General Consensus Now: Syracuse Not Very Good

[HoustonCuse]

I'm reading here, watching Sports Center, watching CBB Final (or whatever they call it), watching Coach's postgame press conference, and the general consensus now seems to be that Syracuse is a fraud. We may have lucked into this win against Georgetown but we have no chance to win a national championship.

Some quotes about SU from tonight:
JB: "Not championship caliber." "We won't win, we can't win."
Dykes: "Syracuse is leaking oil." "Their defense is nothing but a ball watching zone." "Kentucky would hold most NBA teams under 85 points."
Gottlieb: "Syracuse is in the bottom 10 in the nation in o-rebs, fatally flawed like Memphis afew years ago, KU a few years ago." "Their guards aren't buying into the team concept, think Fab can do it all by himself and are cherry picking with leak outs." "Won't get past elite 8."
Aaron Burr: Who gives a *%k what Aaron Burr thinks.
This board: CJ is lazy, Dion is terrible, Fab is afraid of contact, JB can't coach (re: stall-ball), we can't shoot, Triche sucks, Triche should be playing more minutes, we'll have a 5.5 man rotation by Feb 10th, etc.

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with any of this. I'm saying it appears now that we have no real chance to do anything in the tournament. Standard Sweet 16 loss sounds about where the national consensus has us now, with an outside shot of losing in the Elite 8. Boeheim, to me, sounded like he's giving up on the season based on his comments tonight. He sees rebounding as a terminal illness of this team and doesn't see much chance of being able to fix it. I don't think he believes we will lose-out the string or anything, but I saw a coach who doesn't believe this team has a chance at a title this year.

This is all a little disturbing and surprising considering the win against a Top 11 opponent who plays great defense and had won 4 out of 5. I'm not sure what to think right now.

 

[Phillymoose]

I'm reading here, watching Sports Center, watching CBB Final (or whatever they call it), watching Coach's postgame press conference, and the general consensus now seems to be that Syracuse is a fraud. We may have lucked into this win against Georgetown but we have no chance to win a national championship.

Some quotes about SU from tonight:
JB: "Not championship caliber." "We won't win, we can't win."
Dykes: "Syracuse is leaking oil." "Their defense is nothing but a ball watching zone." "Kentucky would hold most NBA teams under 85 points."
Gottlieb: "Syracuse is in the bottom 10 in the nation in o-rebs, fatally flawed like Memphis afew years ago, KU a few years ago." "Their guards aren't buying into the team concept, think Fab can do it all by himself and are cherry picking with leak outs." "Won't get past elite 8."
Aaron Burr: Who gives a *%k what Aaron Burr thinks.
This board: CJ is lazy, Dion is terrible, Fab is afraid of contact, JB can't coach (re: stall-ball), we can't shoot, Triche sucks, Triche should be playing more minutes, we'll have a 5.5 man rotation by Feb 10th, etc.

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with any of this. I'm saying it appears now that we have no real chance to do anything in the tournament. Standard Sweet 16 loss sounds about where the national consensus has us now, with an outside shot of losing in the Elite 8. Boeheim, to me, sounded like he's giving up on the season based on his comments tonight. He sees rebounding as a terminal illness of this team and doesn't see much chance of being able to fix it. I don't think he believes we will lose-out the string or anything, but I saw a coach who doesn't believe this team has a chance at a title this year.

This is all a little disturbing and surprising considering the win against a Top 11 opponent who plays great defense and had won 4 out of 5. I'm not sure what to think right now.

You merely saw a coach trying to keep his players motivated and working hard to keep improving. The idea that we can win a game vs. the #11 team in the nation, against our greatest rival, with the result being a dramatic change in perception as to who and what we are... is amusing.

The fact of the matter is, the team can make a disciplined commitment to improve on the glass. I have seen Kjo do it. I have seen Dirty do it. In both cases the effort is very inconsistent. CJ is already a good rebounder. Christmas and Fab are space eaters who are gong to get theirs. The guards can also make more of a commitment to it. It can improve - and it really depends on the opponent. I actually think we'd rebound better vs. bigger teams that shoot better. The zone has always been susceptible to smaller athletic teams that crash the offensive boards.

