IN THE PAINT su vs pitt jan. 25, 2020
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Cover and spread photos by Max Freund Staff Photographer
inside Can’t miss From Catholic Youth Organization basketball to Cameron Indoor Stadium, relive Elijah Hughes’ best moments. Page 3
Scouting the Panthers Before Syracuse takes on Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon in the Carrier Dome, learn all about the Pittsburgh Panthers. Page 7
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ELIJAH HUGHES, a redshirt junior forward, has stepped into a starring role for Syracuse this season. Hughes is in the top five in the Atlantic Coast Conference in points per game, 3-pointers made, free throws made and minutes played. corey henry photo editor
By Michael McCleary senior staff writer
S
cott Timpano was walking toward Flint Hall when Adrian Autry pulled up his car next to him. Timpano, a Syracuse alum and Beacon City School teacher, was heading back from the Carmelo K. Anthony Center, where he helped organize the Orange’s summer elite camp. The year prior, he utilized this connection to create a spot at the camp for Elijah Hughes, a star at Beacon High School the year before he transferred away from the school. Hughes, a then-rising senior, had been playing for the Hudson Valley team in the New York State Basketball Summer Games. In a matchup against the central New York team, Hughes scored 43 points. Timpano followed along the night prior, watching a player he’s seen develop put on one of the better performances of his career. Then Autry stopped him. “Coach, I’m kind of in trouble,” Timpano remembered Autry said. “What do you mean?” Timpano asked. “You saw what Elijah did last night?” “Yeah it seems like he did pretty well.” “Coach (Jim Boeheim) wants our heads because we didn’t recruit this kid.” Jimmy Boeheim, Boeheim’s oldest son, had played on the central team that Hughes torched in front of SU’s head coach. Wayne Hughes, Hughes’ father, said that Boeheim mostly remained stoic, but at some point made a phone call. That call was to Autry, who
BIG SHOT
Relive the best moments of Elijah Hughes’ basketball career
Timpano said Boeheim “reamed him out.” Years later, Hughes announced his intention to transfer and Timpano got in touch with the staff again. Since then, he’s had many memorable moments with SU and recently secured his 1000th collegiate point. This year, he ranks near the top-10 in most statistical categories in the ACC. People around Hughes, like in the beginning of the year, urged he’s been performing this way all his career. The Daily Orange spoke to multiple coaches and family members to find out some of the best games he’s ever played.
‘Almost a perfect game’
In the sixth grade, Hughes played Christian Youth Organization basketball for St. Joachim and faced a team that, for as long as Wayne can remember, St. Joachim had never beaten. After a loss to St. Martin de Porres the season prior, Hughes scored 36 of his team’s 38 total points. He outscored St. Martin by one point, and St. Joachim won the game 38-35. “He played almost a perfect game,” Wayne said.
‘He could not miss’
One of the highest scoring performances of Hughes’ career came in an 11th grade AAU game. Hughes had moved on from his childhood AAU squad, Playmakers Academy, and joined the AAU team connected to Kennedy Catholic (New York) High School, which he had transferred to that year. see hughes page 7
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JESSE EDWARDS hasn’t played a minute since Syracuse’s Jan. 15 matchup with Boston College. The freshman center from Amsterdam hasn’t been able to earn minutes off the bench, even as Syracuse’s frontcourt rotation has thinned. max freund staff photographer
COACH’S DECISION By Josh Schafer
senior staff writer
Jesse Edwards had a chance to impact the game and earn the coaching staff’s trust. After Bourama Sidibe committed his second foul against Boston College on Jan. 15, Edwards did little to help his case. He committed two fouls and allowed a floating layup in front of him. After six minutes, Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim had seen enough. Edwards wouldn’t return until the outcome was already decided. After the game, Boeheim denied answering a question about how Edwards could see more minutes in the future. “I can’t even talk about that,” Boeheim said. Edwards hasn’t played since that Boston College game. In Syracuse’s win over Notre Dame, he still didn’t play after both Marek Dolezaj and Sidibe reached four fouls. Edwards played a season-high 14 minutes in a Nov. 23 game against Bucknell and has played more than 10 minutes three other times this year. He’s only played doubledigit minutes in conference play once, against BC, a 26-point Syracuse win. As Atlantic Coast Conference play has picked up, the (12-7, 5-3 ACC) rotation
Center Jesse Edwards hasn’t earned SU’s trust off the bench has been trimmed to seven-man rotation that isn’t including Edwards. “Sometimes it’s kind of hard to get in the game...I’m just going to keep going,” Edwards said after the BC game. “As long as we win that’s what it’s all about for me too. Practice is where, for me, it’s going to be happening the most this year because I just got to develop. I got to develop so when I get out there I take full advantage of it.” As recent Syracuse seasons have gone on, the Orange’s rotation have thinned out. Early this year, the roster appeared to have at least eight or nine rotational players and depth at the point guard and center positions. Injuries to Jalen Carey and Brycen Goodine cut into the perimeter contributors and now its happening down low as well. For much of the year, the Boston College scenario played out. In some way or another, Sidibe wouldn’t execute Boeheim’s orders. Sometimes it’s not putting his hands straight up to avoid blocking fouls. In other instances, he’s
