and Jaylen Blakes both tracked the rebound after Joey Baker’s 3-pointer as it descended near the left wing. Duke’s lead over Syracuse had reached 26 points with less than three minutes remaining, and the Blue Devils already started subbing in backups and walk-ons. But as Torrence snared possession and his leg interlocked with Blakes’, those next few moments became extremely important to the Orange’s remaining games and their chance at saving their season.
A referee blew his whistle, Torrence dropped the ball on the ground and took one step toward the painted area before reaching down and grabbing toward right knee. John Bol Ajak placed his hand on Torrence’s back. SU’s reserve guard walked gingerly around, remained in the game and quarterbacked the Orange’s offense for the next possession, but he was eventually subbed out.
Postgame, Torrence told reporters outside the SU locker room that he sprained a ligament in his right knee on that sequence, but that he should be fine going forward. But if he’s limited in any capacity — minutes, or availability for games in general — it’ll thin an SU bench that doesn’t have any other guards who’ve played regular minutes behind Buddy Boeheim and Joe Girard III. Boosted by his recent role in the Orange’s small lineup, Torrence has averaged 12.5 minutes per game and dished 56 assists, the third-most on the Orange, and has become Syracuse’s go-to ball-handler when opposing defenses pressure them.
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And one: AJ Griffin's hot shooting, two-way play lead the way in Duke men's basketball's win against Syracuse (dukechronicle.com; Young)
In his fourth start of the season, Griffin put on yet another premier showing, registering his eighth double-digit scoring performance of the season. The 6-foot-6 forward made the most of every one of his 30 minutes Saturday, recording a block, steal, six rebounds and 15 points on the offensive end in the victory. In each successive game, it grows more evident that Griffin is one of the most critical players on the court for Duke. Not only can he play restrictive defense and set effective picks, but he also is one of the sharpest shooters on this Blue Devil squad. The Ossining, N.Y., native and former No. 18 overall recruit is versatile and showed his ability on both ends of the court in Duke's win Saturday against the Orange.
Duke's win against the Orange was an apparent group effort, with no single player clearly overtaking their teammates on the stat sheet. Griffin, however, played one of his best games, and his efforts were arguably the cleanest of any player on the Duke roster. In Saturday’s matchup, he excelled on both sides of the ball, but most notably with his shooting skills. All of Griffin's points came from downtown, as the freshman drained 5-of-9 treys on the day to help his teammates to 14 made 3-pointers, a season-high in conference play. With his well-orchestrated play from beyond the arc allowing him to avoid the notorious Syracuse zone defense, Griffin also avoided picking up any personal fouls on either end of the court, finishing the day with only a single turnover.
One word: Restrictive
There were many storylines in Saturday’s match—Jim Boeheim versus Mike Krzyzewski and Paolo Banchero registering his fourth double-double of the season, to name a few—but the most important storyline of the day was the final score. Duke finished the match with a 79-59 victory against the Orange, and that came after the Blue Devils rested starters down the stretch and allowed the Orange to tighten the score in the final five minutes. Syracuse finished the game shooting 35.3% from the field and a mere 17.2% from beyond the arc. Duke itself held a 47.6% clip from the field and shot 37.8% from downtown. So what led to this? The answer is the Blue Devils’ restrictive ability.
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Five Takeaways: Duke 79 Syracuse 59 (SI; McAllister)
Syracuse fell 79-59 at #6 Duke on Saturday. Here are five takeaways from the loss.
1. Shooting
Syracuse had arguably its worst shooting game of the season. Certainly its first half was the worst half, shooting 26.5% overall and just 2-16 (12.5%) from three point range. You are not going to win games shooting like that. The thing is, many of those shots were good looks. Shots Syracuse normally makes. They just could not buy a bucket
in this one. Several shots, both inside the arc and outside the arc, went halfway down and rolled out. If Syracuse shots at its season averages, the Orange has around 75 points and it is a completely different game. But they didn't and it is what it is. I do not think this should be a concern that Syracuse is suddenly a bad offensive team. There were only 10 turnovers, Syracuse moved the ball OK, they just could not make shots. This really has not happened to this extent all season outside of the VCU game.
