Red opens up about new Syracuse players:

[OmahaCuse]

JJ can play 20-25 minutes a game unless he has a hot hand. He will be better off the ball and we not have guys who can step into the 2G, Anthony, Fennel, Kingz. If JJ has a mismatch he can get to the rim at will. He was not our issue last year it was PG, SF IMO…..We were ok at PW (without DF) and ok at C

 

[Cusefan0307]

Without defending JJ for last season I will say that there were lots of JJ type players playing in the S16 and F4 last season (and most). If he is one of 8+ players with a common goal I think he will be a great asset for this team. How Red handles JJ's role in the offense is critical to team success in my opinion. If teams have 2 or more other players to worry about it could free JJ up not being the focal point.

There may have been, but I'll be shocked if any SG shot both 27% from 3 and 67%% from the foul line.

 

[Niastri]

Without defending JJ for last season I will say that there were lots of JJ type players playing in the S16 and F4 last season (and most). If he is one of 8+ players with a common goal I think he will be a great asset for this team. How Red handles JJ's role in the offense is critical to team success in my opinion. If teams have 2 or more other players to worry about it could free JJ up not being the focal point.

I agree with this thought.

I think the combination of lower usage and other competent offensive players is going to be big for Starling.

The upthread comment about how many hard fouls he took was really a valid point as well.

Starling getting a few less minutes and a lot less time with the ball in his hands is going to do wonders for him. He’s at his best when he gets the ball in a position to drive, and his shooting percentage is much higher when he shoots good quality 3 point shots.

On the other hand, having a guy who can at least get a shot off when we have nothing going for us is really valuable. That was Starling’s entire season last year. Our most common play call was “Give the ball to JJ and hope he can score!”

Next season, we won’t have to call that play very often, but it’s nice to know we have a guy who can score pretty efficiently in isolation. Especially if the other team is putting their best perimeter defender on George, Starling is a real threat to score.

 

[Niastri]

Agree. Defensively who knows. Not going to even pretend to opine on how we’ll look on D because I don’t think anyone knows.

On offense though there is no reason for JJ to ever take a 3 unless he’s wide open by a mile. Drive and get to the line or drive and kick is the name of the game. Kiyan when he gets in should be taking the 3’s, he’s got the cleaner moves and release from distance. If he’s hot then it’s a win and if he’s not then we have other options too

Starling definitely needs to be more selective on the threes he attempts.

Last season, he shot 5.7 threes and 9.9 per game in conference play. He shot a dismal .255 on threes and a solid .453 on twos. Off he shoots the same number of twos, but cuts his three point attempts in half, he might actually score the same number of points just by taking only good shots.

Then again, how many times per game did Starling throw up a random shot just because the alternative was a shot clock violation? He won’t be taking as many of those, both because the offense will be better with actual P4 players on our team, and when it does come down to the end of the shot clock, most of the time George will have the ball.

 

[MamesJungro]

I'm really getting tired of you guy's knocking te Syracuse coaching staff. It is what it is. The last 5 years of Boeheim weren't all that great either. give Red a chance for Christ sake. He seems to be recruiting better.

To be fair, he seems to have the downsides of JAB as a coach but is missing the world-class in-game coaching feel

 

[Orangezoo]

The starting center averaged 3 pts and 2 boards a game.
The backups are projects

I get the obvious upside and I'm optimistic about them, but I don't think anyone would be shocked if we are halfway through the season and bemoaning the fact that we didn't get an experienced center.

To be fair Kyle had lesser minutes at UCLA due to injury and the depth chart but inexperience isn’t really an argument. Production at the P4 level is certainly a fair knock though.

Souare played quite a bit too for GT but that’s just one year as well. I don’t think he’s ever much more than what he is now in terms of a high motor defensive minded athlete so any offensive development would be slim if any.

 

[Cusefan69]

Coaching was a factor. You don't have to be an above average defender to know to fight over the top of screens, or to know when or how to provide help, or to be in position, or to not turn your back on the ball, or to communicate on the floor, or to stay locked in, or to give maximum effort...ad nauseam.

To be clear, I am not discounting talent, athleticism, quickness, length as factors. But coaching and holding players accountable, to my eye anyway, was a factor.

