Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMoving Forward: After losing top 3 scorers from last season, Syracuse hopes it's retooling, not rebuilding
By Matt Ehalt
Posted: 11/4/09, 8:05 PM EST Section: BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW
Scoop Jardine pleaded his case to a trio of Syracuse teammates who had visions of professional basketball dancing in their heads. Jardine, a redshirt sophomore, tried to convince Jonny Flynn, Paul Harris and Eric Devendorf to stay for one more season in the frozen tundra of Syracuse. After a Sweet 16 run last year, Jardine had grand plans.
"I knew if one of them came back, we would have been pretty scary," Jardine said. "But all three of them, oh man, national championship."
Unfortunately for Jardine, his negotiating skills aren't up to par with his talent on the basketball court. All three bolted school early, leaving a huge void in the Orange lineup.
Despite the losses, Jardine and his teammates still see this year's team budding with potential. After losing its top three offensive players from last season, Syracuse and many Big East coaches believes it can overcome that depletion this season with a wealth of experience. Syracuse will look to return to the Sweet 16 for the first time in back-to-back seasons since the Orange accomplished the feat in 2002-03 and 2003-04.
"I think you just have to move on with what you have and not think about last year's team," senior shooting guard Andy Rautins said. "You can't do anything about it. You just have to move forward with the guys we have. We're definitely well-equipped enough to compete at a high level and be at the top of the Big East."
Flynn, Harris and Devendorf were major reasons why Syracuse finished 28-10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 last season. The trio averaged 45.1 of the Orange's 80.2 points per game (56.2 percent), while also chipping in 442 assists and 473 rebounds. They also provided the competitive fire and leadership that propelled sixth-seeded Syracuse on its unlikely run to the Big East tournament championship game.
The charismatic Flynn, the catalyst of the group, flashed one smile after another while piloting Syracuse's offensive attack at such a high level that the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him sixth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. With a sweet drive and jump shot, Flynn was such a driving force that he was named the 2009 Big East tournament MVP in a losing effort. Players like that are not easy to replace.
"I knew if one of them came back, we would have been pretty scary," Jardine said. "But all three of them, oh man, national championship."
Unfortunately for Jardine, his negotiating skills aren't up to par with his talent on the basketball court. All three bolted school early, leaving a huge void in the Orange lineup.
Despite the losses, Jardine and his teammates still see this year's team budding with potential. After losing its top three offensive players from last season, Syracuse and many Big East coaches believes it can overcome that depletion this season with a wealth of experience. Syracuse will look to return to the Sweet 16 for the first time in back-to-back seasons since the Orange accomplished the feat in 2002-03 and 2003-04.
"I think you just have to move on with what you have and not think about last year's team," senior shooting guard Andy Rautins said. "You can't do anything about it. You just have to move forward with the guys we have. We're definitely well-equipped enough to compete at a high level and be at the top of the Big East."
Flynn, Harris and Devendorf were major reasons why Syracuse finished 28-10 and advanced to the Sweet 16 last season. The trio averaged 45.1 of the Orange's 80.2 points per game (56.2 percent), while also chipping in 442 assists and 473 rebounds. They also provided the competitive fire and leadership that propelled sixth-seeded Syracuse on its unlikely run to the Big East tournament championship game.
The charismatic Flynn, the catalyst of the group, flashed one smile after another while piloting Syracuse's offensive attack at such a high level that the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him sixth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. With a sweet drive and jump shot, Flynn was such a driving force that he was named the 2009 Big East tournament MVP in a losing effort. Players like that are not easy to replace.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
lepusrex
posted 11/06/09 @ 9:48 AM EST
GOOD LUCK SYRACUSE
i hope that the RETARDED fans that were at the Cincy Football game either stay home or TAKE A WALK IN THE OCEAN that is, we as a SOCIETY do not need that trash that their parents HATCHED. (Continued…)
Orangemannnnnnnn
posted 11/09/09 @ 4:08 PM EST
Rautins needs to work on his image - looks like a real d-bag in the pic "doing it their way" pic. I thought Devo left the team.
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