sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to Veteran's Day!
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
SU News
Syracuse basketball player Benny Williams reinstated after missing two games due to suspension (PS; $; Waters)
Syracuse basketball player Benny Williams has been reinstated to the team after missing the Orange’s first two regular season games due to a suspension.
Williams, a 6-foot-9 junior, had been suspended for what was described as a violation of team rules prior to Syracuse’s exhibition game against the College of Saint Rose on Nov. 1. He then sat out SU’s regular season games against New Hampshire and Canisius this past week.
Williams’ return to full team activities was announced on the SU basketball program’s Twitter account.
Syracuse’s next game is against Colgate on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Williams started 24 of the 30 games he played in as a sophomore last season. He averaged 7.2 points and 4.1 rebouds per game, while logging 22 minutes per game. He had scored 11 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in SU’s first exhibition game against Daemen on Oct. 27.
While Williams was suspended for the first two regular season games, Syracuse coach Adrian Autry inserted Justin Taylor, a 6-6 wing forward, into the starting lineup. Taylor has averaged 13.5 points in the wins over New Hampshire and Canisius. He has also made four of his nine 3-point attempts.
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Syracuse Basketball: Gauntlet of foes up next, Judah Mintz says bring it on (itlh; Adler)
Syracuse basketball, with its young roster and a first-year head coach, will continue to work hard and iron out its kinks, and the Orange did manage to commence its 2023-24 season with a pair of double-digit victories over non-conference foes.
And now, as they say, the fun begins. Well, it will only be fun for ‘Cuse fans if the Orange keeps on winning, or, at a minimum, the team plays at a high level versus upcoming elite competition while avoiding getting blown out of games.
In its first week of regular-season action, Syracuse basketball beat both Canisius and New Hampshire, with each contest transpiring on the Hill.
Over the next six weeks or so, the ‘Cuse will endure a particularly brutal stretch of games against non-conference opponents as well as fellow Atlantic Coast Conference members. Sophomore point guard Judah Mintz, a few days ago, said in essence, bring it on.
Syracuse basketball will soon face some extremely challenging foes.
Up next for the Orange is another home date, this time with Patriot League member Colgate. The Raiders have knocked off the ‘Cuse on two straight occasions, both times on the Orange’s turf.
Adrian Autry, in a press conference after the win over Canisius, noted that Colgate is an excellent program. The Raiders, in fact, have participated in the past four NCAA Tournaments. Syracuse basketball, on the other hand, has missed the last two Big Dances.
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ACC News
ACC Basketball: Biggest winners and losers from Week 1 of 2023-24 season (bustingbrackets.com; Anderson)
The first week of the 2023-24 season was filled with ups and downs for ACC Basketball. A few teams saw players emerge and breakout into legit stars, while others have starting out the gate slow. There also were big wins, along with some bad losses in the first few days alone.
Here’s a look at who the early “winners” and “losers” were in the ACC a week in.
Winners: Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes handled business in the opening week of college basketball. They’ve averaged 94.5 points through their first two victories of the year, posting 101 points in their opening night victory over NJIT.Senior big man Norchad Omier looks ready to be a lot more effective in his second season in the frontcourt. He’s posted 19.5 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 3.5 spg, 2.0 apg and 1.0 bpg on 66.7 percent shooting from the floor and 50 percent shooting from deep so far through two games.
Sharpshooting guard Wooga Poplar is slowly becoming a popular name with one of the top squads in the ACC. He leads the charge for the Hurricanes with 22.0 ppg on an efficient 71.4 percent shooting from deep. He’s already gone 10-of-14 from the perimeter across their two victories with back-to-back performances of at least five made 3-pointers.
Matthew Cleveland seems to be finding his footing on the wing as well. He posted 14.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.5 apg. 2.0 bpg and 1.5 spg in the rotation as a transfer portal addition out of Florida State. So far, they look the part as an NCAA Tournament squad.
