Syracuse Basketball: Jim Boeheim on team – ‘I think they’re getting better’

Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim says that his Orange players are working hard and “getting better,” although he does acknowledge that the team has “had some really bad games.”

Those comments came during Boeheim’s weekly radio show on TK99, which occurs on Thursday evenings with ‘Cuse play-by-play broadcaster Matt Park, and the head coach’s thoughts were provided in an article by Mike Curtis of Syracuse.com.

As the Orange (12-6, 6-5) gets set to host Notre Dame in an Atlantic Coast Conference clash from the Carrier Dome this Saturday afternoon, Boeheim discussed how his squad is faring to date in the 2020-21 campaign.

"He said, in part, “As of what we’ve done now, we’ve had some really good outings. Virginia Tech’s a really good team. We had them down 25. When we really have it going and shooting the ball, we’ve been pretty good. But we’ve had some really bad games and part of that is we just get overpowered sometimes inside on the boards. That’s the obvious huge weakness. We haven’t (played) two or three of the tough teams that we’ve had on our schedule. That’s obviously hurt us, with teams that can help you if you win.”"

We detailed earlier this week how Syracuse basketball has seen five of its games postponed because of Covid-19 protocols, including contests versus Louisville (twice), Clemson and Florida State, all groups that are among the best at this juncture in the ACC.

The ‘Cuse is, by all accounts, on the outside looking in at this point as it pertains to landing an invite to the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Starting with the Fighting Irish on Saturday in Central New York, the Orange has to really begin piling up victories if it wants any realistic shot at hearing its name called on Selection Sunday.

Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim says missing the team’s starting center has proven rough.

It’s well-documented that, in 2020-21, when the Orange out-rebounds its foes, the ‘Cuse prevails, and when the opposite transpires, Syracuse basketball loses.

For the most part in the current term, the Orange hasn’t had many issues scoring points, but its 2-3 zone has absolutely struggled at times.

Senior Bourama Sidibe, the ‘Cuse starting center, has unfortunately been out for virtually all of 2020-21 due to injury, and that has undeniably hampered the team.

In assessing his roster, Boeheim said, “They’ve worked hard. I think they’re getting better. I think we’re a pretty good offensive team but we lack that physical guy inside that would help us rebound the ball and play defense. We’re getting better. We’re adjusting. You have to also remember that Joe Girard is a sophomore. Alan Griffin, it’s his first year with us. Quincy (Guerrier) is a sophomore. We’ve lost a senior in Bourama (Sidibe), so we’re a pretty young group overall.”