Now that GMac is HC, what does next year's squad look like? | Page 23 | Syracusefan.com

Now that GMac is HC, what does next year's squad look like?

I don’t know Mingos game but it makes me really nervous to be putting the keys to a new system and a critical year into the hands of a freshman.
Then you obviously haven't seen Darius Acuff Jr. play. An elite Freshman PG can definitely have a positive impact. 5-star PGs are projected top NBA draft picks for a reason: they're really, really good.

My question is: Is Mingo actually in play or is it wishful thinking at this point? I know he and Kiyan were teammates. Is that enough?
 
Then you obviously haven't seen Darius Acuff Jr. play. An elite Freshman PG can definitely have a positive impact. 5-star PGs are projected top NBA draft picks for a reason: they're really, really good.

My question is: Is Mingo actually in play or is it wishful thinking at this point? I know he and Kiyan were teammates. Is that enough?

I have seen him play and a few others. Also have seen how many high rated freshman PGs didn’t pan out. Curious where Mingo compares.
 
I mean if anyone is saying anything with absolute certainty- good or bad then well we know how that goes- you and me both for that matter. Also c’mon- saying I trust Gerry more than you on talent evaluation isn’t a stretch or controversial. That said if you are holding back an offer and joining the staff I look forward to the board reaction and s discourse and having the kind of access everyone wants to the team posting on the board ;)
I trust Gerry more than myself on talent evaluation. I didn't think that needed to be typed out but I will clarify that.

I've said multiple times I'm okay with us bringing in Doty if he's a 7th or 8th man. I don't think Folefac would do much in the ACC besides be a practice player. If those guys were coming from LIU, Howard, or Prairie View, people would be losing their minds.

I also don't think we should bring anyone on the current roster back. We need ACC level talent to compete for a tournament spot. We should all want that.
 
I trust Gerry more than myself on talent evaluation. I didn't think that needed to be typed out but I will clarify that.

I've said multiple times I'm okay with us bringing in Doty if he's a 7th or 8th man. I don't think Folefac would do much in the ACC besides be a practice player. If those guys were coming from LIU, Howard, or Prairie View, people would be losing their minds.

I also don't think we should bring anyone on the current roster back. We need ACC level talent to compete for a tournament spot. We should all want that.

Lol I know - Just to be clear because it’s hard to convey tone on here I’m just giving you a hard time as is vis versa. There is no font for being a smartass on the regular.

While I know it won’t happen I don’t want most back from the current team. I’d argue that White and Kiyan make sense as does Kingz but I’m not at all heartbroken if it’s Kiyan and everyone else is portal or recruit etc just as long as it’s not more than the 3 Siena guys mentioned.

With Kiyan it’s easier to manage the messaging of his playing time or lack thereof if he stays here than the distraction of him going elsewhere and all the questions etc and commentary with Melo on that.
 
Yes.

You would have to believe GMAC's players are somehow qualitatively different.

If you believe that, it's because you believe in some special GMAC magic.

If you don't believe that, you may be wondering why Siena didn't rip through their conference last season with such an abundance of talent.

It was not a sure thing they would make their conference champion game, let alone win it.
I wonder if instead of letting guys dribble around, go 1:1 we have some motion offense with passing involved. Get Freeman to free throw line so he does not jack 5 -7 threes a game but instead take better shots, same with Kiyan.
 
So far Gerry has accomplished two basic things I think we can all agree on:

1- In being the choice he has rallied together a ton of support and initial funding that it’s unlikely anyone else could match outside Hop who would never be a serious pick.

2- Gone will be the days of explaining what SU bball is about with nothing but buzzwords replaced by actual concepts and basketball Xs and Os paired with commitment to things off the court and effort.

Everything else is tbd minus the bulletin board of opinions and speculation from the fanbase and us fanatics.
 
Folefac will need to become a better three point shooter and work on more creativity around the rim, but he is a good defender, plays with a lot of energy and is only going to be a sophomore.
Folefac is a power forward who shot 38% from 3, 52% overall fg, and 74% from the FT line last year averaging 11 points a game, 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
All this as a freshman and the best defender on the team per Gerry.
In the Duke game, he scored 18 points shooting 50% from 3 and made all his foul shots.
Seems good enough to see significant time to me.

Just because he is from Siena dont assume he cant hang with the talent in the ACC.

Also, like Doty, he works his ass off, takes guarding the other teams best player (Kennedy who was the MAAC player of the year in the MAAC final) as a personal challenge he gets excited about and is mad to win no matter who scores.

There is kind of a theme emerging of what Gerry expects and demands in his players.
 
Last edited:
Then you obviously haven't seen Darius Acuff Jr. play. An elite Freshman PG can definitely have a positive impact. 5-star PGs are projected top NBA draft picks for a reason: they're really, really good.

My question is: Is Mingo actually in play or is it wishful thinking at this point? I know he and Kiyan were teammates. Is that enough?
Some info from Twitter says Mingo's brother is at Penn State and PSU was runner-up to UNC the first time around.
 
