Finally back in the Salt City after a highly eventful and productive summer, Syracuse senior point guard Scoop Jardine addressed the media to reflect on how he’s been spending his offseason. Scoop recently traveled to China to participate in the World University Games for Team USA. The United States finished in fifth place at the tournament, though it was only handed one loss.
Scoop has represented his country in national tourneys for several straight seasons, but felt that this endeavor meant more because he’s older and had a greater appreciation for the experience.
“I know more. I know really what it means to play for USA now. When you’re young you really don’t know how much it means.”
Another unique benefit of this particular trip was the opportunity for Scoop to bond with Orange teammate Fab Melo, who played for Brazil. Scoop said that he spent as much time as he could with his Brazilian pal, helping him develop his game for the upcoming season.
‚ÄúEvery time he had a game I was there for him. Just giving him little pointers that I saw, just watching the games for myself that could help him [for Team Brazil] and could help him here with [Syracuse].”
But when asked if he spoke to Fab about the sophomore center’s legal situation, Scoop quickly shrugged the topic off.
“Nope, we don’t do that. It’s about basketball.”
And the Philly point guard got the chance to play a lot of basketball this summer in various settings. He says his time at the Lebron James and Chris Paul camps differed dramatically from his time with Team USA.
“At all the camps I was at it was more individual: Showcasing your talent, showcasing what you can do for scouts and coaches that were there. USA was more of a team thing. Everybody put their egos at the door to win a gold medal, forgetting about the points, forgetting about the minutes they played.”
Although Team USA came up short, at least the trip to China wasn’t cloaked in embarassment. Georgetown can‚Äôt say the same thing, after a Hoyas exhibition game against a Chinese team ended in a brawl. Scoop said he actually sympathized with John Thompson III‚Äôs squad.
“I felt for Georgetown. We’re rivals, but you never want to see nothing like that. I was just happy they continued to finish out the tournament.”
That doesn’t mean Scoop wouldn’t like to pulverize the Hoyas this season, which he’s certainly looking forward to. His agenda between now and opening night:
“Stay in shape, continue to work. Everything I worked for this summer is for now. Be ready for now, and be the leader that I am for this team to be successful.”
Physically, Scoop says he’s in top shape. Although the slightly pudgy ‘Cuse point guard has apparently slimmed down with an unconventional diet. Or something like that.
‚ÄúI lost 10 pounds… eating McDonald‚Äôs.‚Äù
Say what you want, but Scoop never ceases to amuse.
Posted: Andrew Kanell
12 responses to “Scoop 2.0: A Mature Jardine Talks China, Brawls & His McDonald’s Diet Plan”
Please its FB season. We heard about the BB program and JB’s rants for nearly 10 months. With little or no FB media at all after Feb. 2011. We understand that BB is #1 now, but give us FB info now. There’s plenty of stories out there about the team and HCDM attitude!!!
Terry – Not to worry, we’ll have tons of football coverage for you throughout the rest of the week and throughout the rest of the season. Just look at our last 4 featured stories – they’re all football related! Trust me, Team Fizz realizes it’s football season, but there’s nothing wrong with changing it up and talking hoops once in a while. Especially heading into a game against an FCS opponent.
As always thanks for reading.
Man on man. Between Terry and Carlton nobody’s happy. Carlton asks for basketball, we give one single basketball article and there’s Terry to say “it’s football season!”…you guys are hysterical. Thanks as always for reading!
At least that mb40 dude isnt in here bitchin, lol.
Well what terry fails to realize is that yes its football season but right now its also when most of the big time recruits in basketball verbal to schools. Besides i dont know y terry would want anymore info about the foootball team anyways. He has already made it clear hes thinks “they cant win /w out 5 star players”. Anyways so ppl do know SU has lost out on ledo, gathers and jake layman. Also Jerami Grant is going to choose this week /w SU being in the top 3 and the fizz hasnt had anything about him at all. Kinda dippointed the fizz hasnt had anything on him especially since hes a top 50 kid and he comes from a great bloodline(horace grant his unlce). One last thing any news on y DC has setup vists to OSU and UK but hasnt said a word about the `Cuse? That doesnt seem real good to me.
Heard the same thing from him last year… All I have to say is 9 assists 7 turnovers combined in the games, that’s horrible!
Haha, Terry you are a bum. How about you just dont read the bball articles then. I love cuse bball and football and I like to see articles about both. Quit complaining.
I completely agree with Andy. There’s plenty of room for articles on and discussion of all sports related topics. And Terry, please notice that the home page is nicely separated into specific sport categories. You are welcome to steer clear of the BB section. As for the topic at hand, I am very optimistic about Scoop’s continued development during this off season and I’m looking forward to seeing improved performance and leadership this year.
Seriously, complaining about BB articles (in the clearly designated separate basketball section, no less) because it’s FB season? Arbitrary. Scoop lost 10 lbs by hitting McDonalds?? It’s gonna be another long season huh?
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