sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to National Hot Fudge Sundae Day!
Taking place during National Ice Cream Month, National Hot Fudge Sundae Day celebrates one of the most popular sundaes. Said to be invented in the early twentieth century at C.C. Brown's Ice Cream Shop in Hollywood, hot fudge sundaes usually are made of vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate fudge, and topped with nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry.
There are a few stories as to how and where ice cream sundaes got their start. One says they got their start in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, in 1881. There, George Hallauer ordered an ice cream dish at Ed Berner's soda fountain. His dish gained popularity, and other nearby fountains began serving it. It was George Giffy, who owned a fountain in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, who decided to serve it only on Sundays—hence the name it received.
Another story says that in Evanston, Illinois, in the 1890s, moralists were speaking out against drinking soda water on the Sabbath. In response, confectioners decided to create "Sundays," which had ice cream and flavored syrups instead of soda water. Another early name for the dessert was "Soda-less Soda." In order to remove any connection to the Sabbath, "Sundays" eventually became known as "sundaes."
Other cities have claimed to be the originator of the ice cream sundae, including Ann Arbor, Michigan; Ithaca, New York; Norfolk, Virginia; and Washington, D.C. No matter where they were created, they were wildly popular by the turn of the twentieth century, and the hot fudge sundae made its debut shortly after, becoming the favorite sundae of many!
SU News
Why does Syracuse need a general manager for its basketball program? (Mike’s Mailbox) (PS; $; Waters)
This week’s Mailbox opens up with a question based on Syracuse’s recent hiring of a new general manager for the men’s basketball program.
The hiring was big news. First, it was a new position within the SU basketball office. Second, it was an acknowledgement of the new landscape in college sports. Third, it was an indication that Syracuse is ready to financially meet the challenges of that new landscape.
I’ll explain more in a bit.
After that, we get to a couple of hypothetical questions. Both thought-provoking.
(If you have a question for the Mailbox, email it to mwaters@syracuse.com).
Q: Why exactly does Syracuse need a general manager and how much is he getting paid?
Kevin S.
Mike: Syracuse recently announced the hiring of Alex Kline as the new general manager for the basketball program. It’s a newly-created role within the SU basketball program, but several other schools have had someone in a similar position over the last year or two.
Since Syracuse is a private school, it is not required to reveal the terms of Kline’s contract.
Syracuse basketball GM Alex Kline on his role: ‘My job is to cut out the fat’
I would argue that every major college basketball program needs to have someone in the role of general manager these days.
With the advent of players earning money through new NIL rules, the college game has taken on certain aspects of the pro game. Another factor is there’s more player movement now with players not having to sit out a year when they transfer.
You have to devote a lot more time to roster management. There’s still player evaluation, but now there’s also player valuation.
Decisions have to be made in terms of how to use a school’s NIL budget. It’s too much for a head coach and three assistants to handle.
It’s a pro model. In the NBA, coaches coach. Scouts evaluate. General managers determine how much to pay the player. Decisions on which players that a team signs are made as a collective.
Kline, a Syracuse graduate, has been an NBA scout with the New Orleans Pelicans and the New York Knicks for the past eight years. He not only scouted player, he led the Knicks’ approach to the NBA draft.
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Syracuse guard JJ Starling will take on more ball-handling duties for the Orange next season. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com)N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com
Starling on playing more at PG, handling the ball: ‘That’s what I’ve done all my life’ (PS; $; Waters)
JJ Starling is spending this summer revitalizing a part of his game that hasn’t been used or seen much over the past two years.
Starling spent most of his basketball career with the ball in his hands. Not a pure point guard, but a ball-handling guard capable of pushing the tempo and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
But in his first two years of college, Starling hasn’t showcased those skills. As a freshman at Notre Dame, he played alongside veterans like Dane Goodwin, Trey Wertz, Marcus Hammond and Cormac Ryan. They all shared the ball-handling duties as Starling just tried to fit in.
