sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to World Parrot Day!
World Parrot Day was created by World Parrot Trust in 2004 to highlight the plight of wild parrots and raise awareness about the role of importing birds in causing this plight. In the lead up to the first observance, World Parrot Trust had put forth a petition that called for the European Union to ban the trade of wild birds in Europe, and it had been signed by tens of thousands of people from dozens of countries. On the first World Parrot Day, zoos around the world marked the day and celebrants gathered at London's Trafalgar Square. Supporters of the petition and their parrot companions marched from the square down Downing Street to deliver it. Their efforts bore fruit in 2007. Today, World Parrot Day aims to highlight the threats that captive and wild parrots face, and zoos and other organizations hold special events around the world.
SU News
Syracuse Orange guard Judah Mintz (3) against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, N.Y., Tuesday February 14, 2023. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Scott Schild
Decision day for Mintz: Deadline to withdraw from NBA draft is tonight (PS; Waters)
Judah Mintz entered his name into this year’s NBA draft on March 20. However, the Syracuse guard also retained the option of returning to school for his sophomore year.
Two months later, decision day is here for Mintz.
The NCAA’s deadline for players with eligibility remaining to remove their names from the NBA draft is set for tonight at 11:59 p.m.
Will Mintz stay in the draft or will he return to Syracuse and immediately become the centerpiece of new head coach Adrian Autry’s first squad?
Since entering his name in the draft, Mintz has kept a relatively low profile. He has only done interviews during the NBA’s pre-draft combine in Chicago in mid-May and after a workout with the Charlotte Hornets this past weekend.
Most mock drafts have slotted in Mintz as a likely second-round pick. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie put Mintz at No. 53, going to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jonathan Givony of ESPN.com predicted the Indiana Pacers would take Mintz with the No. 55 pick.
The Syracuse freshman is No. 54, according to HoopsHype.com. NBADraft.net has Mintz going undrafted.
Mintz averaged 16.3 points per game last season, a figure that was second on Syracuse’s roster behind only Joe Girard and first among ACC freshmen. Mintz also led the ACC in steals and ranked first among the conference’s freshmen in assists.
...
Judah Mintz's Decision is Coming Soon (orangefizz.net; Frank)
Since mid-March, when Judah Mintz announced that he was entering his name in the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility, the key dates to monitor were the closing of entries to the transfer portal (he never did), the NBA Draft Combine (he performed well), and the withdrawal deadline, Wednesday, May 31st. That date is now upon us, and all of the noise appears that Mintz will stay in the draft, despite not appearing higher than pick 40 in any prominent mock drafts.
The caveat with Mintz continues to be that he can return to school for another year, and work on his outside shooting (scouts main concern). Or, he could stay in the draft, likely be picked in the second round, and spend his first year in the NBA (maybe the G-League), working on his shooting in a professional environment. It just matters how quickly Mintz wants to become a professional basketball player.
“His outside shooting is obviously a question and something that every team is going to be watching at the combine,” A Western Conference scout told syracuse.com earlier this month. “He didn’t shoot it very well from (the 3-point line) at Syracuse, but he did improve throughout the year. You assume he can continue to improve, but the question is how fast or when will you see that improvement?’’
The 2024 draft class is less highly regarded than 2023, both at the top, through the lottery, and in terms of depth. But, players burst onto the scene from all sorts of places, college upperclassmen, freshmen who were not as highly touted as they should have been, the G-League Ignite and Overtime Elite, plus international players.
...
Former Plymouth Whitemarsh center Naheem McLeod transfers to Syracuse (inquirer.com; Elvin)
Syracuse unveiled its new last line of defense for its trademark 2-3 zone Tuesday with the commitment of Florida State transfer Naheem McLeod.
Naheem Mcleod (right) of Plymouth Whitemarsh posts up Eric Dixon of Abington on Jan. 4, 2019.CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
McLeod was a Class 6A first-team all-state selection as a junior and senior at Plymouth Whitemarsh. As a high school senior, he averaged 19.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks for the Colonials. Before Florida State, he played two years of junior college ball at Chipola College in Marianna, Fla.
At 7-4, he becomes the tallest player in Syracuse history and continues a rich history of Philadelphia players to play basketball at there that includes Hakim Warrick, Rakeem Christmas, Dion Waiters, Rick Jackson, and Scoop Jardine. McLeod joins an Orange program that is in a period of transition after Jim Boeheim was let go after 47 years. Boeheim was replaced by his longtime assistant Adrian Autry.