NEXT: Loser: Louisville
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Syracuse Basketball: Orange’s 2024 class is ‘sneaky good,’ per top analyst (itlh; Adler)
The Syracuse basketball 2023-24 roster includes 13 scholarship players, and no seniors, so I always kind of figured that the Orange’s 2024 recruiting class would prove somewhat small.
Of course, we could see some ‘Cuse players hit the transfer portal following the current term, but regardless, Syracuse basketball coaches have done a fantastic job in securing commitments from two top-flight 2024 prospects in high-school hoops.
Given that the Orange’s senior cycle has only two commitments, it’s unrealistic to think that the ‘Cuse would end up seeing its 2024 class ranked in the top 10 nationally. It’s a numbers game, my friends.
However, what the Orange may somewhat lack in quantity, the ‘Cuse has more than made up for with the quality of its 2024 commits. In fact, a top national recruiting analyst/scout recently dished out some high praise for the team’s senior class.
Syracuse basketball has two top-60 national prospects in its 2024 recruiting cycle.
The Orange’s senior class consists of four-star power forward Donnie Freeman from Washington, D.C., and four-star shooting guard Elijah Moore from New York City.
The 6-foot-9 Freeman signed his national letter of intent (“NLI”) to play for the ‘Cuse on Wednesday, according to recruiting analysts, as the early signing period for 2024 high-school players opened up on November 8 and will run through November 15 of this year.
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Syracuse Basketball: 4-star, 5-star recruits on country’s No. 2, No. 3 teams (itlh; Adler)
As high-school hoops teams begin their 2023-24 terms this week or in the near future, several squads that include Syracuse basketball recruits find themselves highly ranked in a new preseason top 25.
Jordan Divens, the MaxPreps national basketball editor, recently published his preseason top 25 as the 2023-24 campaign gets underway, and I’m counting at least five groups in these rankings whose rosters have recruiting ties to the Orange.
Two of these units reside at No. 2 and No. 3 across the country, and all of the squads that I’m discussing here will significantly vie for state championships and possibly a national title in the season-ending GEICO Nationals, an annual event that will transpire in the spring of 2024.
The five teams that we’ll look at in this column are Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, N.Y., St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, Va., Myers Park High School in Charlotte, N.C., Richmond Heights High School in Richmond Heights, Ohio, and Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C.
Let’s review where Syracuse basketball targets have arrived in preseason team rankings.
Long Island Lutheran, No. 2
The Crusaders play in the loaded 10-team National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (“NIBC”). The talented Long Island Lutheran backcourt, in 2023-24, will feature Syracuse basketball 2025 priority recruits Kiyan Anthony, a four-star shooting guard, and Nigel James, a four-star point guard. Both have officially visited the Hill.
St. Paul VI, No. 3
This powerhouse team from the Washington, D.C., area includes two players who hold scholarship offers from the ‘Cuse coaching staff, and they are 2026 five-star shooting guard Jordan Smith Jr. and 2026 point guard Anthony Brown. Smith, a top-20 national prospect in the sophomore cycle, has said he’s interested in visiting Syracuse basketball at some point.
Myers Park, No. 8
The North Carolina juggernaut is led by 2025 four-star forward Sadiq White, who was offered by the Orange in late April and took an unofficial visit to the ‘Cuse in mid-September.
Richmond Heights, No. 10
One of the standouts for Richmond Heights is 2025 four-star shooting guard Dorian Jones, who picked up a Syracuse basketball scholarship offer in late August and has expressed an interest in taking a visit to the Hill.
Gonzaga, No. 11
Another excellent program from the talent-rich D.C. market is Gonzaga. A talented junior there is 2025 four-star combo guard Derek Dixon, a top-75 overall player who was offered by the Orange on June 15 and officially visited Syracuse basketball not too long ago.
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Syracuse Basketball: Maui Invitational ranked No. 1 early season tourney (itlh; Adler)
In about a week, Syracuse basketball will compete in the loaded eight-team Maui Jim Maui Invitational, and a national media outlet has ranked this annual event as the best early season tournament in collegiate hoops.
Cameron Salerno, in a recent article for CBS Sports, rated the top-eight early season tournaments, and he put the 2023 Maui Invitational in the No. 1 spot.
There are numerous other enticing pre-season tourneys out there, but I do agree with Salerno that the Maui Invitational should reside in the top position, and that has little to do with my beloved Orange playing in this stacked event.
The ‘Cuse will play three games in this year’s Maui Invitational, which will take place right before the Thanksgiving holiday from November 20 to November 22 at the University of Hawaii’s SimpliFi Arena in Honolulu.
Syracuse basketball looks to remain undefeated, historically, at the Maui Invitational.
The Orange has suited up at the Maui Invitational on three other occasions, in 1990, 1998 and 2013, and the ‘Cuse has won this tourney every time that it has played in it.
If Syracuse basketball wants to keep that trend going, it will have to navigate a field that includes numerous highly rated squads.
The Orange has junior forward Benny Williams back, and the ‘Cuse is off to a 2-0 start in the young 2023-24 season under first-year head coach Adrian Autry. Syracuse basketball will host Colgate this coming Tuesday night before heading to Hawaii.
At the 2023 Maui Invitational, the ‘Cuse will first take on another Orange-clad team, Southeastern Conference member Tennessee, whose roster this season includes former long-time Syracuse basketball recruit Joseph Estrella, a 2023 four-star center out of the Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H.
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ACC Basketball Power Rankings: Duke loses to Arizona, Miami surging to start (yahoo.com; Baxley)
The ACC got off to a sterling 14-0 start on the opening night of the 2023-24 college basketball season, but took a step back at the end of Week 1 with some nonconference losses against Power Five opponents.
Don’t worry about Duke, which lost a back-and-forth classic to Caleb Love and the Arizona Wildcats. The Blue Devils will be just fine, but Wake Forest and Virginia Tech suffered tough early-season losses.
Here’s a look at the power rankings entering Week 2 of the 2023-24 season.
1. Duke
Jon Scheyer said the Blue Devils got a “reality check” in their loss to Arizona. With that defeat, Coach K’s record drops to .500 (1-1) as a spectator in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Still, Duke looks as talented as any team in the nation.2. Miami
The Canes dropped 101 on NJIT and delivered a beatdown to UCF in Coral Gables to cap their week. Watch out for Wooga Poplar, who dropped 20 points in back-to-back games. Miami coach Jim Larrañaga called Poplar’s performance against the Knights “incredible” and “sensational.”3. North Carolina
The Tar Heels looked more cohesive in their opener than they did for most of last season. It’s a good sign for a team aiming to get back on track. Elliot Cadeau has the goods, and Armando Bacot continues to rack up double-double performances.4. Virginia
The Cavaliers got crushed on the glass against Florida, but Virginia’s defense continues to create headaches for opponents. How about the game for freshman Blake Buchanan? Buchanan had 18 points and seven rebounds against the Gators. Is he the next Jack Salt or Jay Huff for the Hoos?5. Clemson
PJ Hall is living up to the hype as a possible ACC Player of the Year. His 27 points against UAB helped the Tigers avoid a damaging loss in nonconference play. But the football team is playing well again, so are folks paying attention?6. Pittsburgh
The new-look Panthers haven’t exactly played powerhouses in their first two games – North Carolina A&T and Binghamton – but Pitt did what it was supposed to do in destroying those teams. Carlton Carrington is nearly averaging a triple-double. Freshman of the year?7. NC State
Butler transfer Jayden Taylor looks like a solid scoring option and Missouri transfer Mohamed Diarra is nearly averaging a double-double. Wolfpack coach Kevin Keatts appears to have struck gold again in the transfer portal.8. Virginia Tech
Maybe South Carolina will be a lot better this year, but it’s not a good loss for the offensive-powered Hokies. Veteran guards Hunter Cattoor and Sean Pedulla need some help.9. Florida State
The Seminoles had six players score at least nine points in the opener. If Leonard Hamilton’s squad can stay healthy, there’s no reason to believe FSU can’t have a bounce-back season.10. Syracuse
The Orange are undefeated in the Adrian Autry era, but ‘Cuse didn’t exactly look sharp in its wins against New Hampshire and Canisius. Judah Mintz will have to continue carrying this squad.11. Wake Forest
It looks like defense remains optional for the Demon Deacons, who produced a stinker at Georgia. Wake Forest needs Efton Reid and Damari Monsanto on the court if it wants an NCAA Tournament bid.12. Georgia Tech