After transferring to Syracuse, the Baldwinsville native found himself in the backcourt with Judah Mintz. It was a productive and successful partnership. Mintz led SU in scoring, averaging 18.8 points followed by Starling’s 13.3 points per game.
“Judah did things to make sure I was comfortable,’’ Starling said. “He was the point, but we worked together and I had the ball a lot, too.’’
Still, Mintz was the Orange’s primary ball-handler.
When Mintz left Syracuse to enter the NBA draft, it created an opening at the point. The Syracuse coaches did bring in Jaquan Carlos, a 6-foot senior who averaged over 6 assists per game last year at Hofstra.
But Starling, a former McDonald’s All-American, is expected to take on additional ball-handling duties. Autry talked about the prospect during a recent session with fans on SU’s Coaches Caravan tour of Upstate New York.
“We got so much versatility. But he’ll play some point,” Autry said of Starling. “He can play point, we can play with three guards, we can play with four guards. He’ll definitely play the point.’’
Going into his third year in college and second year in a Syracuse uniform, Starling is preparing for a role he knows well, but just wasn’t been asked to play as a freshman or sophomore.
“I’ve been getting reps in practice, bringing ball up, making reads off ball-screens and making passes and still being a scoring guard,’’ Starling said. “I’m a combo guard. That’s what I’ve done all my life; that’s what I’ve been doing I practice.’’
Starling that it has “been a little while since I brought the ball up consistently,’’ but insists that he feels comfortable taking on the additional ball-handling duties.
“I’m comfortable, but I wouldn’t say I’m more comfortable,’’ Starling said. “I’m playing the 1 and the 2. We have a team where we can play positionless and play fast. Any one of us can handle the ball, shoot and make passes.’’
Starling is one of two starters returning off last year’s Syracuse squad; the other being 6-foot-7 forward Chris Bell. Kyle Cuffe, a reserve guard; and Naheem McLeod, a 7-foot-4 center who is coming off a foot injury; are the only other returners for the Orange.
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Former Syracuse basketball guard Joe Girard signs overseas contract (PS; $; Ditota)
Former Syracuse basketball guard Joe Girard has signed a contract to play in Lithuania for the 2024-25 season.
Girard will play for Nevezis in Lithuania’s top league, the team announced. Girard confirmed the news in a text message to Syracuse.com. Nevezis finished in ninth place in the LKL at 10-20 last season.
Girard, of course, spent four seasons at Syracuse and established himself as one of the better 3-point shooters in the ACC, a distinction he continued at Clemson for his fifth and final year of college basketball.
Girard has played point guard and shooting guard in college, but has a particular knack for scoring. During his college career, he amassed a total of 2,196 points (1,652 at SU, 544 at Clemson). He shot 37.5% from the 3-point line during his five seasons of college basketball, his best year coming with the Tigers last season (41.3%).
The Toronto Raptors carried him on their most recent Summer League roster.
Carmelo Anthony's Son Kiyan Being Recruited to Syracuse by 5-Star Sadiq White Jr. (BR; Conway)
Sadiq White Jr. is doing what he can to get yet another Anthony to Syracuse.
White Jr., who is a 5-star prospect in the class of 2025 in 247Sports' composite rankings, is already committed to Syracuse's men's basketball team. He told Sam Lance of Zagsblog that he is trying to recruit Kiyan Anthony to join him in upstate New York.
Anthony is a 4-star prospect in 247Sports' composite rankings and the son of Syracuse and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.
"I'm trying to ... bring Kiyan home," White said. "We're trying to make it big man. I'm doing my part."
As of Wednesday, Syracuse has the No. 8 class for the 2025 cycle, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
Considered a solid prospect coming into the 2024 calendar year, Anthony broke out at Peach Jam over the summer. He dropped 40 points in front of stunned crowd in July, and that came after a stellar performance at the Nike EYBL in the spring.
Given his famous father, Kiyan essentially had his pick of wherever he wanted to play basketball in the country. Even if he wasn't one of the best young prospects in the country, the cache from his name alone would have garnered him interest.