In Georgetown, I saw a team work the clock and attack our zone very smartly. I only remember 1 or 2 runouts .. they got back on D very quick. Yes - we all hate G-town, but they held us to 55 in regulation. They deserve some credit. We know that CJ, scoop and Dion can all play much, much better. If CJ hits that shot in the middle of the zone, like he normally does, it probably changes our offensive output dramatically.

 

[Loose Nukes]

Let me help you with your post...

General consesus now: We need to start rebounding the ball better.

You're welcome **Kobe Bryant Voice**

 

[DoctorBombay]

Fact is, Dougie read a stat that said we were something like in the bottom 10% in offensive rebounding...IN THE COUNTRY!
Out of 300+ teams, we're near the bottom- thats no joke. For all our size & length, we may one of the worst rebounding teams in the last 10 years.
We won't win a NC, and thats the benchmark for this talented team, if we don't rebound the ball. Thats just fact.

 

[Loose Nukes]

It's obviously a huge problem, imagine how much more efficient our defense would be if we could actually rebound. I think that Jimmy is trying to send the players a message and I would hope that we see some improvement in the upcoming weeks. The bottom line is somehow we are winning games. Jimmy is thinking ahead though, he knows we go down in march if we keep playing like this.

 

[Czar]

Kentucky holding NBA teams under 85 points?

 

[Eric15]

I think it's pretty straight forward...

Are we as good as Kentucky? No
Could we beat Kentucky in a 7 game series? No
Could we beat Kentucky in a 1 game scenario? Yes
Does our team have significant flaws despite our very strong season so far (e.g. lack of a low-post scoring threat, terrible rebounding numbers, difficulty attacking a zone defense, offensive limitations when we can't get into transition)? Yes
Can this team win a national title? Yes

 

[texascpa]

Whoever stated that Kentucky could hold most NBA teams under 85 points should never be allowed to speak about sports again.

 

[Bornorange]

They demonstrate that with all their accumulated experience , they are too ignorant to understand cause and effect.
Zone defenses do not make good offensive rebounding teams, players are not in position to rebound they are rebounding from their assigned defensive position.
Also this team has played in the lead for perhaps 90% of the season. That encourages our guards to cheat out and not crash the boards.
That is why we are statistically not a good offensive rebounding team.
Must this team be the best in every single statistical category to be considered final four material?

 

[weedsportwarriors]

JBs comments were made to motivate his team. Who cares what all of the announcers and so called experts are saying. Georgetown is a very good team and has proven it all year; especially as of late. I am just curious what they are saying about UNC. To blow a 12 point lead at home with 7 minutes to play, to lose to FSU by 30? I have never understood why we don't get any love from the experts. We will have to wait until March to see how it all plays out. IMO our boys will be in the final four and the experts will be saying that they knew SU zone and defense would carry them through.

 

[690West]

Whoever stated that Kentucky could hold most NBA teams under 85 points should never be allowed to speak about sports again.

I'm pretty sure the Washington Wizards would score 115 on Kentucky. No, scratch that, I'm damn sure

 

[Ghost]

We are probably overrated in the sense that we aren't nearly as dominant as our record indicates. Are we still Top 10 - sure. The Top 10 is pretty weak though. The half-court offense really struggles to score unless someone is going off (and lately we've been lucky if even 1 guy is hitting shots outside), and our rebounding is definitely a concern.

We have weaknesses, are we capable of winning it all - sure. Are the odds high that we'll get bounced in the S16 - depending on the match-up, it wouldn't even be mildly surprising if we did.

 

[SUintheVille]

Rebounding takes some passion and aggression. It's down in the trenches, who wants it more kind of stuff. It's not glorious. Kind of like the O-line on a football team...they don't get the glory but without a good line, the offense is stagnant and fails, and the QB and RB don't do so well.

It's not a hard concept. Go after the ball with passion. Box out. Don't stand there and wait for the ball to fall into your lap. UK is good at rebounding because they are aggressive down low and want it. SU is too...at times...but certainly not nearly enough. Come on guys (players)...kick some frickin a__ down low!!