Assuming some people hit the portal, we will see, but this is what I would be eyeing. If I am looking to make a strong push in the ACC and in the tournament.

PG - Bliss (portal)/Lewis (portal)/Moesch
SG - Doty(portal)/Anthony/Bliss
SF - Frost (portal)/White/Doty
PF - Djokovic (portal)/Folefac (portal)/White
C - JP Estrella (portal)/ Djokovic
 
Can Fennel shoot? At this point that seems like a rumor
He shot very well in international competition and at 6-5 or 6-6, who played point guard for the Australian junior team. Think comparison to an Andy Rautins who can shoot and put it on the floor and pass.
Red proved his ability to play players who should play wasn't very good.
There was no way that George and JJ deserved to be out there 30+ minutes every game when all they did was lose.
It would have been different if they were winning . But they were getting blown out a lot and he still played them, that's a really bad coach.
 
I think our 4s next year are White with Folefac off the bench . Unless Betsey comes back, I think Gerry gives all 40mpg at the 4 to those 2. We simply can’t afford to add a transfer starter at every position and you cpuld definitely see the upside of those 2. We have Much bigger issues.

Kiyan/Doty is interesting… similar offensive games but Doty is just above Ki right now in the very aspect. Does Doty start the 2? If Doty isn’t starting, I don’t think Kiyan is either
 
Ah yes, the ol non-sequitur where we blindly trust Gerry's talent evaluation.

All everyone on this board was saying last offseason was we cannot be going after guys from lower leagues because they don't transfer to the ACC after Carlos, Davis, and Taylor.

Now we're just like "oh yeah Folefac & Doty are gonna come here and be major contributors". It''s getting a little too "cult of Gerry" on these boards.
All these MAC guys will work out fine we need to give Donnie "the talk" lol.
 
Assuming some people hit the portal, we will see, but this is what I would be eyeing. If I am looking to make a strong push in the ACC and in the tournament.

PG - Bliss (portal)/Lewis (portal)/Moesch
SG - Doty(portal)/Anthony/Bliss
SF - Frost (portal)/White/Doty
PF - Djokovic (portal)/Folefac (portal)/White
C - JP Estrella (portal)/ Djokovic

Estrella gives you zero rim protection and Frost is not anywhere near starter level yet. Both guard additions would be good adds.
 
I’m not sold on Folefac being able to play at this level. And I’m insanely nervous if Doty starts. Feels like he’s getting the upstate NYer benefit here. I like Doty to be clear. If Kingz and one of Doty or Kiyan start, one of the latter two have to be 35% or higher from three.

Ideally, Kingz would be paired with a more proven wing that can shoot a three. Thats why we’re getting all this money, right?

Whats the deal with Mingo? Is he a real lead guard? Who is a doppelgänger for him?
I get everyone’s concerns with Doty and Folefac coming from the level of competition they were playing at last year. I’m not saying these guys are gonna come here and average 20 points a game. Doty has legit size, athleticism and skill for the 2 guard at this level. I would be he could come in and get us 12ppg next year. He also is a good defender, VERY good free throw shooter, high IQ player and he’s intense/plays extremely hard. I bet he’s a fan favorite by this time next year. Book it

Folefac, I get more of the concern because he is 6’7 and a true power forward but he is 240 and he’s a really good rebounder. He probably won’t like it up points wise here. He’s also a solid defender. I could see him getting us 8ppg and 6-7rpg. I’m not saying either of these guys are gonna come in here and be our “star” go to players. But I do very much firmly believe they will be a positive and a plus for that team. Whether it’s the 4th or 5th starters or one of the first off the bench. I think both will be in the rotation next year (bearing who we bring in) but I think they would be a big time next positive for our team.

I will take it one step further. I think Doty would be an upgrade over Starling. May sound crazy saying it now. But as an overall player, Doty is better than Starling. Remember this post, this time next year and can’t say I didn’t tell you so lol
 
Also, like Doty, he works his ass off, takes guarding the other teams best player (Kennedy who was the MAAC player of the year in the MAAC final) as a personal challenge he gets excited about and is mad to win no matter who scores.
That's the "Fulton" in that kid coming to the fore. They're a special breed in The City with a Future.
 
Gotta wait until NCAA is done and see everyone who jumps in before we start doing names. I want a shot at portal players who went deep and are studs. While I realize obviously Cuse isn't spending $20m on a new team. I do believe that GMac will pursue at least 1 elite player and 2 high end. He has to go aggressive to not just infuse higher end talent but almost as important get Syracuse's name back in the news looking to be movers and shakers under the new leadership.
 
Gone will be the days of explaining what SU bball is about with nothing but buzzwords replaced by actual concepts and basketball Xs and Os
That remains to be seen. It's not crazy to think Gerry himself is still trying to figure out what his offensive identity will be.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
175,036
Messages
5,321,919
Members
6,223
Latest member
camdencentr

Online statistics

Members online
237
Guests online
3,438
Total visitors
3,675


Top Bottom