As December rapidly draws to a close – a mere two nights of sleep until the dawn of 2015 – many people reflect on the past year while setting new goals for the coming year. More commonly known as the dreaded New Year’s Resolutions list. We here at The Juice Online are by no means above the resolutions fad!
Any loyal Orange fan will tell you that it’s been a challenging 12 months for the Syracuse football and men’s basketball programs. With basketball team gearing up for its second year of ACC play – a lone contest with Cornell the last remaining out of conference skirmish – here’s a list of resolutions that will enable both squads to find success in the new year. Tomorrow, we’ll have Part II with the Syracuse football team.
In the meantime, let’s focus on the hardwood, shall we?
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Kaleb Joseph – There’s an adage in sports that you never want to be the guy who follows The Guy. Well, young fellow, you’re following two of The Guys. Michael Carter-Williams (reigning NBA Rookie of the Year) and Tyler Ennis were both first round draft picks in back-to-back years. And both set the bar for SU point guards high. Your best bet is to not try to be any other player except you. You’ll have some ups and downs for sure (welcome to big time college hoops), but you’ll improve. Oh, and listen to the head guy on the bench. Even if he does offer you constructive criticism at a raised decibel level.
Chris McCullough – Here are two names for you to remember: Donte Greene and Jerami Grant. Both players had a chance to be special with another year of seasoning at the collegiate level. Greene left after his freshman year, was a late first-round pick, and is now out of the NBA. Grant made the jump after his sophomore year and didn’t hear his name called until the second round. Yes, Grant made Philadelphia’s roster, but he’s averaging 3.3 PPG in 13.6 MPG on a team with a 4-25 record. It’s hard to say no to the money that comes with being a lottery pick. If you plan on tossing your name into the draft hat after the season’s conclusion, don’t listen to the hangers-on. Do listen to Coach Boeheim. If you’re ready for the NBA, he’ll tell you.
Tyler Roberson – keep doing the dirty work behind Rakeem Christmas and McCullough. There’s no shame in grabbing boards and getting put backs. Syracuse needs more games like your 14 points, 17 rebounds (11 on the offensive glass) performance against Louisiana Tech.
Syracuse fans – Be Patient. The basketball program has had a stellar five and a half year run: a Final Four, an Elite Eight, two No. 1-seeds, multiple No. 1 rankings, and a record of 157-36. But after losing seven players over the last two seasons, this year’s squad could take some serious lumps in league play. Even Kentucky and its well-oiled recruiting machine participated in the NIT two years ago.
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