Heading to Syracuse would be an interesting call that would leave Anthony with large shoes to fill. Carmelo Anthony had one of the greatest freshman seasons in NCAA history at Syracuse, leading the Orange to the 2003 national championship.
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Syracuse men’s basketball: final NBA Summer League recap for Orange alums (TNIAAM; Wall)
The number of Syracuse Orange alums on NBA rosters might not grow in the 2024-25 season. As Mike wrote about yesterday, Judah Mintz didn’t land a two-way deal with the Sixers and some of the other Orange were unimpressive in Las Vegas.
Cole Swider was the one player who made a very strong case to NBA front offices. Swider was a key player for a Miami Heat squad which won the Las Vegas title. It was perfect timing for the free agent to make his case to Miami (or another team) to sign him to a deal.
Putting aside defensive concerns, with how Swider is making shots from deep, he’s going to get some offers before the summer ends.
Let’s check on the other Syracuse alums:
Buddy Boeheim had his best game of the summer against Phoenix when he went 6-11 from 3 and added 6 rebounds and 4 assists to go with 20 points. Buddy averaged 7.4 points on 35.7% shooting from 3.
Jesse Edwards appeared in 5 games for Minnesota and averaged 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds. He’s going to see a lot of action in the G League this year for the Iowa Wolves.
Joe Girard appeared in two games for Toronto and averaged 3.5 points while struggling shooting. He did grab 5 rebounds in 17 minutes against the Heat
Quincy Guerrier played in 3 games for Toronto and averaged 4.7 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Allen Griffin only made one appearance for New York scoring 6 points to go with 3 rebounds and 3 steals.
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Report: Syracuse alum Mike Tirico to be NBC’s lead announcer in new NBA deal (PS; Owens)
Syracuse University graduate Mike Tirico is about to start one of the highest-profile gigs in broadcasting — being NBC’s primetime host of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Another prime assignment is in Tirico’s future, according to a report. Tirico will be the lead voice of the NBA when the league goes back to NBC in the 2025-26 season, according to a report from The Athletic.
Rick Cordella, the president of NBC Sports, told Richard Deitsch of The Athletic that NBC plans on Tirico being NBC’s “A” voice for the NBA.
The NBA announced Wednesday that it has signed an 11-year media rights deal with NBC, Disney, and Amazon Prime Video. Warner Bros. Discovery, parent company of the TNT network, had made a $1.8 billion per year offer to continue its relationship with the league, the Associated Press reported, but the NBA turned that down.
The AP reported that WBD said it was exercising its rights to match a part of those deals, but the offer was not considered a true match by the NBA. “We have matched the Amazon offer, as we have a contractual right to do, and do not believe the NBA can reject it,” TNT Sports said, adding that “We will take appropriate action.”
Tirico, a 1988 graduate of SU’s Newhouse School, is no stranger to the NBA, calling games when he was with ESPN. His broadcasting resume includes multiple Olympic Games, the NFL, NHL, college football, golf, tennis, auto racing and more. He is a member of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees and began his career at WTVH in Syracuse.
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Syracuse Men's Basketball on Instagram: "“He made me who I am.” #44Films presents Papa’s Beast: A Judah Mintz Story Watch now at cuse.tv "
701 likes, 3 comments - cuse_mbb on June 20, 2024: "“He made me who I am.” #44Films presents Papa’s Beast: A Judah Mintz Story Watch now at cuse.tv ".
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Other
Founders of Breaking Bourbon, a site that rates American whiskies and offers news and insights: Jordan Moskal, Nick Beiter and Eric Hasman. Photo taken at Al's Wine & Whiskey Lounge in Syracuse's Armory Square.Don Cazentre
How two Syracuse guys (and a friend) launched an influential bourbon rating site (PS; $; Cazentre)
It’s not unusual for old friends to get together now and then over a few drinks.
In this case, three childhood pals, two of whom live in the Syracuse area, have sealed their relationship over thousands of them. They kept detailed notes each time. And they’ve turned it into a profitable business.
