Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMBB| Ongenaet settling in as SU's power forward
By Tyler Dunne
Posted: 10/29/08, 3:02 AM EST Section: Sports
Now that his purpose on the Orange is clear - rebound - and he's sure to keep getting playing time, Ongenaet's confidence is beaming.
"It's a lot better than last year for me personally, because last year was all new for me," he said. "I know I wasn't really a freshman, but I was pretty much a freshman. Everything was new to me. I put a lot of pressure on myself. Now I feel more comfortable and confident that I can be better and the team can be better."
An Orange team starving for depth last season suddenly looks to have plenty of options. When a reporter asked Boeheim at media day who his sixth man may be this season, Boeheim pointed out how evenly minutes will be dispersed this year. It doesn't necessarily matter who starts and who comes off the bench, the head coach said.
But Ongenaet's role doesn't change. His four-spot won't be challenged.
"When you have eight or nine guys, it's not as important that you're coming off the bench," Boeheim said. "Everyone wants to start, but it's important that you play. We'll play that many guys until we find that we can't. … Obviously Kristof is the only guy who will play the four, and the other guys can play a couple positions. I think we have the right kind of depth."
Later at media day, Ongenaet looked to his right at Andy Rautins' entourage of press and then to his left toward Mookie Jones. This season's new look has him buzzing.
"We have a lot more strength outside at the 3-point line," Ongenaet said. "With the new freshmen coming in, they're really good as well and have a lot of potential for this year. Overall, we can do a lot better than last year. We have the potential to get really far in the tournament."
thdunne@syr.edu
"It's a lot better than last year for me personally, because last year was all new for me," he said. "I know I wasn't really a freshman, but I was pretty much a freshman. Everything was new to me. I put a lot of pressure on myself. Now I feel more comfortable and confident that I can be better and the team can be better."
An Orange team starving for depth last season suddenly looks to have plenty of options. When a reporter asked Boeheim at media day who his sixth man may be this season, Boeheim pointed out how evenly minutes will be dispersed this year. It doesn't necessarily matter who starts and who comes off the bench, the head coach said.
But Ongenaet's role doesn't change. His four-spot won't be challenged.
"When you have eight or nine guys, it's not as important that you're coming off the bench," Boeheim said. "Everyone wants to start, but it's important that you play. We'll play that many guys until we find that we can't. … Obviously Kristof is the only guy who will play the four, and the other guys can play a couple positions. I think we have the right kind of depth."
Later at media day, Ongenaet looked to his right at Andy Rautins' entourage of press and then to his left toward Mookie Jones. This season's new look has him buzzing.
"We have a lot more strength outside at the 3-point line," Ongenaet said. "With the new freshmen coming in, they're really good as well and have a lot of potential for this year. Overall, we can do a lot better than last year. We have the potential to get really far in the tournament."
thdunne@syr.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Manlius Maven
posted 10/29/08 @ 10:13 AM EST
Ge is just what Coach needs...tht steady hand..that non-trouble maker,,,and he is liked by all his team mates
fan
posted 10/29/08 @ 2:24 PM EST
forgot to mention easily the friendliest and most endeared member of the team.
Copy Queen
posted 10/30/08 @ 10:14 PM EST
Who copy edited this? It's awful.
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