On the Mark: Exciting Times for the Orange!
11/14/2002 12:45:13 PM | Men's Basketball, Football
First, there was the unveiling of Jim Boeheim's new basketball team. Granted, it was just an exhibition victory. But there were still plenty of reasons to be truly excited about this season, which gets underway for real Thursday night.
Let me count the ways. First, Carmelo Anthony! Yes, his defense needs work, but how about that offensive repertoire? He hits from outside, he dunks, he penetrates, and he passes. With a little seasoning and a little work on defense, he'll be as good as advertised.
Second, Hakim Warrick is like a pogo stick out there and appears to have improved his limited range from a year ago. This team doesn't need Warrick to step out and hit threes, but if he's able to knock down a 12 to 15 footer every now and again, watch out.
Third, Gerry McNamara and Matt Gorman both have great skill and will be strong contributors. Fourth, a heavier Craig Forth and a lighter Jeremy McNeil both appear to have added a little something to their respective games in the paint. Fifth, it'll be interesting to see how Billy Edelin will react and play when this whole deal with the NCAA is wrapped up. By-the-way, did I mention that Carmelo Anthony is pretty good?
Now on to football...Syracuse 50 - #8 Virginia Tech 42 in triple overtime! That right there is enough reason to get Orange fans pumped up.
What we saw last Saturday was a case of the leaders (i.e. seniors) stepping up and playing like they're expected to. Troy Nunes threw for 403 yards, David Tyree collected 229 receiving yards making some huge, game-breaking catches, and Clifton Smith at times looked like he and VT running back Lee Suggs were joined at the hip. And I didn't even mention Maurice McClain's interception sealing the game.
What we have here is a team that is beginning to believe in and understand itself. Its confidence visibly grows with almost every snap of the ball. The players stated goal is to run the table and finish the season with a 6-and-6 record; with road game Saturday at Boston College and then a season finale at the Dome against #1 ranked Miami, that's an awful tough task. But, the bottom line is this, after a 1-and-6 start, this team very easily could have folded it up for the season. It didn't. And, whether it does run the table or not, the turnaround has been dramatic and impressive and the credit should be given directly to Paul Pasqualoni and his coaching staff!
