With apologies to Orangeeyes, nice ESPN article

[texascpa]

Some interesting quotes:

“They don’t get that high, they’re not celebrating a lot -- they haven’t celebrated yet,” Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. “I don’t think they even celebrated [the Maui Invitational] that much and that was a good tournament win. They’ve been good, they come to work every day.”

“This is a great statement game for us to the teams in the league to show them we’re coming our first year to win it,” Fair said.

“I don’t know which team is better,” Fair said. “But I think we have the same shot to get to the championship game.”

 

[teamco]

I love the attitude of this team. It has taken on the temperaments of Fair and Ennis, in my opinion. These kids are poker-faced, no nonsense executioners. The team takes whatever their opponents have got to throw at them, suck it up, and then in almost every game so far, go on a major run leaving the other team to wonder what hit them. That Villanova run might be THE best mission statement this team could possibly author.

I think it was Dickie V who said during the game today Cuse has a quiet swag about them. You bet. They know their good and they show it on the court- period.

 

[Orangeyes]

This team doesn't do any embarrassing nonsense.

They just play hard, play hard for each other and win.

I watched the player introductions today and paid attention to the expressions on the faces of the officiating crew when our guys gave them the five-knuckle knock.

All three officials gave out broad smiles.

Years ago, on occasion, I used to do the official book at Westhill games.

Several times I did sectional finals.

The alternate official would sit next to me and comment on the various kids playing the game.

It was always gratifying when I heard them say our star never showed up an official.

Throughout their organization they had a lot of respect for said player and since he was our leader they also respected the team.

I'm getting the feeling officials like this group of Syracuse University players.

 

[MELOKEITH]

How about when CJ got bloodied up from the shot he took to the face against Minnesota? He barely reacted then (and finished the dunk anyway). He didn't question the refs, or even get upset. Heck, I was ready to fight sitting in my living room. It's always cool when the players can just play, and the Coach can be the one that complains on their behalf. Orangeyes, your personal example of this is great, and I'll bet you're right about how the officials view our guys.

I do like seeing our centers (especially RC & DC2) play with some fire on occasion because I think they need it, but overall the team does seem to follow the lead of Steady Ennis and CJ - they just go to work and don't get too high or too low, regardless of what happens or what the score is. Team chemistry is off the charts right now.

 

[Cuseology]

At the same time, this team sometimes looks like the lack passion or energy. Yesterday it took BMK getting in to bring fire to the team. After that, everyone seemed to pick it up quite a bit. I like the calm business-like demeanor but at the same time, players need to be fired up to play physically, beat the other guys to the floor, and battle the boards. This team has the ability to display both calm and energy, I just wish they could bring the energy a little earlier!

 

[capeorange]

How about when CJ got bloodied up from the shot he took to the face against Minnesota?"

I think that may have been a turning point for the season. I was impressed by CJ's reaction which was much different than mine. I think he showed then that he was a steady leader by not reacting and playing hard. Along with Ennis's leadership, I believe we have a very special team this year.

 

[RF2044]

At the same time, this team sometimes looks like the lack passion or energy. Yesterday it took BMK getting in to bring fire to the team. After that, everyone seemed to pick it up quite a bit. I like the calm business-like demeanor but at the same time, players need to be fired up to play physically, beat the other guys to the floor, and battle the boards. This team has the ability to display both calm and energy, I just wish they could bring the energy a little earlier!

You don't think last game that the team wasn't playing physically or battling on the boards?

Frankly, I like how calm they are--it demonstrates poise, not lack of passion or energy as you suggest. Emotion is well and good, but executing under pressure is better. There's more than one way to get it done. Carmelo wasn't particularly demonstrative when he played here.

 

[OttoMets]

This team doesn't do any embarrassing nonsense.

They just play hard, play hard for each other and win.

I watched the player introductions today and paid attention to the expressions on the faces of the officiating crew when our guys gave them the five-knuckle knock.

All three officials gave out broad smiles.

Years ago, on occasion, I used to do the official book at Westhill games.

Several times I did sectional finals.

The alternate official would sit next to me and comment on the various kids playing the game.

It was always gratifying when I heard them say our star never showed up an official.

Throughout their organization they had a lot of respect for said player and since he was our leader they also respected the team.

I'm getting the feeling officials like this group of Syracuse University players.

And I don't like to praise this bunch by way of criticizing another, but this is in stark contrast to last season.