Syracuse Basketball: Jim Boeheim would like Dion Waiters on his bench

In his post-game press conference following the Syracuse basketball loss to No. 6 Villanova in New York City earlier this week, head coach Jim Boeheim was asked about the team’s bench production.

Boeheim noted that, oftentimes when a squad suffers a defeat, there are questions that come up about that particular team’s bench, and whether the reserves are making significant contributions or not.

I agree with Boeheim. It’s natural to ask this type of question, particularly since so far in the 2021-22 campaign, the Orange’s three primary reserves aren’t contributing a whole lot.

Boeheim, though, took it a step further. He said that in recent years, perhaps dating back to when future NBA lottery pick Dion Waiters suited up for the ‘Cuse, the Orange hasn’t had many guys, if any at all, who have come off the bench and contributed in a big-time way.

Syracuse basketball boss Jim Boeheim typically uses a short rotation.

Now, do I think that the ‘Cuse hasn’t had any good bench players since Waiters? No, I respectfully disagree with Boeheim here. Just last season, combo guard Kadary Richmond, who now competes for Seton Hall, was pretty darn good coming off the bench as a freshman. And that’s only one example.

But I get what Boeheim is saying. His starters typically receive the bulk of the team’s minutes, it’s been that way for years, and it also transpires at many other groups nationwide.

That being said, I do think it’s imperative for Syracuse basketball to have solid contributions from its reserves in 2021-22 if the Orange (5-4, 1-0) is going to reach its full potential.

Case in point, when the ‘Cuse fell 67-53 to the Wildcats (7-2) this past Tuesday evening in the 2021 Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden, the Orange’s three main reserves combined for 19 minutes, zero points, three rebounds, one block and two turnovers. Not good.

To date in the current stanza, the key bench players – junior guard Symir Torrence, sophomore center Frank Anselem and freshman forward Benny Williams – are collectively averaging 37 minutes, six points, six rebounds, three assists, 1.5 steals and 2.5 turnovers per game, according to ESPN.

For Syracuse basketball to have any realistic chance at hearing its name called on Selection Sunday next spring, I believe that the team’s bench production has to improve.

One key reason why, from my perspective, is to help prevent the Orange starters from getting worn out. I get that these young men are in excellent condition, but save for junior center Jesse Edwards, the other four ‘Cuse starters are all averaging at least 33 minutes per game.

Is that sustainable? That remains to be seen.

Following the Villanova encounter, when the discussion on his team’s bench ensued, Boeheim said that he’d like to have Dion Waiters on his bench, but the Syracuse basketball head coach jokingly remarked that he didn’t think Waiters was eligible any longer.

Nice one, Coach B.