 

[IthacaMatt]

Whoever stated that Kentucky could hold most NBA teams under 85 points should never be allowed to speak about sports again.

Have you been watching any NBA games lately? Half the teams in the NBA can't score 85 points, no matter who they're playing. NBA product is damn near unwatchable right now. The compressed schedule means more players are injured, and more players are coasting through more games to try to avoid getting injured. Plus the new collective bargain agreement leads to a handful of good players, and a bunch of terrible borderline players on nearly every team to fill out their rosters. Stern has turned a great product into a pile of crap the last 10 years or so.

 

[dasher]

Matt, NBA teams are playing against other NBA teams. An NBA team would take Kentucky apart.

 

[Czar]

Have you been watching any NBA games lately? Half the teams in the NBA can't score 85 points, no matter who they're playing. NBA product is damn near unwatchable right now. The compressed schedule means more players are injured, and more players are coasting through more games to try to avoid getting injured. Plus the new collective bargain agreement leads to a handful of good players, and a bunch of terrible borderline players on nearly every team to fill out their rosters. Stern has turned a great product into a pile of crap the last 10 years or so.

Congratulations, you're as stupid as the analysts on ESPN.

 

[realorange]

Jimmy Dykes can't get 85 words out of his mouth without saying "Kentucky" at least 10 times.

 

[BleedsOrange44]

I disagree that Syracuse couldn't beat Kentucky in a 7 game series. It's amazing how one game for each team completely changes the entire perception. Kentucky blows out a team who they have significant matchup advantages with and they're the greatest team of all time. We know they're good and deserve to be #1 right now, but I think that was overblown. Syracuse beats their #1 rival (who's a borderline top 10 team mind you), in a game where they shot terribly and were dominated on the glass (but still won), and suddenly they're horrible. The overreaction by ESPN is ridiculous.

Let's wait to see how things play out. If Syracuse plays Kentucky, it will be in the final four or more likely the national championship. It's entire possible both make it, one makes it, or neither make it. The ESPN people get so pissed and irritated when talking about Syracuse, and I'm not sure why.

 

[EastCoast2]

I'm pretty sure the Washington Wizards would score 115 on Kentucky. No, scratch that, I'm damn sure

I'd take Blatche-McGee over Jones-Davis in a 2-v-2 ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

 

[EastCoast2]

Also, remember how good John Wall was two years ago? Yeah, well, he's been working out and playing vs. PROS for the past 2 years. To see Teague go up vs. him would be funny.

 

[Knicks411]

Yeah, even as bad as the Wizards are, come on.

Though it's entirely possible Anthony Davis may be the best player on the court in a game against Washington.

 

[Marsh01]

I disagree that Syracuse couldn't beat Kentucky in a 7 game series. It's amazing how one game for each team completely changes the entire perception. Kentucky blows out a team who they have significant matchup advantages with and they're the greatest team of all time. We know they're good and deserve to be #1 right now, but I think that was overblown. Syracuse beats their #1 rival (who's a borderline top 10 team mind you), in a game where they shot terribly and were dominated on the glass (but still won), and suddenly they're horrible. The overreaction by ESPN is ridiculous.

Let's wait to see how things play out. If Syracuse plays Kentucky, it will be in the final four or more likely the national championship. It's entire possible both make it, one makes it, or neither make it. The ESPN people get so pissed and irritated when talking about Syracuse, and I'm not sure why.

My god yes. Its one freaking game! Kentucky gets beat Saturday night and we win then it will be "whats wrong with Kentucky?" Jesus I cant believe people take ESPN and their word so seriously.

The bottom line is we are probably going to get a #1 seed. We would not play Kentucky until the FF or possibly the NC game. All this talk of beating Kentucky in a 7 game series, etc means squat. You know how low the odds are that both of us actualy make it to the NC game? Would anyone on this board be shocked if Kentucky got picked off in the sweet 16? I wouldnt.

Some people need ot really get off of this ESPN is out to get us mentality. Every team gets bashed. Every team gets ridiculed. Every team gets taken apart and dissected. If Kentucky loses ot Vandy on Saturday it will happen to them.

