We Owe Our Seniors And Grad Transfers A Debt Of Gratitude

Can’t believe it’s already Senior day for the Syracuse basketball team. What a topsy turvy season this has been and there could be so much more to go.

The Syracuse basketball squad hosts Georgia Tech this Saturday afternoon in the final regular-season game for both schools.

It’s well documented that this battle has huge implications as far as a possible Big Dance bid is concerned, for the Orange and the Yellow Jackets.

What’s more, this contest is likely the last one where seniors DaJuan Coleman and Tyler Roberson, as well as graduate transfers John Gillon and Andrew White III, will suit up inside the Carrier Dome.

I recognize that the 2016-17 campaign has proven somewhat disappointing and frustrating for ‘Cuse fans, given SU’s struggles, but we’re all hoping that a victory versus Georgia Tech will help place Syracuse on a path to a NCAA Tournament berth.

In the meantime, I firmly believe that we should show some respect for these four players. They

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deserve it.

As such, what follows is a snapshot of my giving thanks to Coleman, Roberson, Gillon and White.

DaJuan Coleman, a local high-school product, chose the Orange over Kentucky and others, and I’m thankful for that. His career, unfortunately, has gotten derailed by multiple injuries, and you have to feel for this young man.

I’ve seen some Syracuse “faithful” talk about Coleman’s SU tenure in negative terms on social media, and honestly those people are ignorant and unkind.

Sure, his stats aren’t as stellar as we all would have anticipated, but can you find me a more gracious, humble guy? He’s a member of two Final Four outfits (2013 and 2016). Coleman entered this term seemingly healthy, and head coach Jim Boeheim had him in the starting lineup for a while. But, lately, Coleman is seeing virtually no action at all.

And what does he do? He doesn’t complain one bit. He cheers on his colleagues, works his tail off at practice and is ready to roll should JB put him on the court. Classy. Even a role model, if you ask me. So many spoiled little brats out there in Division I hoops. Coleman is the opposite. A consummate team player. I wish you nothing but the best.

Tyler Roberson, you are an enigma. In the 2015-16 stanza, you proved an offensive-rebounding beast. You had 20 boards in a pivotal triumph at Duke. You swept the glass well as SU notched four successes in a row to spectacularly advance to the Final Four.

I figured Roberson put himself in prime position for a monster senior year. It hasn’t panned out. Some like to criticize you. I commend you.

Roberson is one of my favorite Orange dudes of all-time. Like Coleman, he never whines. He keeps his head down, hustles, grinds and fights. Boeheim has publicly slammed Roberson on more than one occasion, and I’m sure it hurts his psyche. It would affect mine.

He started a slew of match-ups for the ‘Cuse in recent years, but he got pulled earlier this season in favor of freshman Taurean Thompson, who is better on offense. That has to sting. Yet Roberson does not cry about it. He keeps playing hard. What more can you ask for?

Syracuse brought in two grad transfers, Gillon and White, to fill out its current roster. I’m thankful that they selected us instead of other offers out there.

Gillon has proven a tad inconsistent, and White is presently in a shooting slump. However, would SU even have 10 wins without them?

I doubt it.

I know: Gillon makes us crazy when he drives the lane out of control. I get it. But, the ‘Cuse goes as John Gillon goes. Boeheim has said as much. Gillon and sophomore Frank Howard split the point-guard duties for a while, but clearly Gillon is the leader now.

He hasn’t missed a free throw in forever. Although I probably just jinxed that.

On the road at N.C. State, his off-balance heave tied the clash at the end of regulation, with his ridiculous 43 points carrying the Orange to an overtime victory.

Oh, and there’s that buzzer-beating, 3-pointer from the top of the key to prevail over Duke. I enjoyed that. Bravo. Thanks for bailing us out in numerous instances.

Andrew White, despite your shooting woes of late, you are a critical cog in our rotation. You are tops on our team in scoring, and among the best in the ACC.

White had a recent tear when he secured 20 points on seven consecutive occasions, which is quite impressive. He is a terrific threat from downtown.

Gladly, White has improved in the 2-3 zone, and he’s also trying to get to the hoop more. It’s tough. He’s known as a spot-up shooter, and defenses are giving him no space. Still, White is a scoring machine, and he’s proven fun to watch.

White and Gillon came to Central New York to have an opportunity at March Madness. It’s up in the air whether they will get that chance. Yet they’ve handled themselves with grace, speak highly of their teammates, and are proud to wear the Syracuse uniform.

I’m hopeful that Gillon and White will go dancing, I’m hoping that Coleman starts on Saturday against Georgia Tech and sees some significant court time. I’m hopeful that Roberson regains his mojo and ends his career on a positive note.

More than anything else, I’m hopeful that Roberson and Coleman, White and Gillon, have found their experience at SU worthwhile. I’m hopeful that they can propel the Orange to another magical March run.

While many ‘Cuse fans, myself thoroughly included, appreciate what you have done for our university. You represent what’s good about Syracuse.

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For that, I’m eternally grateful. And undeniably thankful.

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