McLeod has two years of college eligibility remaining.
https://www.si.com/college/syracuse...eman-puts-together-strong-eybl-regular-season (SI; McAllister)
The EYBL regular season came to a close over the weekend with session four in Memphis (TN). Syracuse commit Donnie Freeman had a very strong season, especially when you consider the nature of AAU ball.
AAU play is generally very guard and wing oriented. Meaning power forwards and centers are not focal points of offensive attacks. That can make it difficult to put up huge numbers. Despite that, Freeman was efficient offensively, showed the ability to make the outside shot, rebounded well and had an impact defensively.
Overall, Freeman averaged 10.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks in just 20 minutes per game while shooting 55% from the floor. In addition, Freeman made six three pointers including three of his last five attempts. For a 6-9 power forward that relies on guards to get him the ball and plays for an extremely talented Team Takeover squad that has multiple high major options, that is a very strong AAU regular season performance.
A focus of Freeman's during high school ball and AAU ball has been his defense. He wants to take his defensive game to the next level in order to get ready for high major college basketball. That has worked as he averaged nearly one block per game and had multiple games with two or more steals as well.
...
Syracuse Basketball: As Peach Jam looms, Jalil Bethea playing like 5 stars (itlh; Adler)
A reasonable case can be made that Syracuse basketball priority recruit Jalil Bethea, as the AAU circuit inches toward its summer conclusion, is the hottest prospect nationwide, regardless of class designation.
The 6-foot-4 Bethea and his Nike EYBL teammates, including two former Orange targets, just clinched the regular-season championship on the spring EYBL circuit. Now this elite squad, the Philadelphia-based Team Final, has its sights set on winning the prestigious Peach Jam tournament, which will take place from July 3 to July 9 in North Augusta, S.C.
Jalil Bethea, one of the top targets for Syracuse basketball coaches in the 2024 class, is a four-star combo guard who was offered a scholarship by the ‘Cuse last September and took an official visit to the Hill the following month.
Syracuse basketball coaches have prioritized him in this cycle for a long time, watching him suit up during post-season games for his high-school team in March, checking him out amid NCAA live periods in grassroots basketball in late April, and also recently making a trip to visit with Bethea in person.
Syracuse basketball 2024 four-star recruit Jalil Bethea is scorching hot in AAU events.
In the Nike EYBL league, he has produced strong performances in all of this league’s four spring sessions, including the most recent one in Memphis, Tenn., when Team Final went 5-0 to finish at 16-1 overall.
...
Keeping Up With the 315 5-30-23 (ESPN; radio; The 315)
Brian Higgins’ Judah Mintz watch has almost ended, with just over a day left for the guard to make his decision on college vs the NBA. Plus, the women’s lacrosse team is officially eliminated and Syracuse football schedule news sees the Orange playing an early season primetime game. Finally, a deep dive into who’s coming back to college after dropping out from the NBA Draft.
30 Minutes In Orange Nation 5-30-23 (ESPN; radio; Orange Nation)
Steve Infanti is joined by the show’s producer Jordan Capozzi to discuss the disappointing end to the Syracuse women’s lacrosse season. Then, the guys give their thoughts on the upcoming Nuggets-Heat NBA Finals. Later, Judah Mintz’s NBA Draft decision deadline is approaching quickly… Will he actually make an announcement?
Locked On Syracuse - Daily Podcast On Syracuse Orange Football & Basketball: Position Break Down: Evaluating Each Of Syracuse Basketball's Four Returning Forwards on Apple Podcasts (apple.com; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Position Break Down: Evaluating Each Of Syracuse Basketball's Four Returning Forwards
If Judah Mintz Leaves, Can That Actually Help Syracuse Basketball's Recruiting? (youtube; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Signs continue to suggest that Judah Mintz's time in Central New York is coming to a close. If he does decide to stay in the draft, can that actually help Syracuse Basketball's recruiting efforts moving forward? Owen Valentine talks the impacts of a successful one and done year, plus visits a few other topics across SU Athletics.
UNH men's basketball coach reflects on Celtics season (wmur.com; video)
UNH Men's basketball coach Nathan Davis reflects on Celtics season. UNH opens their 2023-24 season against Syracuse at the JMA Wireless Dome 11/9/2023.
Other
Corning, pictured here alongside the Chemung River, should be on your ultimate Upstate New York bucket list. Photo: Emily Suzanne Scott, emilysuzannephoto.com
These are the 20 best places in Upstate NY to visit this year (see our list) (PS; House & Hernandez)
Endless adventure awaits in Upstate New York.