Miles Kelly might be the most underrated player in the league. First-year coach Damon Stoudamire will bring out the best in Kelly and the Yellow Jackets. This team plays four Power Five opponents in its next five games. Buckle up.13. Boston College
Quinten Post started his year with a 30-point, 11-rebound showing and Jaeden Zackery saved the Eagles in a four-point win against The Citadel. But it doesn’t look like the Eagles will be a threat in the ACC.14. Notre Dame
A 29-point outing on 10-of-18 shooting? What a debut for freshman Markus Burton. But even with a career night from Burton, the Fighting Irish barely beat Niagara in the opener. It’ll be a tough season in South Bend.15. Louisville
To say the Cardinals are at rock bottom would be an insult to rock bottom.Other
IRS unveils new tax brackets, standard deduction for 2024 (PS; Tampone)
The IRS has announced new tax brackets and a new standard deduction, along with adjustments to dozens of other tax provisions, for the 2024 tax year.
The changes are all meant to help the provisions keep pace with inflation. The adjustments for the 2024 tax year generally apply to returns filed in 2025.
For the 2024 year, the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly will rise to $29,200, an increase of $1,500 from tax year 2023, according to the IRS. For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, the deduction will increase to $14,600 for 2024, an increase of $750.
For heads of households, the standard deduction will be $21,900 for tax year 2024, an increase of $1,100.
The new tax brackets and rates for 2024 are:
- 37% for individual single taxpayers with incomes greater than $609,350 ($731,200 for married couples filing jointly)
- 35% for incomes over $243,725 ($487,450 for married couples filing jointly)
- 32% for incomes over $191,950 ($383,900 for married couples filing jointly)
- 24% for incomes over $100,525 ($201,050 for married couples filing jointly)
- 22% for incomes over $47,150 ($94,300 for married couples filing jointly)
- 12% for incomes over $11,600 ($23,200 for married couples filing jointly)
In addition to the new tax changes for 2024, the IRS announced new contribution limits for 401(k) plans and other retirement plans earlier in November.
The Social Security Administration unveiled a cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients in October. And the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced new Medicare premiums.
Veterans Day 2023: What’s open, what’s closed? Is mail delivered? (PS; Herbert)
When is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is celebrated every Nov. 11 with parades, ceremonies, concerts, speeches and more events across the United States. The federal holiday is typically observed on the same day every year, but if Nov. 11 falls on a weekend, it is observed on the closest weekday. This year, Veterans Day falls on Saturday, so it will be observed Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
What is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday that originally began as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, honoring all members of the U.S. armed services. It coincides with other holidays around the world, including Remembrance Day, marking the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed, officially changing the name to Veterans Day to honor all military veterans.
The holiday is sometimes confused with Memorial Day, held in May, which recognizes those who died while in military service; and Armed Forces Day, also observed in May, which honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
Here’s a list of what is open and closed on Veterans Day 2023:
Are banks open for Veterans Day?
No, most banks are closed Friday.
Are schools open?
No. Schools are closed on most federal holidays, including Veterans Day.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
Yes, the financial and stock markets will be open Friday. While the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq typically follow the federal holiday schedule, Columbus Day and Veterans Day are the exceptions when the markets remain open.
Are post offices closed on Veterans Day? Is there mail delivery?
The U.S. Post offices are closed on Veterans Day and no mail will be delivered Saturday.
Are libraries open?
Onondaga County’s central library and all city branches are closed. Suburban branches vary. You can check your branch through the county website.
What about government offices?
City, county, state and federal offices are closed Friday.
Do you have to pay parking meters?
Parking at all Syracuse city meters will be free Friday.
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