Pre-Italy Trip Practice Prep For Orange

Gallery: (7/19/2019) Mens Basketball Friday Practice

Syracuse had its second official practice of the summer on Friday, July 19 in the Anthony Center on campus. The Orange are preparing for a 10-day, four-exhibition game tour of Italy which begins on August 10.

The Practice:
The workout was divided up in a format similar to most of Coach Jim Boeheim's practice sessions. Prior to the official start time at 3:30, the players worked with their position coaches, primarily on shooting.

After a brief run-down of the schedule from Coach Boeheim, strength and conditioning coach Ryan Cabiles helped the group stretch and prepare for the session ahead. The squad again broke into groups by positions -- the guards with Coach Gerry McNamara, the forwards with Coach Adrian Autry and the centers with Coach Allen Griffin.

The club came together for most of the remainder of the practice. The work featured full-court drills and 5-of-5 periods at one basket that were expanded to include transition from offense to defense.

Orange Experience:
Four of the "veterans" on the 2019-20 Syracuse roster are redshirt senior Elijah Hughes, a forward, junior center Bourama Sidibe, and sophomores Buddy Boeheim, a guard, and forward Robert Braswell. Hughes is the lone returning starter from last year's club -- he was with the first five in all 34 contests. Nagging injuries limited Sidibe last winter but he has fully participated in summer workouts. Boeheim emerged during the ACC portion of the schedule and made 41 percent of his 3-point attempts in conference contests. Braswell has polished his offensive game in the offseason and has developed an effective outside jumper.

Point Guard Competition:
With the departure of Frank Howard and Tyus Battle, Syracuse should have a lively competition for the primary ball-handling position. Howard Washington, now a junior, has made great strides in his recovery from a stroke last fall. He's being pushed by sophomore Jalen Carey, who got a boost from participating on an all-star team trip to Greece. Carey and a squad of college players had three exhibition games on the jaunt and won all three.

Freshmen Update:

John Bol Ajak: The 6-10 center from Natinga, South Sudan, has shown his size and length in early workouts. He provides the Orange with another shot blocker.
Jesse Edwards: A 6-11 postman, Edwards left campus this week to visit his family in the Netherlands. He is expected to join up with his Syracuse teammates in Italy.
Joe Girard III: Through individual workouts and initial team practices, Girard has made one thing very clear. The new NCAA 3-point line, which now stands at 22 feet, 1.75 inches, is not going to effect Girard's long-distance game. He's comfortable and accurate from beyond that distance.
Brycen Goodine: The slender, 6-3 guard has flashed deceptive quickness and an effective outside shot.
Quincy Guerrier: Singled out as the "hardest worker he's ever been around" according to associate head coach Adrian Autry, Guerrier is logging plenty of Melo Center court time.

Not In The House:

Junior Marek Dolezaj is home in his native Slovakia. He is recovering from a finger injury and expects to travel to Syracuse prior to the team's trip to Italy.
Edwards is in the Netherlands visiting his family.

Regular-Season Ticket Information:
Syracuse men's basketball season tickets are on sale online at Cuse.com/Tickets or by phone at 888-DOMETIX (888-366-3849). Season Tickets start as low as $250, and all price levels are available, including a limited number of floor seats. Premium seating options are available in the courtside area, as well as in the Executive Club Suite.