There are mountains to conquer, from the towering High Peaks of the Adirondacks to the dramatic Shawgunks of the Hudson Valley. There are waterfalls to chase, from the world-famous Niagara Falls along the Canadian border to the locally-beloved Taughannock Falls outside of Ithaca.
Upstate offers unforgettable stays, from treehouse cabins to a themed motel worthy of a movie set. And you can thank Upstaters for creating some of your favorite foods, from Buffalo wings and potato chips to half moon cookies and Jell-O.
But with so many road trip-worthy places above the Big Apple, where should you start? We have a suggestion...or 20.
Here are the best places to visit in Upstate New York this year:
After exploring the great Adirondack outdoors, you’ll need to fill your hungry belly. Get coffee and a great meal from the quaint Blue Moon Cafe. Then catch a live show at Waterhole and spend the night at White Pine Camp, the Adirondack Great Camp that President Calvin Coolidge used as his summer White House.
To get ready for your adventures, fuel up with a delicious fresh cake doughnut from Washboard/Donut Shoppe. Afterward, unwind at Raquette Brewing Company with their craft brews, or grab an iconic Michigan hot dog and an ice cream cone from Skyline Ice Cream on your way home.
Recently named the cleanest lake in America, Lake George offers good fun in all seasons. In the summer, go parasailing on (or rather, above) the picturesque lake with Parasail Joe’s. In the winter, explore ice castles Elsa would be jealous of at the famed Lake George Winter Carnival. And when adventuring makes you hungry, enjoy a waterside meal at The Algonquin — a restaurant recommended by chef Rachael Ray, who grew up in the Adirondacks.
...
World Parrot Day was created by World Parrot Trust in 2004 to highlight the plight of wild parrots and raise awareness about the role of importing birds in causing this plight. In the lead up to the first observance, World Parrot Trust had put forth a petition that called for the European Union to ban the trade of wild birds in Europe, and it had been signed by tens of thousands of people from dozens of countries. On the first World Parrot Day, zoos around the world marked the day and celebrants gathered at London's Trafalgar Square. Supporters of the petition and their parrot companions marched from the square down Downing Street to deliver it. Their efforts bore fruit in 2007. Today, World Parrot Day aims to highlight the threats that captive and wild parrots face, and zoos and other organizations hold special events around the world.
SU News
Syracuse Orange guard Judah Mintz (3) against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, N.Y., Tuesday February 14, 2023. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Scott Schild
Decision day for Mintz: Deadline to withdraw from NBA draft is tonight (PS; Waters)
Judah Mintz entered his name into this year’s NBA draft on March 20. However, the Syracuse guard also retained the option of returning to school for his sophomore year.
Two months later, decision day is here for Mintz.
The NCAA’s deadline for players with eligibility remaining to remove their names from the NBA draft is set for tonight at 11:59 p.m.
Will Mintz stay in the draft or will he return to Syracuse and immediately become the centerpiece of new head coach Adrian Autry’s first squad?
Since entering his name in the draft, Mintz has kept a relatively low profile. He has only done interviews during the NBA’s pre-draft combine in Chicago in mid-May and after a workout with the Charlotte Hornets this past weekend.
Most mock drafts have slotted in Mintz as a likely second-round pick. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie put Mintz at No. 53, going to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jonathan Givony of ESPN.com predicted the Indiana Pacers would take Mintz with the No. 55 pick.
The Syracuse freshman is No. 54, according to HoopsHype.com. NBADraft.net has Mintz going undrafted.
Mintz averaged 16.3 points per game last season, a figure that was second on Syracuse’s roster behind only Joe Girard and first among ACC freshmen. Mintz also led the ACC in steals and ranked first among the conference’s freshmen in assists.
...
Judah Mintz's Decision is Coming Soon (orangefizz.net; Frank)
Since mid-March, when Judah Mintz announced that he was entering his name in the NBA Draft while maintaining his eligibility, the key dates to monitor were the closing of entries to the transfer portal (he never did), the NBA Draft Combine (he performed well), and the withdrawal deadline, Wednesday, May 31st. That date is now upon us, and all of the noise appears that Mintz will stay in the draft, despite not appearing higher than pick 40 in any prominent mock drafts.
The caveat with Mintz continues to be that he can return to school for another year, and work on his outside shooting (scouts main concern). Or, he could stay in the draft, likely be picked in the second round, and spend his first year in the NBA (maybe the G-League), working on his shooting in a professional environment. It just matters how quickly Mintz wants to become a professional basketball player.