not in proper defensive position. Regardless, his replacement, often Edwards, is directed on how to do it better and sent into the game. Never for long. Edwards hasn’t figured out how to execute better. With a 7-foot-1 wingspan, he has the length to play in the middle of the zone. Still, at times, teams have scored around him. During his six-minute spurt against Boston College — after allowing a floater in the lane — Edwards missed a defensive rebound. After losing possession, Edwards fouled the same Eagles player as he went up for a basket. Soon after, Edwards was taken off the court. “You play as much as you should play,” said Edwards in November in regards to what coaches have told him about playing time. “If I play the lights out, I’m not coming off the court.” Edwards grabbed four rebounds in the second half against Boston College, when Syracuse held a hefty lead. None resulted in points. Rather than keeping the ball up high, using his long arms, Edwards often
brought the ball down to the floor and exposed it to Eagle defenders. “You can’t do that,” Boeheim said. “You can’t do those things. It’s not about how good you are, you can’t do those things and play. Those are things you can’t do. You got to rebound. You got to be able to keep the rebound and get it to a guard. If you can’t do that, just, you can’t play.” Early in the first half against Virginia Tech on Jan. 18, Edwards’ current status in the team’s rotation may have been solidified. After Sidibe failed to rotate from below the hoop to a corner 3-point attempt, Boeheim called a timeout and wagged his finger at the starting center. He motioned to the bench, but didn’t signal for Edwards. Quincy Guerrier entered the game instead and finished with nine rebounds and three-point play that helped SU down the stretch. Edwards never entered the game. “Brycen has been a little bit (better) in practice,” said Boeheim, referencing the rotation after the Virginia Tech win. “Maybe we’ll get him in there a little but sevens good (in the rotation) maybe we’ll get an eighth guy in there. We’ll see what happens.” Jlschafe@syr.edu | @Schafer_44
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men’s basketball
Opponent preview: What to know about the Panthers By Nick Alvarez
senior staff writer
Syracuse (12-7, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) hosts Pittsburgh (13-6, 4-4) Saturday afternoon in the Carrier Dome. The Orange added a fourthstraight win when they topped Notre Dame on the road Wednesday night. Meanwhile, the Panthers followed up a win over North Carolina with a 74-72 against Boston College. Here’s what to know about Pittsburgh ahead of the matchup.
All-time series
Syracuse leads, 71-45
Last time they played
The Orange won all three matchups against Pitt a year ago, winning the last meeting on Mar. 13, 73-59, in the first round of the ACC tournament. It marked SU’s first ACC tournament victory of the year, led by a then career-high 20 points from Buddy Boeheim. He hit a trio of threes and added four assists and six rebounds. Elijah Hughes and Frank Howard added 18 points apiece while Jared WilsonFrame led the Panthers with 24 points. The
Orange trailed into the second half and then an 8-0 run by Buddy gave them a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
The Pittsburgh report
The Panthers are in the second year of its rebuild under head coach Jeff Capel III. The former Duke assistant coach signed a two-year extension in early January and is expected to lead Pitt until the 2026-27 season. Like Syracuse, Pitt has played in several close games this season. After a seasonopening win against now-ranked Florida State, Pitt settled at 2-2. Since a near-perfect nonconference slate, Pittsburgh has lost three ACC games by no more than eight points. On Jan. 14, the Panthers forced overtime against now No. 6 Louisville before losing by five. There’s a lack of a steady lead guard on the Pitt roster, as it averages more turnovers per game (12.4) than assists (12.2). The result is a slow-paced offense ranked 295th in possession length in the country per KenPom. They shoot 29.8% from 3 and 46.6% from two-point range, both in the bottom third of Division I.
Offensively, Pitt features a wide range of scorers led by Trey McGowens (13.3 points per game) and Xavier Johnson (12.2 ppg). Defensively, Pittsburgh ranks in the top half of the conference in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom. In the Panthers last five games, they’ve mainly featured a lineup of Johnson, McGowens, guard Ryan Murphy, forwards Justin Champagnie and Eric Hamilton. Their tallest player, 6-foot-10 center Terrell Brown, is a spot-starter who’s fourth in the ACC in blocks per game (1.9).
How Syracuse beats the Panthers
Syracuse’s improved zone is limiting shooters, which should help quell efforts from McGowens, Murphy and Johnson — each of whom post better than a 31% 3-point clip. The Panthers also don’t have a John Mooney-type forward who can operate in the high-post. And when passing is needed to break down the zone in the half court, Pitt’s lacked an elite playmaker all year. On the other end, SU should have no problems getting inside. Pitt deploys a smaller lineup and is averaging fewer
rebounds per game than its opponents. Pittsburgh also allows 32.9% of opponent’s 3s to fall, 171st in the country. Look for Syracuse to run the pick-and-roll and create space either for Hughes and Buddy or Marek Dolezaj inside.
