Spring Break
The Daily OrangeBoeheim looks to SU frontcourt for increased offensive production
By Matt Ehalt
Posted: 11/3/09, 2:17 AM EST Section: Sports
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"I think this year we'll make more inside plays than we've made in the past," Boeheim said. "I think we'll still be able to score on the perimeter, but I think we'll be more focused on getting the ball to the inside."
Syracuse's frontcourt will be the squad's strength this year and a key component in determining how far the team goes. The Orange returns two of the three frontcourt starters from last year in Rick Jackson and Arinze Onuaku, in addition to replacing departed forward Paul Harris with Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson.
Syracuse will look to display that strength as it hosts LeMoyne in its final exhibition game of the season tonight at 7 p.m inside the Carrier Dome.
"We have a good front court; guys will be hearing about us and teams will be worrying about us and that is all we want to happen," Jackson said. "We want to make our presence felt and that will happen this year."
The inside game starts with Onuaku. The fifth-year senior underwent knee surgery for chronic tendonitis during the off season, and a lot will be resting on the strength of those knees. Onuaku averaged 10.3 points per game and 7.3 rebounds last year, and will be counted on to deliver even better numbers this year.
With no other member of the squad embracing the role as a center, Onuaku's ability to stay healthy could prove to be critical. If his knees start acting up again and he has to miss time, the Orange would be forced to go to a smaller lineup, and rely on the bench more.
Boeheim is encouraged with what he's seen from his big man.
"I think Arinze looks solid," Boeheim said after Syracuse's 97-54 win in its exhibition opener against Cal State-Los Angeles. "But he just needs to get some games. He just hasn't played enough."
Starting alongside Onuaku in the frontcourt is Jackson. The junior came into his own last year, averaging 22.1 minutes and 8.3 points last year. At times, he and Onuaku were unstoppable under the glass and helped Syracuse advance to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2004. He will be counted upon to improve on his numbers more this season as a full-time starter from game one (Jackson came off the bench in10 games last season).
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
vincent A. Gerbino
posted 11/03/09 @ 6:47 AM EST
Can we at least have some one provide a spell check to get the name of the coach correct. Boheim indeed!
vincent A. Gerbino
posted 11/03/09 @ 6:49 AM EST
Can we at least have some one provide a spell check to get the name of the coach correct. Boheim indeed!
SUfan
posted 11/03/09 @ 3:57 PM EST
What a ridiculously bad article. First of all, you spelled Jim's name wrong in the headline.
Second, DaShonte Riley is a true center, and he looked capable in the first scrimmage. (Continued…)
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