And that anticipation was worth it as Donte Green and Jonny Flynn have shown why they were selected as McDonald's High School All-Americans. While they may struggle to play defense, the talent of this squad is undeniable, especially on the offensive end as the Orange averages 86.3 points per game. Losses to Massachusetts and Rhode Island may have frustrated us but hell, the games were still fun to watch.
After that loss to Rhode Island I'm sure many were enjoying the pummeling of East Tennesse State, as was I. Everything was clicking in the first half, Green had 20 points and looked like he could pull up from anywhere on the floor and drain a shot. Guard Eric Devendorf was playing very much the same, adding 17 points which included five 3-point field goals. But then on a rather inconspicuous play, all the fun was sucked out of that night.
Another torn ACL, another shooting guard out for the year, the only leader on this team of young pups was now confined to a seat on the end of the bench. Following that game head coach Jim Boeheim informed us that the lone senior, point guard Josh Wright, had essentially disappeared, failing to even take his final exams. Not that Wright had done much this season, but he could have contributed to this team.
With the absence of Devendorf, Rautins, and Wright, the young Orange squad was able to defeat the Colgate Raiders 87-59 last night. But what exactly did we learn from that game other than the fact that Donte Green continues to look like a lottery pick for the NBA draft? Antonio 'Scoop' Jardine only had four points but did dish out five assists in his first career start. Along with Jardine, I believe fellow Neumann-Goretti High School teammate Rick Jackson must pick up their play if this team has any chance of surviving the Big East and making the NCAA Tournament.
Jardine has great play-making ability and can drive into the lane just as well as Devendorf. But of course he doesn't have the shooting touch you'd expect a two guard to have. The best comparison I've heard is that to former Orange man Josh Pace in regards to Jardine's interesting shooting technique. As long as Jardine plays within his shooting abilities, he can help this team tremendously with his penetration as he can kick it out to Green or Flynn for jump shots. Or he can dish it underneath to Onuaku (converted 22 of last 23 FG attempts) and fellow freshman Rick Jackson.Personally, I love the way Jackson plays. He is the old school post player that SU has been lacking for years. Terrence Roberts never had a back-to-the-basket game, but Jackson does. He just hasn't had enough minutes to showcase his talents. But in consecutive games against Rhode Island and East Tennessee State, Jackson scored 13 points in each and pulled down a total of 16 rebounds. The lack of depth on the bench will now give Jackson more playing time as Boeheim must shuffle the lineup.
Last night's lineup of Flynn, Jardine, Harris, Green, and Onuaku is probably the best solution after Devendorf's injury. I'm always worried when Harris plays at the two guard because he seems to feel the need to shoot the basketball. While his jumper has improved, it isn't as fluid as I'd like it to be. It isn't a quick trigger, as he must gather himself in mid-air prior to the release. He needs to go back to what he did last year which was drive it down the opponents throat, take the contact, and go to the free throw line. Plus Jardine can create for others and keeps the floor open for studs like Green and Flynn. Of course another possibility is moving Harris to SG, Green to SF, and insert Jackson into the PF position. This isn't a bad alternative, just as long as Harris knows his limitations as a shooter.
With only two games remaining in the non-conference schedule, SU basketball fans won't know the effect of Devendorf's absence until the Big East schedule gets underway. That is on January 2 against the Red Storm of St. Johns. A new Orange team for the new year. How good will they be?