Agreed with the holding accountable part. Most of these players have been in organized ball for years. They know exactly how to what is needed. My take is many players don't think defense is sexy and so energy goes elsewhere. Red and staff need to make it clear that you either play hustle D or you don't play. Again I would show the team how Houston plays D and hits the gym and challenge our guys to take it up a few notches.

 

[djcon57]

To be fair Kyle had lesser minutes at UCLA due to injury and the depth chart but inexperience isn’t really an argument. Production at the P4 level is certainly a fair knock though.

Souare played quite a bit too for GT but that’s just one year as well. I don’t think he’s ever much more than what he is now in terms of a high motor defensive minded athlete so any offensive development would be slim if any.

Injury and depth chart is built in to why we got him and how much we paid. I don't really care why he had the numbers he had, the fact is he hasn't produced in P4 as you said.

Doesn't mean he can't. Just that the idea that we have no holes seems unrealistic when the center position is pretty obviously not a definitie. This board tends to minimize our question marks every offseason the last 5 years. Hence, an average player from Hofstra being called a Poor Man's Ennis

 

[djcon57]

Coaching was a factor. You don't have to be an above average defender to know to fight over the top of screens, or to know when or how to provide help, or to be in position, or to not turn your back on the ball, or to communicate on the floor, or to stay locked in, or to give maximum effort...ad nauseam.

To be clear, I am not discounting talent, athleticism, quickness, length as factors. But coaching and holding players accountable, to my eye anyway, was a factor.

Specifcally, if we see no improvement with JJ on D and he still plays similar mins, I don't see how that's not Red's fault as this point.

3 years in the program. No reason he couldnt be recruited over.

But I'm hopeful JJ puts it together this year and becomes at least passable.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Nobody went into the season knowing that Westry and McLeod were basically out for the season, that Freeman was going to be out for the season after fourteen games, and Bell was going to regress from a borderline star shooter to a guy who was only playable because the team was so bad…

If we had known that going in, nobody would have felt good about our chances.

For instance, going into the season, I was the biggest Highlander fanboy around, but he was rarely healthy enough to play, and less effective than expected when he could play.

Don’t forget JJ missing games as well

 

[007]

Specifcally, if we see no improvement with JJ on D and he still plays similar mins, I don't see how that's not Red's fault as this point.

3 years in the program. No reason he couldnt be recruited over.

But I'm hopeful JJ puts it together this year and becomes at least passable.

There is no reason why JJ shouldn't be at least a decent defender. Red has more options this season and needs to hold him accountable via playing time. They will share the blame if JJ is not a better defender. But ultimately I agree, the buck stops with Red.

As for "recruiting over" JJ, to be fair to Red we are talking about an honorable mention all ACC player, the 7th leading scorer in the league, and an all ACC academic team member.

 

[007]

Agreed with the holding accountable part. Most of these players have been in organized ball for years. They know exactly how to what is needed. My take is many players don't think defense is sexy and so energy goes elsewhere. Red and staff need to make it clear that you either play hustle D or you don't play. Again I would show the team how Houston plays D and hits the gym and challenge our guys to take it up a few notches.

At the end of the day, the HC controls effort, concentration, and execution variables via playing time. Maybe Red felt his hands were tied last season because he didn't feel like he had viable options to enforce accountability on defense. IDK. But it seems like he will have options this season.

 

[djcon57]

There is no reason why JJ shouldn't be at least a decent defender. Red has more options this season and needs to hold him accountable via playing time. They will share the blame if JJ is not a better defender. But ultimately I agree, the buck stops with Red.

As for "recruiting over" JJ, to be fair to Red we are talking about an honorable mention all ACC player, the 7th leading scorer in the league, and an all ACC academic team member.

I'm not suggesting should have recruited over him, but if Red can't get him to play defense or Red doesnt think he CAN play defense, then it's ultimately Red's fault is my point.

 

[007]

I'm not suggesting should have recruited over him, but if Red can't get him to play defense or Red doesnt think he CAN play defense, then it's ultimately Red's fault is my point.

I'm pretty sure we are saying the same thing.

 

[RedtheGOB]

I'm pretty sure we are saying the same thing.

Agreement is not allowed here.

 

[orangefog]

Agreement is not allowed here.

Yes it is.

 

[baggerbob]

Obviously, there is a substantial difference between Red's assessment of JJ's ability to lead this team and the opinion of some posters. I can tell you with certainty that keeping JJ on board for his Sr season was priority #1 for the off season. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, and how "opinions" may or may not change, now that the roster seems to be better constructed to take advantage of JJ's strengths.