Just enjoy the ride we are on and see how it plays out.

 

[UnderHisOwnPower]

I think it's pretty straight forward...

Are we as good as Kentucky? No
Could we beat Kentucky in a 7 game series? No
Could we beat Kentucky in a 1 game scenario? Yes
Does our team have significant flaws despite our very strong season so far (e.g. lack of a low-post scoring threat, terrible rebounding numbers, difficulty attacking a zone defense, offensive limitations when we can't get into transition)? Yes
Can this team win a national title? Yes

Exactly right. It depends on which rebounding team shows up; the one from the St Johns win where everyone had the necessary "want to" for the loose balls, or the team that stood around watching against both WVU and the Hoyas. Maddening really. If they rebound with a purpose out of the zone, the team can overcome Dion's blackholitis and even sophomore Scoop who made an appearance last night.

 

[BleedsOrange44]

My god yes. Its one freaking game! Kentucky gets beat Saturday night and we win then it will be "whats wrong with Kentucky?" Jesus I cant believe people take ESPN and their word so seriously.

The bottom line is we are probably going to get a #1 seed. We would not play Kentucky until the FF or possibly the NC game. All this talk of beating Kentucky in a 7 game series, etc means squat. You know how low the odds are that both of us actualy make it to the NC game? Would anyone on this board be shocked if Kentucky got picked off in the sweet 16? I wouldnt.

Some people need ot really get off of this ESPN is out to get us mentality. Every team gets bashed. Every team gets ridiculed. Every team gets taken apart and dissected. If Kentucky loses ot Vandy on Saturday it will happen to them.

Just enjoy the ride we are on and see how it plays out.

I agree. If ESPN freaks out when Kentucky loses, that's wrong. The problem is, what ESPN usually does, is freak out like Syracuse stinks when they don't even lose, but when Kentucky loses they'll say "it's one game, they're still the best in the country." While that attitude is the appropriate one, to not overreact to one game, they don't apply it consistently. That's always been my problem, then tend to play favorites or at least appear that way.

Bottom line is, both will be #1 seeds, and will be paired up to meet in the NCAA title game if seeding holds.

 

[PoppyHart]

I don't know about anybody else, but I sure as hell would love to hear what Aaron Burr is saying about the Orange. Did he talk about his offing of Alexander Hamilton as well?

I'm reading here, watching Sports Center, watching CBB Final (or whatever they call it), watching Coach's postgame press conference, and the general consensus now seems to be that Syracuse is a fraud. We may have lucked into this win against Georgetown but we have no chance to win a national championship.

Some quotes about SU from tonight:
JB: "Not championship caliber." "We won't win, we can't win."
Dykes: "Syracuse is leaking oil." "Their defense is nothing but a ball watching zone." "Kentucky would hold most NBA teams under 85 points."
Gottlieb: "Syracuse is in the bottom 10 in the nation in o-rebs, fatally flawed like Memphis afew years ago, KU a few years ago." "Their guards aren't buying into the team concept, think Fab can do it all by himself and are cherry picking with leak outs." "Won't get past elite 8."
Aaron Burr: Who gives a *%k what Aaron Burr thinks.
This board: CJ is lazy, Dion is terrible, Fab is afraid of contact, JB can't coach (re: stall-ball), we can't shoot, Triche sucks, Triche should be playing more minutes, we'll have a 5.5 man rotation by Feb 10th, etc.

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with any of this. I'm saying it appears now that we have no real chance to do anything in the tournament. Standard Sweet 16 loss sounds about where the national consensus has us now, with an outside shot of losing in the Elite 8. Boeheim, to me, sounded like he's giving up on the season based on his comments tonight. He sees rebounding as a terminal illness of this team and doesn't see much chance of being able to fix it. I don't think he believes we will lose-out the string or anything, but I saw a coach who doesn't believe this team has a chance at a title this year.

This is all a little disturbing and surprising considering the win against a Top 11 opponent who plays great defense and had won 4 out of 5. I'm not sure what to think right now.