2. Perimeter Defense
Syracuse's perimeter defense took a step forward against Clemson, then two steps back against Duke. The Orange held Clemson well below its shooting average from three, contested shots and rotated to prevent open looks. Against the Blue Devils, Syracuse did none of those things. Duke shot 38% from deep, but it was really the first half and the first few minutes of the second half that was the issue in this one. Duke shot 7-15 from three in the first half (47%) and four of its first eight (50%) to start the second half. Duke was just 3-14 (21%) for the rest of the game, but it was already out of hand at that point. Syracuse will have to figure that back out quickly to get back on track. But these types of inconsistent performances game to game are what happens when you are not a good defensive team.
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ACC power rankings: Where to rank Syracuse after its blowout loss at Duke? (PS; $; Waters)
Lots of puzzles are uniquely challenging.
The Rubik’s Cube. Sudoku. Escape rooms.
But none are as challenging as trying to sort out the weekly ACC power rankings.
Five teams ― Miami, Duke, Florida State, Notre Dame and Wake Forest ― are within a half-game of each other in what amounts to a virtual four-way tie for first-place in the league.
Separating the teams doesn’t get any easier on the way down the standings either.
North Carolina is 4-3 in the ACC, but has played just one game in its seven league contests that was decided by less than 10 points.
Syracuse, Clemson, Boston College and North Carolina State all have three conference wins apiece.
So here are the rankings. Don’t complain until you’re out of the escape room.
1. Florida State
Record: 13-5 (6-2)
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Syracuse Basketball: Examining various possibilities for ‘Cuse 2023 class (itlh; Adler)
Syracuse basketball boasts a five-member 2022 class that hovers around the top-15 across the country, with those commits covering all five positions and possessing strong chemistry.
As we turn to the 2023 cycle for the ‘Cuse, the team has yet to haul in a verbal commitment in this class, although these players are in their junior years, and as such their recruiting processes could carry on for a bit longer.
Now, based on media reports and recruiting services, Syracuse basketball coaches have apparently offered more than a dozen prospects in the 2023 cycle.
I credit the ‘Cuse coaching staff for offering an abundance of 2023 players who are rated five stars and in the top-25 to the top-50 overall, although clearly the Orange faces intense competition for these elite high-school juniors.
Let’s take a look at various Syracuse basketball recruiting targets in 2023.
I need to make it crystal clear here that I’m not a recruiting analyst, nor am I in the inner circles of these high-school players. I’m giving my own personal opinion on the Orange’s shot with these prospects, based on reports, interviews given by the players, comments from analysts, and recruiting services.Seems like the Orange is in good shape
Four-star power forward/center Papa Kante from the South Kent School in South Kent, Conn. The ‘Cuse offered Kante this past August at the team’s annual Elite Camp, and reports suggest he’s eyeing a visit to the Hill.
Four-star shooting guard Reid Ducharme with the Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H. Ducharme was offered at the Orange’s most recent Elite Camp, he hears from the ‘Cuse regularly, and reports have said he would like to visit the program.
Big man Joseph Estrella of South Portland High School in South Portland, Maine. Estrella, also offered by Syracuse basketball at the Elite Camp, has spoken quite highly of the Orange, although his other offers continue to pile up.
Tough to read at this juncture
Four-star wing Gavin Griffiths with the Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford, Conn. Griffiths, offered by the ‘Cuse in the fall of 2020, has mentioned a possible visit to Central New York. He’s a hot prospect in this cycle.
Four-star point guard Aden Holloway out of the La Lumiere School in La Porte, Ind. Syracuse basketball reportedly offered him in the summer of 2019. His offer sheet is growing.
Four-star shooting guard/wing Spencer Mahoney, who goes to Xaverian High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. Mahoney continues to climb up the national rankings and was offered by the Orange last August.
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(youtube; podcast; Cuse Milita)
What's up Cuse Nation?!?! Syracuse just couldn't hang with #6 Duke. They were caught with their pants around their ankles. "It happens", as the great prophet Forest Gump once said. You'll hear from us and we'll hear from you in Fan Feedback. Then, Syracuse heads to Pitt as The Panthers look for revenge from the first meeting. We'll let you know what we think about that!
Listen to Locked On Syracuse - Daily Podcast On Syracuse Orange Football & Basketball on TuneIn (tunein.com; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Syracuse got demolished by Duke over the weekend. Was it more of a lack of effort or lack of talent that doomed the Orange? Plus, is it time to start looking for Jim Boeheim's successor? The guys discuss why Rick Pitino would be the perfect fit to replace Boeheim. Also, all of your Twitter thoughts from another letdown from SU this season. Tim Leonard and Tyler Aki discuss it all and more on the Monday edition of the Locked on Syracuse Podcast.