I still say 27 or 28 minutes at the most for JJ, would prefer 25 or 26, keep everyone fresh. Mix up defenses, but keep some pressure most or the game.

 

[Scooch]

What holes do you see?

Some folks already mentioned the Center spot. I'm hopeful that Kyle will be a productive player. But he's got almost no track record, and neither do the guys behind him.

I'm concerned that we're counting on frosh to be big contributors in the rotation. I would expect both growing pains and flat-out poor performances from Anthony, White, Fennell and Womack. None of these guys have the pedigree of Freeman, and even he was just starting to tap into his potential when he got hurt.

I'm glad that they landed a shooter in Kingz. I'm concerned that his defense will be subpar, and that will be exacerbated when coupled with Starling.

There's other things but I'll leave it be for now. I think they had a good, but not great, offseason in the portal. They addressed many of their needs but not all. I'm concerned we're 1 or 1.5 players short of being a tourney team, and we'll be relying a LOT on the frosh to step up and fill that void. We've had a history of that reliance turning sour for us in recent years.

 

[Cusefan0307]

Some folks already mentioned the Center spot. I'm hopeful that Kyle will be a productive player. But he's got almost no track record, and neither do the guys behind him.

I'm concerned that we're counting on frosh to be big contributors in the rotation. I would expect both growing pains and flat-out poor performances from Anthony, White, Fennell and Womack. None of these guys have the pedigree of Freeman, and even he was just starting to tap into his potential when he got hurt.

I'm glad that they landed a shooter in Kingz. I'm concerned that his defense will be subpar, and that will be exacerbated when coupled with Starling.

There's other things but I'll leave it be for now. I think they had a good, but not great, offseason in the portal. They addressed many of their needs but not all. I'm concerned we're 1 or 1.5 players short of being a tourney team, and we'll be relying a LOT on the frosh to step up and fill that void. We've had a history of that reliance turning sour for us in recent years.

I don’t think it’s too much to ask for White and Kiyan to be the 7th and 8th guys in the rotation. The players in the same slot as them this past year started games for Alabama and Michigan State both averaging over 10 ppg and shooting a decent percentage from 3. We aren’t asking them to even play that much and Womack isn’t even in the plans this year.

If they don’t make the tourney it’s on Red. Every scouting service I’ve seen has us with a top 5 haul in the ACC and top 20 overall. If they fail it’s squarely on the coach because this was exactly how he wanted the team built.

 

[Scooch]

I don’t think it’s too much to ask for White and Kiyan to be the 7th and 8th guys in the rotation. The players in the same slot as them this past year started games for Alabama and Michigan State both averaging over 10 ppg and shooting a decent percentage from 3. We aren’t asking them to even play that much and Womack isn’t even in the plans this year.

If they don’t make the tourney it’s on Red. Every scouting service I’ve seen has us with a top 5 haul in the ACC and top 20 overall. If they fail it’s squarely on the coach because this was exactly how he wanted the team built.

I agree. I’m just prepared for the “guys, how could we expect to make the tourney with 3 frosh getting minutes” stuff.

This is the team Red wanted. I’m concerned we’re a player or 2 short. But I certainly hope I’m wrong.

 

[RF2044]

Some folks already mentioned the Center spot. I'm hopeful that Kyle will be a productive player. But he's got almost no track record, and neither do the guys behind him.

I'm concerned that we're counting on frosh to be big contributors in the rotation. I would expect both growing pains and flat-out poor performances from Anthony, White, Fennell and Womack. None of these guys have the pedigree of Freeman, and even he was just starting to tap into his potential when he got hurt.

I'm glad that they landed a shooter in Kingz. I'm concerned that his defense will be subpar, and that will be exacerbated when coupled with Starling.

There's other things but I'll leave it be for now. I think they had a good, but not great, offseason in the portal. They addressed many of their needs but not all. I'm concerned we're 1 or 1.5 players short of being a tourney team, and we'll be relying a LOT on the frosh to step up and fill that void. We've had a history of that reliance turning sour for us in recent years.

Other than that, how'd you enjoy the play, Mrs. Lincoln?

 

[Dcuse]

Some folks already mentioned the Center spot. I'm hopeful that Kyle will be a productive player. But he's got almost no track record, and neither do the guys behind him.

