Michael Gbinije Sitting Out Syracuse Basketball's Season Opener

It isn't a Syracuse Orange men's basketball season until a star player is seen in street clothes and not active for the game right?

Well, according to multiple media folks attending the Orange's 114th regular-season opener, the No. 23/24-ranked Orange will be without junior Michael Gbinije for tonight's non-conference showdown with Kennesaw State Owls.

Nothing official on Gbinije not being in uniform. Told by SU officials that Boeheim will address it after the game.

— Syracuse Basketball (@syrbasketball) November 14, 2014

If you remember, last season Jerami Grant had to sit out the season opener as a result of a NCAA violation because he played in a summer league game. There's no confirmation that the issue with Gbinije is the same thing, however, this is a good reminder to not rush to conclusions until Boeheim address the situation after the game.

Gbinije's absence shouldn't be too much of an issue tonight, as the Orange should be able to use other players to fill his role against an overmatched Owls squad. Look for Ron Patterson, Tyler Roberson or B.J. Johnson to see a bit more action than expected in the first half.