“His outside shooting is obviously a question and something that every team is going to be watching at the combine,” A Western Conference scout told syracuse.com earlier this month. “He didn’t shoot it very well from (the 3-point line) at Syracuse, but he did improve throughout the year. You assume he can continue to improve, but the question is how fast or when will you see that improvement?’’
The 2024 draft class is less highly regarded than 2023, both at the top, through the lottery, and in terms of depth. But, players burst onto the scene from all sorts of places, college upperclassmen, freshmen who were not as highly touted as they should have been, the G-League Ignite and Overtime Elite, plus international players.
...
Former Plymouth Whitemarsh center Naheem McLeod transfers to Syracuse (inquirer.com; Elvin)
Syracuse unveiled its new last line of defense for its trademark 2-3 zone Tuesday with the commitment of Florida State transfer Naheem McLeod.
The 7-foot-4 center, who played the last two seasons at Florida State, is a Philadelphia native who attended Plymouth Whitemarsh for high school. He had revealed earlier this month that he would be joining the Orange, who lost starting center Jesse Edwards to the transfer portal. Last season, McLeod averaged 3.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just over 13 minutes per game for the Seminoles.
Naheem Mcleod (right) of Plymouth Whitemarsh posts up Eric Dixon of Abington on Jan. 4, 2019.CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer
McLeod was a Class 6A first-team all-state selection as a junior and senior at Plymouth Whitemarsh. As a high school senior, he averaged 19.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks for the Colonials. Before Florida State, he played two years of junior college ball at Chipola College in Marianna, Fla.
At 7-4, he becomes the tallest player in Syracuse history and continues a rich history of Philadelphia players to play basketball at there that includes Hakim Warrick, Rakeem Christmas, Dion Waiters, Rick Jackson, and Scoop Jardine. McLeod joins an Orange program that is in a period of transition after Jim Boeheim was let go after 47 years. Boeheim was replaced by his longtime assistant Adrian Autry.
McLeod has two years of college eligibility remaining.
https://www.si.com/college/syracuse...eman-puts-together-strong-eybl-regular-season (SI; McAllister)
The EYBL regular season came to a close over the weekend with session four in Memphis (TN). Syracuse commit Donnie Freeman had a very strong season, especially when you consider the nature of AAU ball.
AAU play is generally very guard and wing oriented. Meaning power forwards and centers are not focal points of offensive attacks. That can make it difficult to put up huge numbers. Despite that, Freeman was efficient offensively, showed the ability to make the outside shot, rebounded well and had an impact defensively.
Overall, Freeman averaged 10.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 blocks in just 20 minutes per game while shooting 55% from the floor. In addition, Freeman made six three pointers including three of his last five attempts. For a 6-9 power forward that relies on guards to get him the ball and plays for an extremely talented Team Takeover squad that has multiple high major options, that is a very strong AAU regular season performance.
A focus of Freeman's during high school ball and AAU ball has been his defense. He wants to take his defensive game to the next level in order to get ready for high major college basketball. That has worked as he averaged nearly one block per game and had multiple games with two or more steals as well.
...
Syracuse Basketball: As Peach Jam looms, Jalil Bethea playing like 5 stars (itlh; Adler)
A reasonable case can be made that Syracuse basketball priority recruit Jalil Bethea, as the AAU circuit inches toward its summer conclusion, is the hottest prospect nationwide, regardless of class designation.
The 6-foot-4 Bethea and his Nike EYBL teammates, including two former Orange targets, just clinched the regular-season championship on the spring EYBL circuit. Now this elite squad, the Philadelphia-based Team Final, has its sights set on winning the prestigious Peach Jam tournament, which will take place from July 3 to July 9 in North Augusta, S.C.
Jalil Bethea, one of the top targets for Syracuse basketball coaches in the 2024 class, is a four-star combo guard who was offered a scholarship by the ‘Cuse last September and took an official visit to the Hill the following month.
Syracuse basketball coaches have prioritized him in this cycle for a long time, watching him suit up during post-season games for his high-school team in March, checking him out amid NCAA live periods in grassroots basketball in late April, and also recently making a trip to visit with Bethea in person.
Syracuse basketball 2024 four-star recruit Jalil Bethea is scorching hot in AAU events.
In the Nike EYBL league, he has produced strong performances in all of this league’s four spring sessions, including the most recent one in Memphis, Tenn., when Team Final went 5-0 to finish at 16-1 overall.
...
Keeping Up With the 315 5-30-23 (ESPN; radio; The 315)
Brian Higgins’ Judah Mintz watch has almost ended, with just over a day left for the guard to make his decision on college vs the NBA. Plus, the women’s lacrosse team is officially eliminated and Syracuse football schedule news sees the Orange playing an early season primetime game. Finally, a deep dive into who’s coming back to college after dropping out from the NBA Draft.
