Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMBB | Ten-day break comes at perfect time for banged up No. 16 Orange
By Michael Bonner
Posted: 12/4/08, 10:33 PM EST Section: Sports
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The No. 16 Orange had just completed a stretch of eight games in 19 days. Three of its last four contests involved double-digit comebacks by Syracuse.
Now, it appears SU can finally rest. The Orange is free to enjoy a 10-day break, its largest of the year, before it resumes play Dec. 13 against Long Beach State.
"We do need a couple days off," freshman forward Kris Joseph said. "The stretch we've had has been tough. We've had a lot of tough games."
After the break, it's back to business as usual for Syracuse (8-0). It will begin a stretch of five games over ten days, during which Long Beach State, Cleveland State and Canisius come to the Dome. SU caps off the span with an unusual non-conference road trip to Memphis to play the No. 18 Tigers.
The Orange returns home for Coppin State Dec. 22 for its final tune-up before Big East play begins.
Syracuse will have an eight-day layoff before conference commences. It's a lot of time off, but with the recent hectic schedule, it's time the Orange needs to improve.
"We haven't had many practice days," Boeheim said. "Obviously with so many games we have to take some days off now to make up for last week but we will have practice before we get to the 13th."
The timing of this 10-day break isn't abnormal. Most college basketball teams also don't play because of finals around this time. It can be stressful balancing exams and practice.
"It's the worst," sophomore point guard Jonny Flynn said. "Studying for exams, worried about exams, then you have to go worry about practice. I'm going to be happy when it's done, it feels good though going into it 8-0."
Even without the perfect start to the season, the break gives the team a rare opportunity to improve upon its game in season. There are many stretches during conference play when SU will have extended time off. Its largest break is six days.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Erin Madill
posted 12/05/08 @ 11:48 PM EST
With this team, I sincerely doubt that everyone has been trying their hardest at practice and then had 8 games in such a short time. I hope the players are given time off to recuperate from the early season stresses. (Continued…)
Jon
posted 12/07/08 @ 8:19 PM EST
@ Erin
Good points. Still, I don't completely agree with you on why the 2-3 hasn't worked since Carmelo left. The 2-3 requires the 1 and 2 to be very quick so they can cover all of the ground from mid wing to mid court. (Continued…)
Jon
posted 12/07/08 @ 8:54 PM EST
@ Erin
Good points. Still, I don't completely agree with you on why the 2-3 hasn't worked since Carmelo left. The 2-3 requires the 1 and 2 to be very quick so they can cover all of the ground from mid wing to mid court. (Continued…)
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