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The Daily OrangeDoubling up
Kevin Drew is a top lacrosse prospect. But the chance to play basketball lured him to Syracuse
By Michael Bonner
Posted: 10/27/08, 2:44 AM EST Section: Sports
No official lacrosse schedule has been released, but last year Syracuse's first lacrosse game was Feb. 17. According to this year's basketball schedule, that date would precede the last five Big East games, the conference tournament in New York and, if all goes well, a trip to the NCAA tournament.
Drew said no decisive plans have been made as to what he'll do during this overlap. The choice may not be up to him. Boeheim and lacrosse head coach John Desko, whose offices are about 20 feet away, will most likely make the decision when the time comes.
"(Boeheim) thought he would be good for the basketball team," Desko said. "But like lacrosse, he needed to improve some of his basketball skills, but athletically he could do it and time will tell. And if nothing else, he was going to help the team by pushing other players and compete in practice. It's kind of a win-win for both of us."
Drew, Desko and Boeheim all agreed his freshman year will primarily focus on seeing if he can cope with the unique schedule more so than playing time.
Playing lacrosse and basketball isn't a unique feat at Syracuse. Charlie Lockwood pulled double-duty in the 1993-94 season.
Like Drew, Lockwood was a standout in lacrosse. He assisted on the game-winning goal in Syracuse's 1993 lacrosse national championship. While Lockwood was at SU, the Orangemen went 50-9 in lacrosse.
Meanwhile, Lockwood walked onto the basketball team his senior year, playing 17 minutes that season.
"We've had lacrosse players," Boeheim said. "They said it helps their conditioning and helps them get ready for the lacrosse season."
It seems to be the same situation for Drew. He said this year he's focused more on getting on the field for the lacrosse team.
For basketball, he just wants to help the team as much as he can, primarily serving as an extra defender for the starters to go up against in practice.
Drew said the two sports utilize some of the same skills. The defensive pressure Drew brings in basketball practice can be somewhat attributed to his lacrosse defensive skills.
Drew said no decisive plans have been made as to what he'll do during this overlap. The choice may not be up to him. Boeheim and lacrosse head coach John Desko, whose offices are about 20 feet away, will most likely make the decision when the time comes.
"(Boeheim) thought he would be good for the basketball team," Desko said. "But like lacrosse, he needed to improve some of his basketball skills, but athletically he could do it and time will tell. And if nothing else, he was going to help the team by pushing other players and compete in practice. It's kind of a win-win for both of us."
Drew, Desko and Boeheim all agreed his freshman year will primarily focus on seeing if he can cope with the unique schedule more so than playing time.
Playing lacrosse and basketball isn't a unique feat at Syracuse. Charlie Lockwood pulled double-duty in the 1993-94 season.
Like Drew, Lockwood was a standout in lacrosse. He assisted on the game-winning goal in Syracuse's 1993 lacrosse national championship. While Lockwood was at SU, the Orangemen went 50-9 in lacrosse.
Meanwhile, Lockwood walked onto the basketball team his senior year, playing 17 minutes that season.
"We've had lacrosse players," Boeheim said. "They said it helps their conditioning and helps them get ready for the lacrosse season."
It seems to be the same situation for Drew. He said this year he's focused more on getting on the field for the lacrosse team.
For basketball, he just wants to help the team as much as he can, primarily serving as an extra defender for the starters to go up against in practice.
Drew said the two sports utilize some of the same skills. The defensive pressure Drew brings in basketball practice can be somewhat attributed to his lacrosse defensive skills.
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 9
jasonglades
Accounting papers
posted 2/13/09 @ 10:47 AM EST
The interesting fact that Drew spent his first few months at SU with the lacrosse team during the Orange's fall practice schedule.
Maria Schellden
posted 3/05/09 @ 3:08 AM EST
wow, this brings back some great memories! it seems like just yesterday i was watching all of these great shows, and more great shows. this homecoming theme has been so much fun!
Essay Writing Help
posted 3/06/09 @ 12:41 AM EST
Drew must of fun at SU, this homecoming theme has been so much fun!
Essay Writing Service
posted 3/06/09 @ 12:43 AM EST
Kevin Drew must be happy with Orange, he is a lucky guy
Alison Worth
posted 3/09/09 @ 4:06 AM EST
Good and interesting article, thanks!
Sharon Theodoric
posted 3/14/09 @ 12:14 PM EST
Thank you for writing the article, I am very pleased with how it came out.
Alison Koppel
posted 5/23/09 @ 1:22 AM EST
I like articles like this. Great Article! Thanks!
real_essay
posted 10/03/09 @ 9:36 AM EST
Kevin Drew - never heard about him. Thank you - it was interesting to read.
speech_topics
posted 10/03/09 @ 1:51 PM EST
Interesting story. he is a strong player?
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