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The Daily OrangeTough love
Erica Morrow may be the face of Quentin Hillsman's team. But that doesn't stop the coach from coming down hard on his star
By Kyle Austin
Posted: 11/12/08, 7:39 PM EST Section: Basketball 2008
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First, Juanita Ward, the junior college transfer and former McDonald's All-American.
"The best player that I've ever coached," Hillsman said. "And the most talented player that I have."
Highly hyped local freshman Tyler Ash?
"Better than advertised," Hillsman said.
Sophomore point guard Tasha Harris?
"The one to lead us," Hillsman said. "…As she goes, we'll go."
On down the roster the head coach went, lavishing kind words on the members of the 2008-09 squad. But one name was left out: Erica Morrow, the sophomore who came to Syracuse as its highest-rated recruit ever and was a catalyst for last season's improbable, 13-game turnaround.
Finally, seven minutes in, Hillsman was asked about the sophomore shooting guard. What role will she play?
"Erica has to take more shots," Hillsman said, plainly and without hesitation. "She really does. She has to really look to be aggressive and to score the basketball."
It wasn't exactly the glowing praise Hillsman showered on his other players. But that doesn't surprise Morrow anymore. As she tore her way through her rookie campaign, averaging 13.9 points per game, Hillsman played mind games like this with his emerging star, pushing her to her limits. Being shunned by her coach is nothing new. But if Hillsman is intense, it's because he knows Morrow will be the centerpiece of the program for the next three years, leading the Orange into a new era.
"He ignores me sometimes, a little bit," Morrow said. "Keeps me on my toes."
Morrow learned quickly after arriving on the Hill that the nice man who relentlessly recruited her out of Brooklyn had big plans for her. He rode her hard, knowing her breaking point was high. In practice, multiple players might be doing something wrong, but Morrow would be the one receiving the tongue-lashing for it.
At first it was confusing. But as the season drew on and the Orange became a surprise success, with Morrow helping to lead the way, she started to understand her coach's motives.
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