Syracuse Basketball vs. Clemson: 5 Keys to the Game

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Dec 22, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) drives to the basket past Montana State Bobcats forward Sarp Gobeloglu (13) during the second half at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 82-60. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Lydon Needs to Shoot More

Speaking of other guys stepping up, Tyler Lydon needs to be one of those guys. He’s proven throughout the year that he has an incredibly high basketball IQ and combines that with some outstanding athleticism and a gorgeous shooting stroke.

So why isn’t he shooting it more?

Part of the problem is simply that he doesn’t get the ball enough in good positions. Far too often he’s just camped outside on the perimeter as part of the stagnant, pick-and-roll offense that SU uses on every single possession.

After a while, teams figure out exactly what we’re going to do (since it never changes) and understand how to beat it. It puts Lydon in the awkward position of getting the ball with a defender usually draped all over him.

The offense needs to start using more off the ball screens, as well as some high/low post action to free him up. If he actually starts the play on the interior or in different positions all over the court, he’ll have a much easier time of getting free as the defense will be forced to locate him constantly.

Regardless of how it’s done, he needs to get more shots, because he’s a very good shooter.

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