Syracuse basketball: Joe Girard will start at point guard against Seattle

Following Wednesday night’s win over Colgate, Syracuse Orange men’s basketball head coach Jim Boeheim said that Joe Girard will start at point guard. Syracuse’s next game will be on Saturday against Seattle.

In the first two games of the season, Girard has come off the bench. Girard did start the second half of Wednesday night’s game against Colgate. Boeheim praised his trio of steals and stabilizing effect on the ball. Howard Washington emphasized being in the right spots defensively to Girard, to avoid Boeheim’s yells from the sideline.

“That’s good,” Elijah Hughes, who combined with Girard III for 12 assists, said. “(Girard) works hard, he works really hard. He’s learning each and every day, he deserves it and he’s going to make the most of it.”

Sophomore guard Jalen Carey started the first two games of the season for Syracuse. He played the first five minutes against the Raiders but wouldn’t return for the remainder of the contest.

Carey finished the night with 1 point, 1 rebound and 2 turnovers. Girard played 19 minutes against Colgate and finished with 5 points on 2-6 shooting with 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 turnover.

“Joe just comes and competes, he’s played really well,” Buddy Boeheim said. “He really set the tempo in the second half. He was pushing the ball well and making shots, so I think he really brings that spark for us, and he’s a real competitive guy.”

Bobby Manning reported on this story.

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