In this segment, ITLH contributor Josh Peelman serves as the coach and tells each player what he sees sitting on the bench that is both good and bad.
Okay, you all know I’m not Jim Boeheim, but if I was, there would be a few things I would say to the members of Syracuse basketball’s rotation. Now I’m not saying I’m an expert by any means or am right 100% on any of this, but having been a coach in my own right as a volunteer for kids K-6th grade for 7 years, I probably at least know what’s going right on the court and what isn’t.
In this segment, I’m going to serve as a Syracuse coach in the locker room and I’ll tell each player what I’m seeing sitting on the bench (aka from my computer screen and/or TV screen here at home). Leave your comments below, but keep in mind these are hypothetical conversations with players on the good things they are doing and the adjustments they can make.
John Gillon
So, John here’s what’s I’m seeing. You’re getting better at driving to the hoop and making those tough shots you were missing under the hoop earlier in the year. Your decision to pull up for open threes when the opportunity presents itself has gotten much better.
I know you’re pretty hard on yourself out there when you have a bad shooting day which happens every once in a while, but you got to get past that man. You’re a senior, the guys look up to you. If you’re struggling get it to someone like ‘Drew or Battle or Tyler. Those kids been lighting it up.
You’re the primary handler as well as the spark plug on this team and they trust you at the point. When you’re on point, our offense thrives and we need that night and night out. Howard is good at distributing, but is turnover prone.
We need you to be the point guard of this team and lead this Syracuse team to the promise land. You know what you came here to accomplish, so let’s get there. I believe in you. See you at practice.
Tyler Lydon
Hey Tyler, a word man. You’ve been lighting it up lately. You were struggling to hit your shot earlier in the year, but now, woo wee. You are on a tear and I like what I’m seeing.
You’ve been a star in the center of the Syracuse zone bringing the defensive intensity we’ve been missing since Paschal went down. The boards you’ve been getting have helped our team tremendously and kept us in games.
You’re the heart and soul of this team and we need you to keep it up. Keep practicing those threes and getting those boards and we’ll be fine.
I don’t go to say much to you because you’ve got things down, but man remember, nothing comes easy in ACC play and we have some big games coming up so don’t back down now, the fun’s just beginning. Keep the petal to the metal. See you out there man.
Andrew White
‘Drew, a second. Hey man just wanted to say nice shooting out there lately. You’ve been making more than half your shots most games lately and sharing the ball at a nice clip too.
Your ability to knock down the mid-range and threes have kept us in games. We need you to continue to just stay in your role. Just keep nailing shots, but remember don’t be a hog.
The better chemistry you get with your teammates the better. Now I know you don’t need me to tell you all this, as you’ve been around the block, but the more work you get in in at practice with your teammates the better you guys will be out there. We need this offense to stay consistent and hasn’t been. This team has the potential to be great, and you’re a big part of that.
One more thing, you need to stick with your man better. I know this is your first time in this Syracuse zone, but you not getting to covering your man in time has cost us so many points this season, especially from three. This ending stretch isn’t going to be cake, so lead by example. You know what it takes to get where we want to go. Okay, I’ve had my say. Keep it up.
Frank Howard
Frank my man, you’ve had it rough out there lately I’ve seen it. The struggle is real whether you say it or not. You are very capable at the point, but we just need more at that position right now.
We need a spark plug to get our offense going and in rhythm and so far, John has just been better at getting us there. When you’re in, its been very inconsistent. If you start playing with more fervor, intensity, and consistency then maybe you’ll get more playing time. Right now, though you’re stinking it up out there. I hate being this harsh, but I know what you’re capable of and you’re just not living up to it lately.
So, here’s my work for you. Hit the gym more, get more time in drills passing with your teammates. Find where they like to receive the ball and where you can get your shots and drives more easily. The walk-ons are right there to help you in pick and roll situations to which you are starting to pick up and get better at.
If you start showing that you can do those things with more consistency, you’ll see a lot more time on the court. We need you. Syracuse needs a steady point guard and I believe you can be that for us going forward. That’s why you’re still in my rotation and not in the doghouse. So, pick your head up, we’ve still got lots of season left.
Tyus Battle
Hey Tyus, can I just say a few things? Cool, well lately you’ve been on a tear from deep. You’re lighting it up and I can tell your time practicing against ‘Drew is paying off. You’re getting more
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confident each game and soon you’ll be one of the best options on this Syracuse team on offense, and that’s saying a lot because everyone is our starting lineup is talented at shooting the ball.
You still struggle on defense and way too many guys get past you, but that’ll come in time. Your ability on offense is what we need from you most right now and you do adequately on defense for the most part anyways, but just wanted to remind you that both sides are important.
These teams coming up are defensively minded so we need to pick up our game on that end as well. I’m counting on you to help that for our team at the top and side of the 2-3 zone. Trap when you can, keep in front passes to intercept them and we’ll be in good shape.
You’re a star in the making and I think you know that. Just keep playing hard rook. Okay that’s enough for now, show me what you got.
Tyler Roberson
Robey, man get over here we need to talk. Coming into this year you looked poised for a big senior season but I haven’t been seeing it. You’re better than you’ve been showing. I don’t think you need me to tell you but your intensity just isn’t there most games.
We need you crashing the boards better night in and night out. You are pivotal to our defense in the zone as well, and when you play well so does Lydon and our team. Though Gillon’s our spark plug, you’re our defensive sparkplug.
When you get a board, and get our transition game going we break things open. We’re going to need that against Louisville, Virginia, and Duke coming up. We’re counting on you to show up big. Don’t make me remind you again. We need you to step up your game.
This Syracuse team counts on you on defense. I know what you can bring it, so bring it. You’re a senior, play like it. You’re a great kid. Okay, enough life lessons, see you at the game.
Taurean Thompson
Hey Thompson, mind if we talk for a sec? Great. So, I love what I’m seeing out there on offense. Your talents are raw but you make good use of them. You learn fast and can really shoot it and put it home after getting a rebound. But man, you’re killing us on defense. I hate to say it but teams prioritize driving on you because you miss them on the back of the 2-3 zone so easily.
You got to get up on that bro. Man, as much as I love your offense, I hate your defense. You’re what 6 foot 11? Use that size to your advantage. That’s what Syracuse bigs do here.
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I know you can block shots because I’ve seen you it. I believe that if you try like Robey that you can make a difference on this team. This is a great team when it all works well and as a unit. We need you to do your part, okay. Okay get back to it rook.