Syracuse’s season ended in a sloppy, turnover-prone manner. Few Orange fans found this surprising after a season’s worth of inefficient offense, but who knew it would end with 18 turnovers against an 11-seed in the NCAA tournament? What happened to the SU offense against the Golden Eagles?
Jim Boeheim, master of the 2-3 zone defense, has always been a bit less system-oriented on the other end of the floor. The “motion offense” is what people call it, but it is in name only. It is pro-style, catering to the star player on the court, focusing the offense around his strengths.
But what happens when there is no 1A player?
A quick perusing of the record books can identify every team since the 2003 championship, their leading scorer, and NCAA finish that season.
- 2002-03: Carmelo Anthony – National Championship
- 03-04: Hakim Warrick – Sweet 16
- 04-05: Hakim Warrick – First Round
- 05-06: Gerry McNamara – First Round
- 06-07: Demetris Nichols – NIT
- 07-08: Donte Greene – NIT
- 08-09: Jonny Flynn – Sweet 16
- 09-10: Wes Johnson – Sweet 16
- 10-11: Kris Joseph – 2nd Round
Stars drove The Per’fesser’s recent teams to three Sweet 16’s and a title.¬†It’s easy to dismiss this with, “Hey Conroy, that’s real insightful. Teams with star players go deeper into the tournament?” Yes, but plenty of schools have managed to go further without a star player. Marquette has grit, Butler has a 12-year old head coach, and Florida State has defense. Teams adapt to their players and make an offensive system that works for them.
The motion offense is dependent on having a star to run it through. Without a great scorer, the sets end up focusing simply on the team’s best player on the team – and in the case of Nichols or Joseph, a player who may not be capable of carrying a team.
This year was a prime example. Scoop Jardine was actually the point man in the motion, though he did not lead the team in scoring. His inconsistent play and lack of ability to take over a game is not what you need out of the 1A player. Against Marquette it showed since the Golden Eagles are a strong defensive team that matches up well against Syracuse.
He isn’t Warrick. He isn’t ‘Melo. He is most certainly not Wes either. The Orange needs a go-to player to be a dominant tournament team. They didn’t have that this year, and it cost them late in a game.
Do any of the Three Amigos – Rakeem Christmas, Trevor Cooney, or Michael Carter -Williams – have this ability? Can Joseph become the dominant player most fans have been waiting for? It’s possible, but doesn’t soothe the pain of yet another early exit.
Posted: Ted Conroy
11 responses to “What Went Wrong: Syracuse Offense Lacked a Top Flight Scorer”
I don’t necessarily believe that you must have a star player to carry the team, but what they absolutely have to have is a few offensive sets that they can run that will get them good shots.
For example, Pitt runs a guy to the FT line against the zone who can hit that shot, or can pass. Pitt gets good shots against the zone. Any team can have a guy get the ball on the wing, in the no man’s land where the G & F have to cover him; if he drives, they both pick him up, and it clears a space for a guy behind him to take a clean shot (see Odom’s shot). Syracuse doesn’t have anything that will get them a good shot consistently. Call me crazy, but posting Fab Melo, and telling him “when you get the ball, turn and take a jump hook”, will get you a good shot – who will block it? RJ could do it, but his movements were slow. Put Joseph or Southerland at the line, give it to them, and say shoot, fake & drive, fake & kick to the wing for a shot. Syracuse just doesn’t do it.
Kev
I’d like to see a story on that Tennessee de-commit Kevin Ware. According to ESPN, Ware has ‘Cuse on his radar as possible option for next year.
Wouldn’t be bad to try and get another shooting guard
Kevin Ware = Scoop Jardine. He is a turnover machine with a low basketball IQ. This is the LEAST type of play SU needs. Check it out: http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=3769597
Hahaha, didnt see that earlier Steve….well played.
OrangeCrush –
Not that things couldn’t change, but because Kris announced he’ll return next season, Syracuse projects to already have the maximum number of scholarship players allowed on an NCAA roster at one time. That means someone unexpected would have to leave in order for someone unexpected to join.
But since no early departures or transfers would come as a huge surprise, we’ll certainly keep an eye on players like Ware.
– Kanell
Yeah that was some great news to hear on KJ.
-Thanks Kanell
I wouldn’t make it as simple as scoring.
The difference between Michael Jordan and every other player who ever played was more than just skill. Michael Jordan was simply going to win and he would do whatever it takes to win.
Bill Russell was never a scorer but he had that same focus, concentration and determination.
In 2003 there was no one in the field who could deny Carmello Anthony the championship.
Remember Danny Manning carrying Kansas over Oklahoma after they had been beaten by OU more than once.
I think its more than just or making clutch baskets. Its something inside the great ones.
Did Pittsburgh really stand a chance against Kemba Walker in those last 20 seconds?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsQoNkIZ3Lw
The ncaa came out an issued worthless apology today for the blown over and back call. Thats somone breaking down of the call on youtube check it out.
Tobias Harris anyone?
Can we now talk Orange football till I am Blue and Orange in the face? At this stage in the game it is suffice to say that I am to cheap/poor to subscribe to Rivals and or Scout. That being said maybe you kind gents have such privileges, i.e.,cash to look up our football prospects for 2012 and then proceed to use your Fizz Signing Day phone skills to maybe snag an interview or two. I live in NC and cherish every piece of football nugget you guys offer. Also can you figure out if the 80lbs. gained by Mikhail Marenovich are Chipotle related?
Love all the feedback guys. OrangeinCarolina – After we break down the SU basketball loss this week, we’ll be sure to give you plenty of football coverage in the coming weeks. I’ll be at spring practice every Tuesday talking to the players, and we’re also always calling up recruits. You can look forward to in-depth spring practice coverage starting next Monday morning when our next FizzCast comes out with player interviews and analysis.