Syracuse Basketball: Orange need more out of Joe Girard III

Joe Girard III is a very big part of Syracuse basketball. But he needs to elevate his game so the Orange can reach its full potential.

Syracuse basketball is 2-0 after a nail-biting win over Bryant and more recently, a blowout win against Niagara. Although the SU offense has looked much better than in past years, they have still had their fair share of struggles. Joe Girard III in particular has not played nearly as well as he’s capable of, something the Orange can’t afford to have as the season goes on.

Syracuse seems to have more of an overall offensive flow than the past few years. They also have a lot of three-point shooting and guys that can penetrate inside and create open shots. That’s what Joe Girard III is known for, but through two games, he’s been anything but that.

While Girard III can’t be knocked on how much intensity he brings to the game – he always plays with a head up and looks to move the ball on offense, it’s been a real shaky start to the season at that.

The sophomore is averaging just 7.0 points per game through two starts. That’s on a dismal 5-of-25 shooting from the field, including just 3-of-15 from three-point range, which ironically is the best part of his game.

Where credit is due, Girard III did hit two big threes against Bryant which the Orange desperately needed to grind out a one-point win. But from start to finish, he has not shot the ball well and in turn, is tied for the team lead in turnovers with six so far.

Syracuse basketball will have two more chances over the next five days for Girard III to start to turn it around. The Orange host Rider on December 5, before traveling to No. 24 Rutgers on December 8. Girard III will be heavily counted on, as Buddy Boeheim will have to sit out those contests due to COVID regulations of contact tracing.

For Girard III, it’s only been two games, and Jim Boeheim has been adamant that Syracuse hasn’t been able to practice nearly close to half as much as they need to. But when the sharpshooter from Glens Falls, New York does turn it around, you’ll really be able to see Syracuse basketball at its full potential.