This ‘Cuse Squad is a New Shade of Orange

By: Nathan Archambault

A Preview of the 2009-10 Syracuse Men’s Basketball Team. Co-written with Brad Biel.

November 10, 2009– Last night in the Carrier Dome, the Syracuse Orange shrugged off a surprising exhibition loss against cross-city rival LeMoyne and kicked off their regular season with a 75-43 dismantling of Albany.

The biggest news last night was Boeheim winning his 800^th game as a head coach, all with his alma mater Syracuse. But that shouldn’t overshadow the team that won it for him. This is a very different squad from last year’s team that finished 28-10 (11-7 Big East) and fell to #2 seed Oklahoma in the 3^rd round of the NCAA Tournament.

Johnny Flynn’s pearly white smile now gleams off Minnesota’s hardwood. Eric Devendorf and Paul Harris also left the program early, both thinking they were NBA ready. So far, the NBA thinks otherwise.

Despite losing 3 starters, this year’s team enters the season ranked 25^th in the nation. Jim Boeheim has some talent coming in to replace Flynn, Harris, Devo and the energetic Kristof Ogenaut. Before we take a look at this year’s newcomers, a quick history lesson.

The last time the Orange lost its two leading scorers, Preston Shumpert and DeShaun Williams, all Syracuse did was replace their two veteran sharpshooters with two sharpshooting freshman. Two freshmen who became affectionately known throughout Central New York as GMAC and MELO. And all those two newcomers did was go off and win the 2003 National Championship.

When it comes to replacing pieces of a team, you never know who’s going to step up. With that in mind, here’s a preview of who might lead Syracuse in scoring this year.

Brandon Triche - PG (freshman)

At 6-4, Triche is a big guard in the mold of past Syracuse points like Adrian Autry, Lazarus Sims and Jason Hart. He has a sufficient outside shot and he can use his thick size to power into the lane. More than anything else, Triche has unique court sense for a player his age. Perhaps it’s his genes. His uncle, Howard Triche, was a captain on the 1987 Syracuse team that advanced to the NCAA championship game. Boeheim has so much faith in Triche that the other potential Flynn replacement, Scoop Jardine, has been pushed back to #2 on the depth chart. Scoop will still get minutes, especially when Triche makes mistakes. But Triche will have every chance to grow into Syracuse’s feature point guard.

“He can shoot it. He’s smart. He’s physical,” Boeheim told The Sporting News, discussing his new leading ballhandler. “He can’t go by people like Jonny, but nobody can. He’ll start right away for us.” When Syracuse first signed him, it was big news. Now that Flynn is gone, he immediately becomes a critical piece to this year’s puzzle.

Wes Johnson - SF (Junior)

In 2006, this 6’8” long-armed forward appeared out of nowhere to put up 12 points and grab 8 boards a game as an Iowa State freshmen. The reason for Johnson’s decision to become a rare Division I transfer remain unclear. Perhaps it’s related to a injury-riddled sophomore season that brought down his numbers and minutes, his poor grades, or his desire to make a name for himself in a more well-known program. Whatever the reason, Johnson knew what he was doing when he picked Syracuse. He thought he would fit into the Orange’s style of play under Boeheim and he’ll be a starter from the first tip-off. He joined the Orange two years ago but was only eligible to participate in practice last year due to NCAA regulations.

A silky smooth wing, Johnson resembles the typical Syracuse forward, with the ability to score both inside and out. He has the length needed to thrive playing on the wing in Syracuse’s 2-3 zone defense. Boeheim created a stir last spring when he told ESPN.com that Johnson would be an upgrade over departed muscleman Paul Harris. It seemed like a swipe at Harris, but Boeheim simply intended to pump up his new multi-talented starting forward. Johnson still has to work on his midrange shot and dribbling ability, but for now his other skills and raw ability will more than make up for any weaknesses in his game. The better comparison for Johnson would be Hakim Warrick, who came to Cuse loaded with natural, raw ability, only to become a smarter, more well-rounded player during each of his seasons.

James Southerland - F (Freshman)

A natural ability to shoot attracted Syracuse coaches to Southerland. Southerland himself has long been attracted to the Orange, committing to the program when he was 16. His size, build and long-range shooting are reminiscent of former forward Preston Shumpert, who ranks eighth on the Syracuse’s all-time scoring list. At 6’7”, Southerland’s height and long arms give him the ability to see and shoot over smaller opponents. Still raw, his all-around game has yet to fully develop. He needs to learn how to put the ball on the floor and drive to the hoop. Until he adds that facet to his game, defenders can suffocate him on the perimeter and focus on neutralizing his outside shot.

Dashonte Riley - C (Freshman)

This 6’11” Detroit native chose Syracuse over Big East rival Marquette. He has the physical traits to be an impact player, but his intensity has been questioned in the past. He’s raw and needs time to develop, but considering the past foul troubles of Onuaku and Jackson, he’ll be counted on to step in and produce from time to time.

A quick review of who will be mentoring Syracuse’s youth movement:

Andy Rautins – After missing the entire 2007-08 season, Rautins was almost an afterthought in last year’s backcourt of Flynn, Devo and Harris. With those three gone, Syracuse will rely on his 3-point shot and veteran leadership. Little known fact: he also plays for The Canadian National team.

Scoop Jardine – Now splitting time at point guard with Triche. The percentage of the split is yet to be seen and will largely depend on if Jardine can show that his game has matured.

Kris Joseph – Another Canadian, this lanky 6’8” forward has amazing ability but still needs to learn how to use it. He’ll have some gravity-defying plays, but he’ll also frustrate the Carrier Dome faithful at times.

Arinze Onuaku – This fixture in the paint enters his third season as Syracuse’s starting center. With youth all around him, the offense will often go through Arinze, at least early in the season.

Rick Jackson – This beastly 6’9” 245-pounder transferred from center to power forward and fans know exactly what he brings to the court. Not much athletic ability, but the size to make a difference.

Losing three starters, this year’s team won’t resemble last year’s Flynn-led squad. Gone is the dominant backcourt, replaced by veteran power and size in the frontcourt. As history has shown us, a year of transition can be a good thing. Boeheim feels good about the talent he’s brought in and the veterans he has to work with.

The first big test comes next week when Syracuse plays in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at Madison Square Garden, taking on California in the first round and either Ohio State or North Carolina in the second. Winning Boeheim’s 800^th was a great way to start the season. But today, the only thing that matters is winning #801 and beyond.

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Tags: Adrian Autry, Albany, Andy Rautins, arnize Onuaku, brandon triche, Carrier Dome, Dashonte Riley, deshaun williams, Eric Devendorf, GMAC, hakim warrick, iowa state, James Southerland, Jason Hart, Jim Boeheim, johnny flynn, kris joseph, Kristof Ogenaut, Lazarus Sims, LeMoyne, MELO, men's basketball, orange, Paul harris, preston shumpert, Rick Jackson, Scoop Jardine, Syracuse, wes johnson, wesley johnson

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