The case of the orange SU socks

by FeloniousPhunk on Dec 12, 2011 10:45 AM EST

It's no secret that Dion spent most of his freshman season in Syracuse frustrated and discontent. In fact, many of us thought that he was as good as gone. But, for whatever reason, he decided to stick it out in orange and is playing with an intensity and drive that matches his talent. He's dedicated himself to fitness, agressive defense and to representing the Orange well on the court.

And he has the socks to prove it.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who's noticed, but Dion has been rocking some sweet orange socks with an embroidered "SU" on them. For a guy who admitted he thought about transferring, Dion is embracing his place on orange to the utmost. Pics after the jump.

A few pics of the socks in question from the beatdown on George Washington:

This wasn't a one game thing, either. Here's one of Dion rocking the SU socks against Virginia Polytechnic Institute:

And, of course, the incomparable Mike Borkowski, with his phenomenal eye for detail, noticed as well:

Poll

Which factor is most responsible for Dion's breakout performance so far this season?

Improved work ethic

12 votes

Guidance from Scoop

4 votes

Attitude adjustment

36 votes

Orange "SU" socks

93 votes

145 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I swear

Some times it seems like he knows exactly where the camera is, and exactly how to angle is ankle so that it can find the logo on the socks.

by Mike I. on Dec 12, 2011 11:10 AM EST reply actions

First three options make sense

Fourth option is the only acceptable answer.

by cuse2012 on Dec 12, 2011 11:19 AM EST reply actions

I think they are too different pairs of socks.

All this year it was just the block S. Starting with the GW game it was “SU”. At least that’s what I saw in my overly extensive research.

Go Orange!

by MBorkowski on Dec 12, 2011 11:45 AM EST reply actions

Good Catch

The socks in the VPI pic definitely only have the block ‘S’. That’s why you’re Mike Borkowski, and I’m not (you know, aside from possessing insane artisitic talent and I have none).

"If I ain't gonna be part of the greatest, I gotta be the greatest myself." Busta Rhymes

by FeloniousPhunk on Dec 12, 2011 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

It appears I can't spell, though.

TWO. Not too.

Go Orange!

by MBorkowski on Dec 12, 2011 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, well

Nobody’s perfect

"If I ain't gonna be part of the greatest, I gotta be the greatest myself." Busta Rhymes

by FeloniousPhunk on Dec 12, 2011 8:39 PM EST up reply actions

Clearly the socks

But I think he worked hard as a freshman too – I don’t know that its fair to say his work ethic improved. He wanted more playing time but wasn’t experienced enough with the zone concept and his role in it to stay on the court. That got him frustrated, maybe as much at himself for being slower to pick up the zone than he’d have liked, and of course lead eventually to the bad word at the coach incident that totally had nothing to do with his not playing at all next game and seeing very limited minutes for awhile… I am glad he was mature enough to be honest with himself and that he decided to stay – he’s loved SU since he was a sophomore in HS, right…obviously he made the right choice. I admit during the brief transfer scare I posted something along the lines of we wouldn’t miss him what with MCW and Cooney and Scoop and Triche, and maybe we’d be fine without him, but we sure are pretty damn good with him, and I’d much rather have what we have now. I was telling my SO during the GW game when asked about which SU player had just scored off another steal and fastbreak – I told her that if said player attacked the rim like it had just slapped his baby it was Waiters. He really is one of the most ferocious players I’ve seen play, and the future seems really bright…

F#&% the Big East

by dacj501 on Dec 12, 2011 12:36 PM EST reply actions

The "Improved Work Ethic"

Option on the poll was more a reference to him slimming down. There was no doubt that he played hard in games last season. But he obviously put in work in the off season, so I threw that in there.

As for the transfer scare, I can’t say that I ever thought the Orange wouldn’t miss him. He’s, by far, the most natural “baller” (for lack of a better term) on the team. He’s a bona fide physical stud, both in his strength and speed and his skills. But I think he’s one of those guys where, the game has always come so easy to him, he’s never had to think about it. Once he wraps his head fully around how the game is supposed to be played, he could be unstoppable.

I will say this, though. As much as I wanted him to stay and am glad he did, if he didn’t truly want to be in orange, he could’ve packed up and headed to Iona for all I care. It doesn’t matter to me how good a guy is. If he doesn’t appreciate the chance to wear “Orange” on his chest, I don’t want him there.

"If I ain't gonna be part of the greatest, I gotta be the greatest myself." Busta Rhymes

by FeloniousPhunk on Dec 12, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

I agree RE transfers

that was mostly why I posted what i did back when I did. Don’t feel like looking it up, but was along your lines, then with my thoughts that the other guards could make up for it.

F#&% the Big East

by dacj501 on Dec 12, 2011 7:02 PM EST up reply actions

For the record

I voted “Guidance from Scoop”, for a couple reason. First, Antonio is always good for an assist. And, two, though I’m sure we’ll never know, I really think that Scoop is mostly responsible for getting through to Dion and convincing him to stay. I’m sure Jim B wanted Dion to stay and even told him as much. But, at the same time, Jim B doesn’t strike me as the type to beg a player to stick around, either. If players want to leave, he lets them go.

I think Scoop was able to connect on that familial level and make Dion see that, yeah, Jim B doesn’t take any $h!t, but in the end, Dion is going to end up a much better basketball player for it. If Scoop isn’t there to give that, I’m not convinced Dion is wearing orange this year.

"If I ain't gonna be part of the greatest, I gotta be the greatest myself." Busta Rhymes

by FeloniousPhunk on Dec 12, 2011 12:51 PM EST reply actions

well, technically that would be

most responsible for his breakout year at Syracuse, instead of his breakout next season somewhere else…but its a good point that I hadn’t really thought about.

F#&% the Big East

by dacj501 on Dec 12, 2011 7:01 PM EST up reply actions