30 Minutes In Orange Nation 5-30-23 (ESPN; radio; Orange Nation)
Steve Infanti is joined by the show’s producer Jordan Capozzi to discuss the disappointing end to the Syracuse women’s lacrosse season. Then, the guys give their thoughts on the upcoming Nuggets-Heat NBA Finals. Later, Judah Mintz’s NBA Draft decision deadline is approaching quickly… Will he actually make an announcement?
Locked On Syracuse - Daily Podcast On Syracuse Orange Football & Basketball: Position Break Down: Evaluating Each Of Syracuse Basketball's Four Returning Forwards on Apple Podcasts (apple.com; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Position Break Down: Evaluating Each Of Syracuse Basketball's Four Returning Forwards
If Judah Mintz Leaves, Can That Actually Help Syracuse Basketball's Recruiting? (youtube; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Signs continue to suggest that Judah Mintz's time in Central New York is coming to a close. If he does decide to stay in the draft, can that actually help Syracuse Basketball's recruiting efforts moving forward? Owen Valentine talks the impacts of a successful one and done year, plus visits a few other topics across SU Athletics.
UNH men's basketball coach reflects on Celtics season (wmur.com; video)
UNH Men's basketball coach Nathan Davis reflects on Celtics season. UNH opens their 2023-24 season against Syracuse at the JMA Wireless Dome 11/9/2023.
Other
Corning, pictured here alongside the Chemung River, should be on your ultimate Upstate New York bucket list. Photo: Emily Suzanne Scott, emilysuzannephoto.com
These are the 20 best places in Upstate NY to visit this year (see our list) (PS; House & Hernandez)
Endless adventure awaits in Upstate New York.
There are mountains to conquer, from the towering High Peaks of the Adirondacks to the dramatic Shawgunks of the Hudson Valley. There are waterfalls to chase, from the world-famous Niagara Falls along the Canadian border to the locally-beloved Taughannock Falls outside of Ithaca.
Upstate offers unforgettable stays, from treehouse cabins to a themed motel worthy of a movie set. And you can thank Upstaters for creating some of your favorite foods, from Buffalo wings and potato chips to half moon cookies and Jell-O.
But with so many road trip-worthy places above the Big Apple, where should you start? We have a suggestion...or 20.
Here are the best places to visit in Upstate New York this year:
Adirondacks
Saranac Lake
Attention, hikers: Saranac Lake is calling. The village — which was recently voted one of North America’s Strongest Towns — is nestled among three lakes and surrounded by six mountains, making it an ideal base for travelers looking to conquer a mountain or enjoy a lakeside stroll. Bikers, boaters, skiers and snowboarders will also find plenty to do in the four-season village.After exploring the great Adirondack outdoors, you’ll need to fill your hungry belly. Get coffee and a great meal from the quaint Blue Moon Cafe. Then catch a live show at Waterhole and spend the night at White Pine Camp, the Adirondack Great Camp that President Calvin Coolidge used as his summer White House.
Tupper Lake
A hidden gem of the Adirondacks, the village of Tupper Lake is a great place to spend a getaway. Discover the renowned Wild Center and its Wild Walk, where you can explore swinging bridges 40 feet in the air amidst towering trees. Hikers will enjoy conquering the scenic trails of the Tupper Lake Triad, including top-rated Coney Mountain, Mount Arab, and Goodman Mountain, all of which are especially captivating during the vibrant fall season.To get ready for your adventures, fuel up with a delicious fresh cake doughnut from Washboard/Donut Shoppe. Afterward, unwind at Raquette Brewing Company with their craft brews, or grab an iconic Michigan hot dog and an ice cream cone from Skyline Ice Cream on your way home.
Lake George
Lake George proudly bills itself as the “birthplace of the American vacation” — a title it earned when a book by an outdoors-loving preacher drew adventure-seeking travelers to the region in the late 1800s. Nestled at the southern tip of its namesake lake, the town remains a popular destination for vacationers.Recently named the cleanest lake in America, Lake George offers good fun in all seasons. In the summer, go parasailing on (or rather, above) the picturesque lake with Parasail Joe’s. In the winter, explore ice castles Elsa would be jealous of at the famed Lake George Winter Carnival. And when adventuring makes you hungry, enjoy a waterside meal at The Algonquin — a restaurant recommended by chef Rachael Ray, who grew up in the Adirondacks.
...
