Despite some questionable coaching tactics, Syracuse survived UNC Asheville. While many in Orange Nation barked to see Michael Carter-Williams get action, the freshman never left the bench. After the game MCW jokingly (we hope) Tweeted “I might get a shirt that says Free MCW.”¬†The Orange looked lethargic for much of the game, guard play was far from stellar especially in the half court, and the last time we saw MCW he was dropping assists at MSG in limited minutes. So why didn’t Boeheim give him even spot duty?
Maybe it dates back to NYC. MCW can’t be thrilled with being stuck to the bench. He’s a player that is emotionally involved in the game, and always brings intensity. That’s evidenced by his run-in with Fab after the ill-conceived jumper against UConn. But MCW might have shot himself in the foot since he sat the bench after that.
Obviously it‚Äôs the NCAA Tournament and he’s green, but fellow freshman Rakeem Christmas found huge minutes yesterday (although out of necessity because of the Fab absence). With the way SU was struggling it seemed Boeheim could have found him at least a little floor time alongside the always explosive Dion, who carried the SU offense early. MCW has made legitimate contributions and it may be a mistake for JB to bury him.
This may all stem back to the UConn game. Clearly MCW is emotional, and let it get the best of him when he yelled at Boeheim and found himself on the bench for a game. The emotion can be good sometimes, but can also work against him. The concern is if Boeheim is cutting off his nose to spite his face. Is he running the risk of losing MCW both mentally and emotionally, just to teach a lesson? The freshman clearly has the talent, and could be useful in situations this March, whether running the press or giving the offense a quick spark.
Clearly Boeheim understands the need to treat his guys differently (i.e. Scoop v Triche), and he played hardball with Waiters (which was the best thing for DW in the long run). But Syracuse just barely avoided the most embarrassing loss in NCAA tourney history. It’s now or never for this weakened #1 seed. There may come another time soon when SU needs MCW, and Boeheim needs to make sure he’s focused on wearing his jersey and not a ‚ÄúFree MCW‚Äù t-shirt.
Posted: Alex Plavin
7 responses to “Free MCW! Does Boeheim Risk Losing Him Mentally to Teach a Lesson?”
This is not good in many ways. SU clearly could have used MCW when Triche and Scoop were (once again) struggling, this time against UNC-A. Why Boeheim did not play him is baffling. To teach the young man a lesson? Well, to do so at the expense of once again bowing out early in the NCAAs seems a bit drastic. That “lesson” affects the entire program – not just MCW.
The impact of benching MCW goes beyond playing time, however. This could potentially have a negative impact on recruiting. MCW is reportedly close friends with top HS prospect Nerlens Noel. N2 has previously stated that he wants to play with MCW. If MCW is unhappy at SU, chances are he’s talking with his close friend N2 about his current situation and that ain’t good.
To be fair, JB cannot have kids yelling at him during games. Discipline is certainly needed. It worked for Dion. Yet, JB did not bench Dion when he was needed last year – when Scoop and Triche… yep, struggled.
MCW is this year’s Dion. Needed a swift kick to rear, he got it, now let’s move on. Free MCW, indeed.
I really wished they used him, brings a spark and gets everyone else into it like a pure point guard should aka what Scoop is not.
That being said 4 guys are leaving this year (guessing Dion as well) and he’ll be starting next year.
Boeheim was never mad at mcw after uconn game. In fact he told mcw that he does not blame him for being frustrated and he should be frustrated. You all keep writing about mcw and the uconn game and bieheim told mcw right after the game they were good. Mcw does not play because boeheim does not want to okay four guards. Mcw has played great and should play more. I hope he stays. He could start at any big east team and boeheim has said that too. Like is day hope he stats…
I don’t believe MCW is being benched, Boeheim has always played the guys he trust the most or those with the most experience.
With that being the case Boeheim has said many times that the team is at their best when Scoop is scoring as well as getting everyone else involved. The problem is Scoop is not playing well! Over the last 5 games he is shooting 9 for 31(29%) and has 19 assist to 14 turnovers.
On top of his offensive woos the slump has extended to the defensive end. Mark Jackson would have a field day with Scoop saying “Hand Down, Man Down”. Even when he is late sliding to shooters he often times doesn’t even bother to raise a hand.
In actuality Scoop and Joesph are probably the biggest liabilities on the defensive end. This is why I believe you never see them on the same side of the zone. Joesph likes to gamble on his side which often leads to open shots on the baseline or in the corner. If you watch for this you will see most of the open shots for opponents come from a lack of effort from Scoop or Joesph high risk low reward style of play on defense.
By no means am I saying the team is better off without them on the floor. There have been games the Orange would not have won without Scoop(Florida, @NC State, @Cincy, 1st UCONN game, @Rutgers). Rather what i would like to point out is that there is more depth behind Scoop then Joesph.
MCW should be getting more minutes, especially with the poor guard play lately. I really like him coming in during the middle-late first half playing alongside Dion. MCW is a great distributor of the ball. When Dion and Scoop are on the court together the ball tends to stick in their hands which results in the offense going stagnate at times.
The best offensive half of basketball the Orange has played this season was by far the first half @UCONN. The ball movement was clinical. One in which MCW came in and helped fuel a 13 point run in the half. UCONN came back in the second half and MCW never even saw a minute in the second half. I can understand not wanting to go with MCW in crunch time or under 5 minutes to go but he defiantly deserved to play in the second half with the fact that Scoop and Dion both shot poorly.
I guess what I am trying to say is FREE MCW! He is a step up on the defensive end and does not play like your typically freshman guard at 100 mph, he plays at his own pace taking care of the ball and seems to make very good decisions with the ball. If Boeheim says MCW could start for most Big East Teams then it seems pretty foolish to keep a player of that caliber in a cage.
The kid is a great person known him for years and he feels honored to be at the Cuse. He is humble but at the same time I know he is so frustrated and down, missing playing. He loves the game . Happy to be a part of a top program but sick about the fact that he has done well and boeheim does not trust him. Ten minutes a half would not of hurt this team. Trust works both ways. MCW may not trust boeheim believing in him next year. He is mit a dion. He has played unselfish all year kmowing he will get yanked if he does one think wrong. Who can perform with a rope that tight??? I know the kid lives Cuse fans and alumn but he is miserable not playing. It’s hard when you are being told by everyone that you are good enough yet your coach doesn’t believe in you. Great program but he does not deserve what boeheim has done. Incredible year with wins but some ugly bafketball. MCW is a loyal kid so I feel for him. He makes everyone better and I agree uconn first half run was a clinic. How does he not get in yesterday???? At this point he could play the 3 he is smart on defense great instincts and long . Free him or he will leave .
What Tracjean brings up is exactly what has to worry all Orange fans: play MCW or he will leave. Everyone knows JB values seniority and it certainly has its place. However, JB also states that he goes with whoever is playing best. Well, in this instance, what JB says and what JB does are two different things. Every fan can tell that Scoop and Triche are not playing well. Dion has played great for the most part. MCW’s first half performance against UConn was not fluke. The team needs MCW to provide that spark and level of play when the upperclassmen clearly are not.
Also, I’m sorry if it came across that MCW and Dion are alike. That’s not what I meant and I should have explained it better. What I meant was: least year Dion was in JB’s doghouse and this year, it seems like it’s MCW.
As a die hard cuse fan, you hope he’s not doing what Dion did last year. Hopefully MCW realizes this is how Boeheim is with freshman that haven’t seen too many important minutes and doesn’t want to stick him into a tournament game if not trusted. Michael is going to be a key member to upcoming teams, as long as he’s here. Dion was ready to transfer at the end of his Freshman year, now he’s a lottery pick. Hopefully Dion will stay, but more importantly MCW can’t give up and has to keep showing he cares. Tweeting “free MCW” sure doesn’t help his case, because Hopkins probably saw it and told Boeheim. He’ll be fine, he’s a top recruit and a hell of a player. Give it time.