It's Andy And AO's Last Home Game...But Don't Forget About Wes
by Sean Keeley on Mar 2, 2010 3:59 PM EST
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The story tonight is all about the seniors, Andy Rautins and Arinze Onuaku. These guys have battled the odds, injuries and expectations to be the leaders of the No. 1 team in the nation during their final home game at SU. But as well honor them and say goodbye, shouldn't we also be keeping in mind that there's at least one other guy who almost certainly will never set foot on Jim Boeheim Court again?
You know, Wes Johnson.
I know we're not supposed to talk about He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named-In Mock-NBA-Lottery-Drafts. At least not until the season is over. But I think we've come a long since The Donte Greene Chapter. By the time Jonny announced he was going pro, we were barely fazed. I mean, we were upset, but we weren't angry. Gone are the days when we expect talented players to stay. These days, its more shocking if they actually don't leave as soon as possible.
I know, Wes did the "I'm not here to talk about the future" schpiel the other day. It's appreciated, Wes, but it's unnecessary. Really. Donte, Jonny and Paul all said the same thing. Some of them even promised they'd come back before bolting. But we know better. And we don't blame you (99.9% of us, at least).
I'm not saying Wes needs an intro and montage set to the Titanic theme song (I'm not saying we shouldn't do that either). But just keep it in mind that, barring some crazy confluence of events, tonight will be Wes Johnson's final game in the Carrier Dome. He'll only have played eighteen times in Jim Boeheim Court but they were eighteen of the most memorable in a long time.
I'm just sayin...as much as it's Andy and AO's night, don't forget that fact that this is your last chance to see Wes at home as well. That's all. We can argue the merits of whether or not Wes is worthy of a lottery pick later. Let's just appreciate it while we can.
H/T: James C.
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damnit this is gonna push me over the edge
i’d forgotten about wes.
WHY??! WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE TO LEAVE? CANT THEY [do a scottie reynolds] PLAY FOR A FEW MORE YEARS?
PhD, anyone?
will never set food on Jim Boeheim Court again?
i’d have hopes wes used a tray and not kept the burger ON the floor
Real 'Cuse fans
know that we were blessed to have Wes for the year that we did. He put in the work last year and it payed off this season. Also, by all accounts he’s a great kid who clearly loves playing for SU. But he’s on the upper end of the age spectrum and this may be his best chance to secure his future. I’m really happy for him, hopefully he can make the rest of this season the most memorable ever. So long and thanks for everything Wes.
pretty much assured top 10
he is 23 (weird how that’s ‘older’ by today’s NBA standards) can’t fault him for leaving one bit and I hope it works out for him. Jimmy B told us it would happen from the beginning (and has prepared accordingly), so hopefully we have one more good month with Wes left. The last 4 months have been more than any of us could have asked for thanks in large part to him.
"It's not drinking alone if you is on webcam, remember that!"
If Wes
can deliver a la Carmelo, one year is fine. Either way, it was great having him here for the time that he was. A member of the coaching staff lives across the street from me and has raved about Wes since he came for his visit. A funny story about his visit: apparently he said something to JB about never having a fast-break dunk or something in the 2 years he was at ISU- Boeheim looked at him and shrugged saying “That’s all we do. You can have 5 of those a night if you want.” My neighbor said that night- “he’s coming, no doubt about it.”….and the rest is, well, it’s not history yet but…..I’m keepin’ the faith. As we all are, I know. Go Orange!
Wes we can!
This situation is interesting...
I can easily say, “It’s Senior Night. It’s Andy and AO’s Night. They have committed 4 years on the court for Syracuse, and an extra year dealing with knee injuries. This night isn’t about Wes. If he wants a Senior Night, see you next year for a glorious goodbye and thanks from the fans.”
Wes is technically a senior. He’s been in school 4 years, but athletically he’s only a junior because of the transfer. Though this is probably his last time playing the Carrier Dome, I wish he was able to participate in Senior Night. He deserves some sort of acknowledgment for everything he has done. He worked his ass off last year practicing, training, etc…and him having to sit out.. That’s not easy to do, and because he is so good this year (even a POY candidate), it sucks he can’t be recognized for everything he’s done.
Agreed
Technically he’s a “student-athlete”, so if he were to say he’s leaving SU should be able to have a senior night for him.
Lemoyne is going to be this our
Tom Brennan this year
Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician - The Syracuse blog that cares.
Well, I doubt Pitt and the Ville are talking...
… I mean, they either will (’Ville) or might (Pitt) have to play us again.
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