In case you missed earlier versions of this now running series, every few weeks I’ll collect Syracuse Orange basketball questions from readers and answer them in a post here at TNIAAM.
If you’d like to submit a question, just shoot me a tweet @JamesSzuba or email me at james.szuba1@gmail.com. Twitter works best as tweets can simply be embedded into the post.
First, thanks to Ray for the questions. In regards to question one, Jim Boeheim made that comment during the 2018 Sweet 16 run after being asked about Dolezaj’s adjustment to the U.S. Boeheim said the other player that Syracuse took solely off tape was the worst player they’ve ever had.
Boehiem sometimes speaks in hyperbole, but as to who that player would be? To be honest with you, I’m really not sure. If I had to take a guess I’d say it would have to be a foreign player.
In regards to question two, we’ve had a pair of ‘Red’ and ‘Mookie’ players in the past. I was always fond of the nickname ‘Scoop.’ But how could you not go with Pearl?
In terms of less traditional nicknames, I remember some folks referring to Hakim Warrick as ‘The Helicopter’ but some Syracuse fans contest that name belongs to Herman Harried. Not many called him ‘Loc’ from Syracuse, but Dion Waiters’ D-Loco sobriquet is another quality moniker. Silent-G is up there for me too (Michael Gbinije). Who’d I miss?
What are your expectations for JG3 this year? Ball heavy shooter in high school, how do you expect that to translate in college/cuse offense?
— Zak Harkenrider (@zakhark21) May 23, 2019
Joe Girard comes to Syracuse with one of the more storied high school basketball careers ever. Deservingly so, given his status as New York State’s all-time leading scorer.
Jim Boeheim has said that he thinks JG3 can help Syracuse right away. I suspect he’ll play backup shooting guard behind Buddy Boeheim and contribute in some way in year one. Girard should be able to get his shot off at the D1 level, but I can’t be sure how effective he’ll be off the dribble against taller, faster and stronger athletes in year one. That doesn’t mean he can’t be effective. I think he can be a really good catch and shoot player in his first year at Syracuse without having to create his own shot or needing to have the ball in his hands like he did at Glens Falls.
A guy as competitive as JG3 will find a way to contribute. I talked with him a few times last summer. He’s a really nice kid and someone you’d want representing your program.
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If you have a Syracuse basketball question feel free to reach out at @JamesSzuba on twitter or James.Szuba1@gmail.com. What nicknames did I miss and what are your personal favorites? Drop a comment or two below.