Syracuse Basketball: Pair of transfers steal the show in exhibition triumph

Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim unofficially began his 46th term as the Orange’s boss on the sidelines when the ‘Cuse suited up in its first exhibition contest on Wednesday night in Central New York.

And Boeheim, for the first time as the Orange’s head coach, got to watch both of his sons, graduate student forward Jimmy Boeheim and senior shooting guard Buddy Boeheim, compete for the ‘Cuse. It was a fun sight to see.

While Buddy Boeheim is garnering all kinds of pre-season accolades, his older brother, Jimmy, proved terrific in the Orange’s 79-60 victory over fellow Empire State team Pace University on the Hill.

Jimmy Boeheim, a transfer from Cornell, and another transfer, senior forward Cole Swider from Villanova, played quite well in the ‘Cuse success, as did junior center Jesse Edwards.

Syracuse basketball did some encouraging things against Pace.

In the 19-point win, Jimmy Boeheim collected 19 points, while Swider netted 21 points. Both shot excellent from the field and did a nice job on the boards. Swider was electric from downtown.

Although they’re technically new to the Orange program, obviously Boeheim knows the ‘Cuse well, and Swider was recruited by Orange coaches out of high school. Neither looked out of place in the least.

Boeheim hit a couple of 3-pointers, but I was jazzed up by his physical play in driving to the basket. Swider is a sharp-shooter from deep, but he also hit from the mid-range.

Edwards, the starting center, had a solid performance and finished in the interior with precision. I also liked that junior point guard Joe Girard III and others were making a concerted effort to find Edwards in the paint.

It’s no secret that Syracuse basketball is going to take, and make, a ton of 3-pointers. But the team needs balance with its scoring, and that includes production at the center spot, along with collecting easy baskets out in transition following long rebounds in the 2-3 zone, or in generating steals.

This ‘Cuse squad is unselfish, trading good shots for great shots. It had a high percentage of assists on made buckets versus Pace, and that is exciting to watch.

Now, not everything was rosy on Wednesday evening. Defensive rebounding will be an ongoing facet to monitor. Guys missed some rotations in the zone that led to open looks from beyond the arc for Pace shooters.

Yes, the Orange connected on a high clip from the field, as well as a pretty credible percentage from 3-point land. However, Syracuse basketball was dreadful from the charity stripe, and that has to change.

Freshman forward Benny Williams, whom I’m really high on, seemed a bit unsettled in his first collegiate action, which is understandable. I’m confident that he’ll find his rhythm, though.

I also think that the team’s third primary guard, Marquette transfer Symir Torrence, has to feel out his role with Syracuse basketball. It will take some time. He’ll be a good contributor when all is said and done.

The Orange wraps up its exhibition slate against Central New York neighbor Le Moyne on Monday, Nov. 1, from the Carrie Dome. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm.