Syracuse Basketball: Senior Grades- John Gillon
By Josh Peelman
John Gillon wasn’t supposed to be the go-to guy this year. Yet, nearing the end of the season we finally understand, this year would not be the same without him. Inside the Loud House looks at the way John Gillon has left his mark on Syracuse Basketball.
John Gillon was the first acquisition we got in the transfer market this last offseason. A guard from Colorado State who was talented, but not a star, fans wrote him off as a role player on this years team. Incumbent Sophomore combo guard Frank Howard was penciled in by most as the starting point guard, with Gillon, even though he was a senior, as the backup.
Midway through the season though things became very clear. The offense worked better and more efficiently with Gillon at the helm. Th passes were crisper, the connections were there, and the team was gelling under his leadership. So Boeheim as he does every year, shortened the rotation and dubbed Gillon the starting point guard so Syracuse Basketball.
The results have been huge as he in one way or another led us to a second half resurgence which includes Syracuse beating three top-ten ranked teams. The most notable one Gillon was apart of was his 26 point showing at Duke where he nailed a long three-point shot at the buzzer while being surrounded by three tall Duke defenders.
That’s the kind of guy Gillon is though. He’s someone who beats the odds, and when he has a bad day he comes back the next game and proves his worth. As a fan, I love the spirit and attitude he has on the court. He has left a mark on the Orange faithful and one season was more than enough to do so.
Just for fun though, let’s look at the year Gillon has had playing for Syracuse Basketball:
Senior Year (This Season):
The Stats: Gillon has averaged 11 points, but his impact has been much more than his stats. His leadership at the point guard position has been huge this season for the Orange. In addition, all of those stats, except for points are all career highs.
Impact: Gillon had had so many great games this season. If I had to choose two, the first is probably the comeback win at NC State. Trailing late in the game by as much as 12, he brought the Orange back and tied the game with an unbalanced three to send the game to overtime. In overtime, Andrew White and Gillon finished off the Wolfpack for the 100-93 victory. It was Syracuse’s first road victory this season.
According to ESPN.com, Gillon shot 10-13 from the field, hit 9-10 from three, and was a perfect 14 of 14 from the free throw line. On top of that he had 9 assists and 4 rebounds.
His second-best game, if you can call it that, would be his long three to beat 10th-ranked Duke last Wednesday.
Also as I mentioned in another post, Gillon has hit an incredible 47 straight free throws setting a Syracuse record. If he hits 20 more free throws he will break the former ACC record set by Scott Wood with 66.
Gillon has made his presence felt with the Orange and he will be long remembered. His buzzer beating shots, his energy, and his passion while in an Orange uniform will not be forgotten.
Next: Syracuse Football Recruiting Sitdown: Markenzy Pierre
Syracuse NCAA run: We haven’t officially made it in, but the Orange faithful are hopeful. Many believe they can do damage in the NCAA Tournament.