This trio runs Breaking Bourbon, a highly influential site that rates bourbon and other American whiskies, and provides news and insights into the whiskey business. It launched in 2014 and boasts that it now reaches 3.3 million “unique” users a year, making it one of the biggest American whiskey sites in the country.
Breaking Bourbon was founded by Jordan Moskal, Nick Beiter and Eric Hasman, three guys now in their early 40s who grew up near Rochester and have known each other since the second grade. Beiter and Hasman have lived and worked in Syracuse for more than a decade, while Moskal lives in Pittsburgh.
“Bourbon is what has kept us together,” Moskal said. “Bourbon is what will keep us together,” Beiter added.
So how did two guys who live in Syracuse (and their Pennsylvania friend) become experts in a field generally associated with places like Kentucky?
Moskal, Beiter and Hasman talked about their journey to bourbon wisdom and togetherness over a few drinks recently at Al’s Wine & Whiskey lounge in Armory Square, which boasts one of the largest spirits collections in town.
It began when Moskal took a job near Louisville, Ky. Whenever his buddies came to town, they visited distilleries in the area. Then they started talking about other ways to get together.
But the topic always drifted back to whiskey.
“We really needed to find something to do to stay more in touch,” Moskal said. “We all loved bourbon. So we just said, ‘Why don’t we start writing about bourbon?’”
This was back before most distilleries had well equipped tasting rooms, and were more focused on whiskey production than welcoming visitors. Most of the whiskey information aimed at consumers was found in magazines and blogs, Moskal said, meaning readers had to work to find it.
Then, just as they started thinking about the idea seriously, distilleries began marketing themselves as destinations, accompanied by more special bottlings and limited releases. That created a need for up-to-date news and timely insights.
“We unintentionally picked the right time to enter,” Hasman said. “The bourbon industry and bourbon enthusiasm just skyrocketed.”
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The Flaming Lips perform at Beak and Skiff in LaFayette N.Y., July 23, 2024. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com
You can’t escape death, so you might as well dance (Flaming Lips concert review) (PS; Tulloch)
It’s easy to write off The Flaming Lips lyricism as absurdist stoner spacetalk, if you’re an absolutely boring square of white bread.
Yes, it’s nonsense. Glorious, entertaining, neon nonsense. But amidst the sunny synths and whimsical candy balloons, there’s a deep well of contemplative existentialism to this memorable slice of the Lips catalog. Their universal verses on love, death and reflecting on the passage of time ring as true as they did when they were written.
The Flaming Lips cycled through every song from their most successful and well-known 2002 album, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots,” then generously returned for a confetti-laden, Wonka-flavored wonderball of a second set at Beak and Skiff on Tuesday night.
When The Lips kicked off their show at 7:30 p.m. on the dot, showering the crowd with streamers and wobbling their jumbo pink robots onstage for the opening track of “Fight Test,” it felt delightful yet baffling.
Where does one go when you’ve set the performance bar this high, this soon? Why use up your toys and streamers in broad daylight, on Song #1? But it was foolish of me to worry. Bandleader Wayne Coyne and his crew had many, many more tricks up their sleeves.
Singer/guitarist Coyne, 63, handily captained this bonkers ship of weirdos, while seamlessly ushering around the show’s blobby prop department. Whether he was crooning happily in a floppy flower suit for “Flowers of Neptune 6″ or swinging his light like a lasso, Coyne kept the crowd entranced with admirable energy and an increasingly bizarre parade of giant balloon toys.
“It’s -king amazing being here,” Coyne shouted. “This night is so beautiful... Maybe it’s the hill or maybe it’s you guys, but you sound so loud. So loud! Don’t stop. Keep it going. Don’t get too lost in the apple fields.”
Lights and toys aside, Coyne’s high, supple voice has held up well since The Lips burst into existence in 1983, but his contagious joy for the art of performance captivated fans for the full three hours. The show moved dreamily through the lusty Technicolor spectacle, feeling so otherworldly that even a perfectly sober viewer can feel a little stoned.
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