Axe: The Boeheim blame game is ramping up. Can the SU coach restore the faith? (PS; $; Axe)
Syracuse basketball fans have always been in a love-hate relationship with head coach Jim Boeheim.
They love when Boeheim’s 2-3 zone flummoxes a clueless opponent but also cry for more man-to-man defense.
They cringe when he goes off on one of his own players in a press conference but cheer when a “disloyal” media member is in his crosshairs.
They love it when Syracuse lights a fuse and makes a surprising NCAA tournament run but also use the “do something” meme in the regular season often.
They’d like to see SU return to the Top 25, a list it has spent a total of 549 weeks on but has not appeared on since the 2018-19 season.
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Wake Forest looks to continue ACC climb vs. Boston College (cbssports.com; FLM)
Wake Forest continues picking up elusive victories as it moves up the Atlantic Coast Conference standings.
The Demon Deacons (16-4, 6-3 ACC) will look to continue bolstering their NCAA Tournament resume when they host Boston College (8-9, 3-4) on Monday night in Winston-Salem, N.C.
After beating Georgia Tech on the road for the first time since 2004 and snapping a nine-game losing streak against Virginia, Wake Forest recorded its most lopsided win against North Carolina since 2002 with a 98-76 romp at home on Saturday.
Jake LaRavia had a career-best 31 points and a season-high 10 rebounds to lead the Demon Deacons, who have won three straight games and five of their last six.
Alondes Williams, the only player in the nation averaging at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game, scored 23 points and had six boards.
"Tonight was a signature win for this program," Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes said. "We had great balance on offense with scoring coming from multiple guys."
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ACC men's basketball power rankings: Florida State leaps into tie for No. 1, Notre Dame claws its way into top five (dukechronicle.com; Staff)
With things getting crazier by the week in conference play, our beats are here with another installment of The Chronicle's Power Rankings of each team vying for the ACC crown:
Previous ranking: 1 / Average ranking: 1.5
This is a classic debate over the exact meaning of “power rankings.” There’s no doubt over which team was the most impressive in the ACC over the last week—it was Florida State, which beat both the No. 1 and No. 3 teams on this list. But I opted to place Duke above the Seminoles at the top spot in my power rankings for one simple reason: body of work. Even with their recent losses to Miami and Florida State, the Blue Devils have proved—particularly with their win against Gonzaga and other dominant showings during ACC play—that they are the cream of the crop in the conference. Could my opinion change if Duke takes another bad loss? Yes. But for now, the Blue Devils stay at No. 1 in my book. -Evan Kolin
T-1. Florida State (13-5, 6-2)
Previous ranking: 4 / Average ranking: 1.5I do not care that Florida State took a couple of bad losses at the start of the season. I do not care that Duke will probably out-perform the Seminoles by the end of the season. This team should be No. 1 right now, because there is no way you can argue with its recent resume. The Seminoles beat a top-10 team in the nation and twice beat Miami, a top-three team in the conference that I might remind you handed Duke its sole home loss. With that resume, it should be clear that Florida State is legit and, as it stands, should be the one to beat in the ACC. They may not have any particular star, but the Seminoles are a cohesive unit that can get it done against great programs. Watch out for the team from Tallahassee. -Sasha Richie
3. Miami (14-5, 6-2)
Previous ranking: T-2 / Average ranking: 3.0Tuesday night’s game in Miami was something to behold, with the Hurricanes wiping the floor with their North Carolina counterparts in a 85-57 runaway win. But for as exciting as that win was and as clear a message as it may have sent to the rest of the conference, Miami may have found its kryptonite across the Sunshine State. In two ACC losses thus far, the Hurricanes have lost by a combined two points to Florida State, a program which has topped Miami nine times straight after Saturday’s 61-60 win. Head coach Jim Larrañaga’s squad looked to be at its worst against the Seminoles before roaring back from a 43-19 halftime deficit, but the comeback fell just short, proving that for as far as these Hurricanes have come and as much respect as they deserve, they still have some work to do if they hope to unseat the Seminoles as Florida’s best ACC team. -Jonathan Levitan