Stat to know
12.0 — Pitt’s steal percentage, which ranks 24th in D-I per KenPom and can spark some transition offense if SU mishandles the ball.
KenPom odds
Syracuse has a 68% chance to win the game, with a projected final score of 69-63.
Player to watch
Xavier Johnson, No. 1, Guard Johnson is the closest thing Pitt has to a playmaker. He leads the team in assists (89), while shooting 38% from 3. He’s also shown a propensity to get to the free throw line. Like Boston College did, Pitt may put the 6-foot-3 Johnson in the high-post to break down the Orange zone. He’ll also be key in capitalizing on any fastbreak chances. nialvare@syr.edu | @nick_a_alvarez
men’s basketball
Beat writers predict Syracuse streak to continue against Pitt By The Daily Orange Sports Staff
Syracuse is putting its four-game winning streak on the line Jan. 25 with a matchup against Pittsburgh (13-6, 4-4 Atlantic Coast Conference). Saturday’s contest is Syracuse’s (12-7, 5-3) first home game since a 76-50 win over Boston College on Jan. 15. Here are the beat writers’ picks for Saturday’s game.
Nick Alvarez (13-6)
Rollin’ Syracuse 80, Pittsburgh 70 That Notre Dame win might be enough to slightly alter postseason projections. Syracuse
has answered nearly all its questions. It’s handled the bottom half of the ACC, launching itself into the top-four for now. And Pitt can be added to one of the teams firmly beneath the Orange. The zone’s handled a variety of scoring options and the Panthers don’t have the playmaking to crack it. Pitt averages more turnovers per game than assists. And Pitt is on the road, where they’re 1-2 in conference play. Syracuse’s run should continue as the bubble nears. SU should keep it rollin’.
Michael McCleary (13-6)
Bottomless Pitt Syracuse 79, Pittsburgh 68 The Orange are seemingly pulling from
an endless bag of tricks to get these wins. Defense. Offense. Everything. It’s all working, and at the right time. Not all of these wins have been easy. Really, none at all. The Orange have beaten tough teams, and proven that they have the capability to compete in the ACC. But the thing that will always hang over Syracuse’s head is whether or not that alone is good enough. In recent games, that type of pressure has seen the Orange respond in a positive way. Against Pitt, Syracuse will extend its win-streak to five, and keep that same energy going.
Josh Schafer (13-6) We didn’t start the fire
Syracuse 82, Pittsburgh 71 At this point, I just can’t pick against Syracuse. After the two losses to start the year, we wanted to bury a team that isn’t ready for that yet. The Orange are scoring in different ways each game. Sometimes it’s the shooting, other times it’s interior scoring. If that scoring diversity continues, Syracuse will be a tough team to beat moving forward. The Panthers don’t shoot the ball well from beyond the arc and lack a dominant presence down low. That’s the exact opposite of the formula that’s beaten Syracuse this year. It’s hard to see why Pittsburgh comes in and puts out the fire.
sports@dailyorange.com | @DOsports
from page 3
hughes Hughes scored 56 points in a single game played at Iona College. Multiple times, Hughes tried deep 3’s as a “heat check,” Wayne said, and they fell. At one point, Hughes took just two steps past half court and drained a shot. “He could not miss,” Wayne said. Hughes’ performance came in front of Iona coaches. “You could be doing that for us!” yelled one coach throughout the game. Hughes, who already had a firm commitment to East Carolina at that point, was removed well before the end of the game. “I was kind of wondering how much more would he be able to score,” Wayne said.
‘Different zip code’
Prior to his breakout season this year, Hughes flashed his scoring ability against Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Many of his coaches agreed that one of the best shots he’s hit in his career was the three-quarter court shot as the halftime buzzer expired. But his coach at Playmakers Academy AAU, Ken Dawson, wasn’t surprised. “Elijah started practicing that shot from about eighth grade,” Dawson said. “I used to call it different zip code.” During AAU games, Dawson said he tried to utilize Hughes’ deep 3-point range whenever possible. It was a tool to make an opponent’s zone or man-to-man sets imbalanced. “Elijah,” Dawson called. “Different zip code!” Hughes pulled up from deep 3-point range and the defense needed to adjust when he connected. Hughes finished with 20 points in the two games against the Blue Devils last season. Hughes shot half-court tries before every game for the Orange this season. But Dawson never saw him hit one from that far. “Wow, that was really a different zip code,” Dawson said. mmclear@syr.edu | @MikeJMcCleary
In Syracuse’s most recent game, Elijah Hughes scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a 84-82 victory over Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. The win was the Orange’s fourth consecutive. danny gonzalez contributing photographer
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