#18 Syracuse 101 vs South Carolina State 59
Syracuse: 7.18
C
DaJuan Coleman Sr: 6.5
Coleman
played just 12 minutes against SC State, differing to Chukwu most of
the time, especially in the second half. He scored seven points,
which equaled his season high last game against Monmouth. He was 3-4
from the floor, and showed once again that he is Syracuse's most
effective scorer from the low post. He showcased some impressive post
moves. Coleman also had four rebounds this game. Coleman has been an
efficient player for Syracuse. Had he played 24 minutes at the same
rate, he would have finished the game with 14 points and eight
rebounds. Unfortunately for Coleman, he does not quite fit the way
Syracuse plays on defense, and they would prefer to go with someone
longer on the defensive end, even if they give up some offensive
ability doing so.
F
Tyler Roberson Sr: 7.5
Roberson
was one of three Syracuse players to record a double-double tonight.
He finished the game with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Obvious
statement alert: Roberson is
much more effective on the offensive end when he is active and moving
without the ball. Roberson has struggled in the past by standing
aside, and allowing more assertive players take charge without giving
him a second glance. However, this game he constantly sought to get
open, and position himself in a position to receive the ball, and
score. As a result, Roberson was more involved. He took nine shots,
making four of them, and went to the foul line five times, making all
of those attempts. He still cannot make a jumper though (yes,
he can make one, but just one).
Roberson's 12 rebounds were a season high. He has been a dominating
rebound in the past, but was averaging just 4.7 coming into the game.
So, it's good to see he can still get up to grab one, or a
dozen, when he needs to.
F
Tyler Lydon So: 7.5
Lydon
looked great this game. He had been struggling on offense, failing to
score more than six points in two of three games. However, he was
finding open looks this game, and hitting them. Lydon benefitted from
so many players getting involved on offense—six Syracuse players
scored double digits—spreading the defense out. Lydon finished with
14 points, shooting 4-5 from 3pt range. Lydon continues to form a
formidable back line on defense alongside Paschal Chukwu. Lydon also
had 10 rebounds, making him the second of Syracuse's three
double-double players.
G/F
Andrew White III Sr: 6.5
White
continues to be Syracuse's go-to scorer. Be scored 15 this game,
shooting 5-10, and 3-7 from 3pt range. White only played, a season
low, 21 minutes. This could simply be because Syracuse had a huge
lead the entire second half, and could play others more. Or, it could
be that Syracuse would like to utilize White less often in a forward
position, where he is less of an asset on defense. It will be
interesting to monitor, especially considering how good Taurean
Thompson has been.
G
Frank Howard So: 8
Howard
continues to shine as Syracuse's point guard. He is such a calm and
controlled player (yep, I've used those words before).
He does not get ahead of himself in transition, making the right pass
at the right time. Howard does a great job handling the ball; his
assists to turnover ratio this game was 11:1! Howard also continues
to show he has to keep defenses on honest too, because he can score.
The sophomore is a much more confident shooter; he isn't afraid to
pull the trigger on his jumper. He finished the game with 10 points,
shooting 4-7 from the field, 2-4 from beyond the arc. Howard
continues to be a good defender at the top of the zone. Howard's the
third of three Syracuse players to record a double-double this game
with his 10 points and 11 assists.
C
Paschal Chukwu So: 7
Chukwu
played the majority of minutes at the center position this game. He
was a dominant force on defense, anchoring Syracuse's 2-3 zone. He
makes this defense look terrifying. Chukwu blocked four shots, but
effected many other shots. Chukwu does need to improve on the
offensive end. He scored four points, but turned the ball over three
times. One thing Chukwu does excel at on the offensive end, at
least he did this game, is grab
rebounds. He had five offensive rebounds, seven overall, using his
long arms and size, to reach the ball before the opposition can.
Chukwu may never be very good, or even average on offense, but he is
potentially one of Syracuse's best rim protectors, ever.
G
Tyus Battle Fr: 5
This
was a quiet game for Battle. He has not blended into the offense, and
has difficulty getting involved. That's quite surprising, as it was
assumed Battle would be an immediate source of production on offense.
Battle scored just five points, making two of his four field goal
attempts. He needs to be more aggressive, but the team's playing
great right now, and it's best not to force the issue. Battle will
find his way.
G
John Gillon Sr: 7
Gillon
continues to spell Howard at the point, and he played more minutes
alongside the sophomore as well. Gillon led the team in field goal
attempts, 12. He scored 14 point, and made two of his four attempts
from three. Gillon continues to be the most aggressive player for
Syracuse. He sometimes gets ahead of himself though. This led to him
missing what should have been two points in transition, although he
only turned the ball over once. Howard is the better pure point
guard, for sure, but Gillon brings something different when he is on
the court, and never lacks for confidence. He also showed he can be
useful on defense despite being Syracuse's smallest rotation player.
He grabbed three steaks, leading to transition points for Syracuse.
Gillon also had four assists.
F
Taurean Thompson Fr: 8
It
was great to see Thompson in the game, and playing a career high, 24
minutes, this game, after limping off the court against Monmouth.
Thompson continued to show off his offensive game. Last game, he hit
five jump shots, this game he snuck inside, and scored most of his
points around the rim. Although, he stepped outside to hit a jumped
shot as well. Thompson finished with 12 points. Thompson looks like a
freshman on defense. He gets fooled at times, anticipates, and allows
open shots. However, he is just a freshman, and will improve. It's
not like he is useless on defense either; he blocked four shots
against SC State. Thompson has great potential. He, Chukwu, and Lydon
could form a dynamic back line on defense later this season.
Team
Overview:
Syracuse
looks very good on both ends of the floor, again, it's just
South Carolina State. However,
there is every reason to be encouraged. After losing Cooney, Gbinije,
and Richardson last year, Syracuse was supposed to be a worse
shooting team—but, they're better. They lost their point guard, and
were left with timid Frank Howard—well, he's improved,
dramatically. Syracuse is also better on the defensive end with
Paschal Chukwu in the middle. Syracuse shot 54.4% from the field, and
54.2% from three point range, while taking 24 3's. On defense, they
blocked ten shots. The Orange also benefit from having multiple
players capable of scoring in bunches: Roberson, Lydon, White,
Howard, Thompson, and Gillon all scored in double figures. Even as
good as the team has been, Syracuse will only get better with so many
new players in the fold. Thompson will get better on defense. Battle
will find his groove on offense. Everyone will grow more accustomed
to playing with each other.
Bring
on the challenges.
Player
Ratings through four games:
Coleman:
6.25
Roberson:
6.88
Lydon:
7.00
White:
7.75
Howard:
7.63
Battle:
5.63
Chukwu:
6.00
Gillon:
6.88
Thompson:
7.50
Team Average: 6.98
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