I'm concerned that we're counting on frosh to be big contributors in the rotation. I would expect both growing pains and flat-out poor performances from Anthony, White, Fennell and Womack. None of these guys have the pedigree of Freeman, and even he was just starting to tap into his potential when he got hurt.

I'm glad that they landed a shooter in Kingz. I'm concerned that his defense will be subpar, and that will be exacerbated when coupled with Starling.

There's other things but I'll leave it be for now. I think they had a good, but not great, offseason in the portal. They addressed many of their needs but not all. I'm concerned we're 1 or 1.5 players short of being a tourney team, and we'll be relying a LOT on the frosh to step up and fill that void. We've had a history of that reliance turning sour for us in recent years.

Whole lotta negative to chew on there.

 

[Orangezoo]

I agree. I’m just prepared for the “guys, how could we expect to make the tourney with 3 frosh getting minutes” stuff.

This is the team Red wanted. I’m concerned we’re a player or 2 short. But I certainly hope I’m wrong.

Given the $$ and minutes factor, there’s a cap on how many guys you can bring in who have the ranking or productivity to not require the factor of development and coaching to be the difference.

I’d argue maybe 5, 10 at most, in terms of the number of programs who wouldn’t echo the sentiment having a couple more guys with actual production on the bench is still ideal/needed.

 

[RedtheGOB]

I agree. I’m just prepared for the “guys, how could we expect to make the tourney with 3 frosh getting minutes” stuff.

This is the team Red wanted. I’m concerned we’re a player or 2 short. But I certainly hope I’m wrong.

I respect the posts. I think 95% of teams are saying we’re a player or two away too.

The teams that are more comfortable are the ones that are sitting with proven coaches and have recency bias of winning because they were a step ahead in the nil game and player evaluation the last few years.

We have none of the things in the last paragraph.

What gives me more comfort is that scooch’s comments are exactly what I’m reading from the UNC and Kansas fanbases. Plus many of the other typical tourney teams. If they’re not comfortable either that says something.

 

[Niastri]

Some folks already mentioned the Center spot. I'm hopeful that Kyle will be a productive player. But he's got almost no track record, and neither do the guys behind him.

I'm concerned that we're counting on frosh to be big contributors in the rotation. I would expect both growing pains and flat-out poor performances from Anthony, White, Fennell and Womack. None of these guys have the pedigree of Freeman, and even he was just starting to tap into his potential when he got hurt.

I'm glad that they landed a shooter in Kingz. I'm concerned that his defense will be subpar, and that will be exacerbated when coupled with Starling.

There's other things but I'll leave it be for now. I think they had a good, but not great, offseason in the portal. They addressed many of their needs but not all. I'm concerned we're 1 or 1.5 players short of being a tourney team, and we'll be relying a LOT on the frosh to step up and fill that void. We've had a history of that reliance turning sour for us in recent years.

I think your concerns about Kyle and Souare as our center duo are valid. Their combined P4 experience is less than Eddie Lampkin had last year.

But they are longer and more athletic than we’ve had at center in a while. Both of them blocked more shots in part time play last season than Lampkin blocked in any season of his career… Both of them are more valuable as defenders by advanced metrics than Lampkin.

That’s why they are here. Plus, Kyle’s video, athleticism and low major experience can’t be discounted. I think he’ll surprise some people. He dunks like Warrick, which you can’t say about too many people in the history of the world.

The freshmen aren’t going to be counted on to be contributors, at least not the way Freeman and Moore were last season… If we are starting any of the freshman at any point of the season, simmering has gone really wrong, or extremely right.

Kyle, Souare, Freeman, Kingz, Starling, George, Betsey are likely to be our first seven coming into the season. White, Anthony, and Fennell will need to beat out a veteran to get minutes. That’s how we want it. If one of the freshmen is good enough to push a more experienced player to the bench, that’s great. Having highly talented, highly recruited freshman as your 8-10 in your rotation is a good thing. Last season, we had Lucas Taylor, Davis and Majstorovic as our 8-10, and on top of that, they got a ton of starts because of injury. I’d take our incoming freshman over those guys.

Regarding Kingz defense, he has a positive DBPM and defensive Win Shares. He’s not great, according to the stats, but slightly positive… Why are you worried about him specifically? I think Kingz looks like who we hoped Chris Bell would be last year, a killer shooter who also does a little bit of everything else at an average or slightly better level, including defending.