Syracuse basketball ‘not playing good enough,’ but practices should help

There’s no denying that Syracuse basketball, this season, has faced one of its most challenging non-conference slates in recent program memory.

The 2021-22 Orange roster is significantly revamped, particularly at the forward spot. And head coach Jim Boeheim acknowledges that his ‘Cuse players are a bit worn out.

Starting in the Bahamas over the Thanksgiving holiday, Syracuse basketball (5-5, 1-0) had three games in three days. Then came a home date versus Indiana in the 2021 ACC-Big Ten Challenge, followed by a road date at Florida State, top-10 Villanova in New York City and, most recently, a trip to Georgetown.

Not only has the Orange suited up versus some strong teams, but it has also traveled quite extensively. I’m not making any excuses for how the ‘Cuse is playing, or what its current record is, but that is a pretty daunting stretch, if you ask me.

Syracuse basketball boss Jim Boeheim is looking forward to some practice sessions.

"In his post-game press conference after the Orange’s 79-75 loss to the Hoyas, Boeheim said in part, “We’ve had five practices in 15 days. We need some more time in the gym. They fought as hard as I could ask them to fight. They’re worn out and they need some time. They need this week to get back and get some practices in,” according to a transcript provided by SyracuseOnSI publisher Mike McAllister."

I’m the first to acknowledge that these young men are in excellent condition. But the starters are also playing a ton of minutes, and I’m still confused as to why Boeheim didn’t utilize his three main reserves in the second half against Georgetown after they did some nice things in the first 20 minutes.

The good news, and I know that’s hard for some Syracuse basketball fans to believe these days, is that the next four games for the ‘Cuse are all on the Hill.

Between the Hoyas’ defeat this past Saturday and January 1, Syracuse basketball will wrap up its non-conference docket by hosting Lehigh and Cornell, and the Orange will entertain Atlantic Coast Conference foes Georgia Tech and Virginia.

Boeheim said the ‘Cuse gutted out a solid victory at Florida State earlier this month, and Syracuse basketball certainly could have outlasted the Hoyas if a few things broke the Orange’s way.

"Still, the head coach added, “We’re not playing good enough basketball right now. New team. Everybody’s kind of new in the front line. We’re not there right yet. We need some practices. Right now, we’re not playing good enough. I think we can get there, but I think this week of practice will help us. Then we’ve got two more games before we get back into the league. We need to improve over this two week period.”"