Syracuse Basketball: What the Fans are Saying

While on a trip to the motherland (CNY), this is what a bunch of Syracuse Basketball fans had to tell me about their beloved team.

As many of our readers know, I live in Phoenix, Arizona but I am originally from central New York. I was taking a trip home this weekend and had the chance to catch up in person with some of the lifelong Syracuse basketball fans I’ve known over the years.

A couple of the trends I caught onto included questions about a couple of the players and how they are being used and of course an overall positive belief the team can continue their run into the ACC tournament and then getting into the Big Dance.

Here are some of the more interesting opinions and observations:

On Jim Boeheim’s suspension:

“It’s an embarrassment. The NCAA is a joke. There was no rational explanation to the suspension, but what’s worse is the tournament ban and the scholarship penalty. How can a group of grumpy old men decide the coach and administration was at fault for something they never knew about?” – M.C.

“I’m just glad he’s back. I’ve always liked Hopkins, but the team seems to play with more swagger when Jimmy is on the bench.” – S.G.

“I don’t expect him to retire anytime soon. The vacated wins need to be re-won, so I’m just happy that process has finally begun.” – A.D.

On Michael Gbinije:

“He’s playing himself out of the draft. I’m not sure if he’s just not as good as we thought at the beginning of the season or if he is just not able to play the point, but either way, he looks tentative and confused far more than most NBA prospects.” – E.G.

More from Inside the Loud House

“A small forward at point guard does work in college basketball. He’s just not a natural passer.” – S.G.

“You aren’t the only one to notice he always picks up his dribble on the pick and roll. It’s so frustrating because if he could just maintain movement, the lane would be open more often.” – M.S.

On the Tylers (Roberson and Lydon):

“I love Lydon because he has such a high basketball IQ. If he can get stronger and bang down low, he could be the next SU lottery pick.” – M.B.

“Roberson is playing the best ball he’s ever played and I think it is because he isn’t looking for points. He is the only good offensive rebounder on the team and may be the best in the nation, as long as he doesn’t try to be an offensive scorer. His best games have come when he scored off the rebound.” – C.M.

“I really like watching them play together. They seem to have some good chemistry and I love Lydon on the second and third chances. When Roberson gets a board and kicks out to Lydon, it’s like magic.” – L.B.

On Syracuse’s tournament odds:

“Syracuse is in. Lock it down. Too many quality wins in the best conference. If they don’t get in, it’s your average NCAA hose job.” – M.C.

“It’s not a lock, but if Syracuse basketball can keep up their run and win a couple of games in the ACC tourney, then they should get in and could make some noise.” – E.G.

“Halfway through January, I was certain the season was over and the NIT would be a gift. Now, I think SU is about five victories and a good ACC tourney showing away from getting a top 8 seed.” – L.B.

Overall, the hometown fans I know seem to share some general opinions. The NCAA is an arbitrary joke, Michael Gbinije is not a point guard, Lydon and Roberson have become fan favorites, and Syracuse is tournament bound. So, there you have it: Syracuse Basketball is on the rise.

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