4. Wake Forest (16-4, 6-3)
Previous ranking: 5 / Average ranking: 4.1After dismantling ACC bottom-feeder Georgia Tech Wednesday, the Demon Deacons welcomed the Tar Heels to the tune of a 22-point romping. The duo of transfers Alondes Williams and Jake LaRavia have Wake Forest cooking as they combined for a monster 54-point, 16-rebound show against the in-state rivals. Whether it’s just a hot stretch or these guys are for real is a question I still don’t have a definitive answer to, but the fact that their only conference losses were to Louisville and Miami on the road and a Duke team playing with a vengeance surely says something about where head coach Steve Forbes’ team stands right now. They might be here to stay. -Micah Hurewitz
5. Notre Dame (12-6, 5-2)
Previous ranking: 6 / Average ranking: 5.0
Well hello there, Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have quietly put together an attractive 5-2 conference record and have only lost one game in the new year. They got some help vaulting up the rankings with this chaotic past week, but this squad can play (see its wins against Kentucky and North Carolina). Notre Dame still has to get through the tougher part of its ACC schedule in Duke, Miami and Florida State, but when you are averaging a conference-high 9.5 made 3-pointers per game with a roster that boasts this much experience, I’ll put you in my top five any day. -Jake Piazza
Complete rankings:
T-1. Duke (PR: 1 / AR: 1.5)T-1. Florida State (PR: 4 / AR: 1.5)
3. Miami (PR: T-2 / AR: 3.0)
4. Wake Forest (PR: 5 / AR: 4.1)
5. Notre Dame (PR: 6 / AR: 5.0)
6. North Carolina (PR: T-2 / AR: 6.1)
7. Louisville (PR: 7 / AR: 7.8)
8. Virginia (PR: 8 / AR: 9.0)
9. Syracuse (PR: 9 / AR: 9.6)
10. N.C. State (PR: 11 / AR: 9.8)
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Louisville Basketball, Chris Mack - ACCSports.com (accsports.com; Geisinger)
Things aren’t going so well for Chris Mack and Louisville basketball. Following a tumultuous offseason, Louisville sought to reset the agenda this season; however, things may be unraveling even further.
The Cards started 4-0 in ACC play, but Mack’s club has dropped four of its last five games. This stretch was punctuated with a 12-point loss on Saturday to Notre Dame, 82-70. Star guard Blake Wesley pumped in 22 points; the Irish drained 15 3-pointers. It was Louisville’s worst defensive performance of the season: 1.33 points per possession.
After the game, center Malik Williams — a fifth-year senior and one of the team’s captains — was asked by the media if he thought the team was tuning out the coaching staff. A visibly-frustrated Williams waited nearly 10 seconds before responding: “I don’t have a comment for that.”
Of course, Mack also missed the first six games of this season, while serving a suspension. Mack was suspended (without pay) by the university for a failure to follow university guidelines in dealing with the extortion attempt of former assistant coach Dino Gaudio.
With Mack out, the Cards went 5-1 and won the 2021 Bahamas Championship. Assistant coach Mike Pegues served as the acting head coach.
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Other
The grilled cheese and fries from the kids menu at The Hops Spot in Syracuse. (Katie Jerome | Contributing Writer)
Armory Square pub hits all the right spots (Family Dining Out Review) (PS; Hatch)
Downtown isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you’re eating out with kids, but with a dedicated play area, reasonable prices and a menu that would satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, The Hops Spot Burger Bar & Poutinerie (THS) is on its way to changing that.
We ventured to the Armory Square restaurant with kiddos and grandparents in tow to fill our bellies after an afternoon of sledding. Grateful for street parking nearby, our party of seven was quickly escorted past a full bar of SU fans to a large table toward the back of the large, open restaurant.
We were still wrangling our 2-year-old in his high chair when our wonderfully patient and attentive server Charlie stopped by to see if we wanted anything to accompany our waters. The boys quickly indicated their preference for chocolate milk, but it was going to take the rest of us a little longer to browse through the huge selection of craft beers (38 taps), wine and cocktails ($7-$9.79). Draft beer is offered in three sizes (5, 10 & 16 ounces) making it easy to try a bunch, but don’t pass on their signature mixed drinks.
I asked for something sweet, and as promised The Dirty Shirley (Black Cherry liqueur, vodka, and Sprite) went down easy reminding me of a cherry cola.
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