Syracuse basketball needs all three of its guards, Bourama Sidibe to thrive

On many occasions throughout the 2020-21 campaign, a large contingent of Syracuse basketball fans has taken to social media to voice displeasure with the Orange’s starting backcourt of sophomore Joe Girard III and junior Buddy Boeheim.

At the same time, some of these fans, understandably so, have opined that freshman combo guard Kadary Richmond should get inserted into the starting line-up, displacing either point guard Girard or shooting guard Boeheim.

I always respect my fellow ‘Cuse fanatics, and Richmond has proven tremendous in a bunch of games during the current term. Perhaps he should garner more minutes of court action, although he is just a freshman, and he’s put forth some performances where he struggled, too.

Without question, Girard and Boeheim have possessed their own share of sub-par outings, but they’ve also each had to deal with the effects of Covid-19. They’re not making excuses, and I’m not making excuses for them.

However, to suggest that Richmond should suit up for 40 minutes, while veterans Girard and Boeheim should get relegated to the bench, is taking things a tad too far, in my humble opinion.

Boeheim made some big buckets in the Syracuse basketball three-point home win on Sunday night against N.C. State. Girard distributed the ball well. And, yes, Richmond proved spectacular versus the Wolfpack.

So maybe head coach Jim Boeheim could give Richmond a couple of additional minutes here and there, and that in turn could mean a bit less run for either Girard or Buddy Boeheim.

But for the Orange to succeed over the long term, the team can’t rely solely on Richmond while giving up on Girard and Boeheim. The ‘Cuse needs all three of its primary guards – who each have their strengths and their weaknesses – to play. And play well.

Syracuse basketball, hopefully, will see senior center Bourama Sidibe in the line-up soon.

Senior Bourama Sidibe, the Orange’s starting center, hasn’t competed since suffering a knee injury in the team’s season-opening victory against Bryant.

After the conquest of N.C. State, Jim Boeheim said he’s “very hopeful” that Sidibe might be able to play on Wednesday evening, when the ‘Cuse will welcome Louisville to the Hill.

That would prove terrific. Sidibe is going to need a bunch of time to get into full game mode, yet this squad really has a much higher ceiling with him able to play. Senior power forward Marek Dolezaj, undeniably, has done an admirable job at the center position in Sidibe’s absence.

Syracuse basketball (10-5, 4-4) has a critical group of Atlantic Coast Conference clashes coming up. For the team to make a strong push toward the post-season, the Orange has to have its three guards competing at a high level, and its starting center back on the court.