Is there an upside for Orange, Girard?
Evening Update
The Front Page
Evening Update
Sunday, March 28, 2021
By Ken Tingley
By most measures the Syracuse basketball team overachieved this season. After sitting precariously on the bubble for the last month of the season, it not only qualified for the NCAA Tournament but made it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen before losing Friday night to second-seeded Houston, 62-56.
It was clear the Orange were overmatched by Houston defensively. While the Syracuse zone defense bothered Houston, Syracuse scored fewer points than any past NCAA Tournament game - 46.
Joseph Girard III and Buddy Boeheim both scored 12 points to outscore the rest of the team. Girard hit on 4 of 10 shots (2 for 5 from 3-point range), but had just one rebound and 1 assist in 23 minutes of action.
While there is an upside to this Syracuse team with almost everyone coming back next year, there is some question about what Girard’s role will be next year.
Girard’s first two years have been a great success while transitioning to the point guard at college basketball’s highest level. He started every game this year, but the development of 6-5 point guard Kadary Richmond as a defensive presence cut into Girard’s playing time the second half of the season.
Over the last 15 games of the season, Girard averaged just 25 minutes a game as he split time with Richmond.
Girard averaged 33 minutes a game as a freshman, but only 28 minutes as a sophomore. The reduced playing time precipitated a drop in his offensive output as well. His scoring average dropped from 12.4 to 9.8.
Richmond has been raised for his long reach at the top of the 2-3 zone and the way he could get inside against opponents. You can’t teach 6-5.
It begs the question of what this means for Girard’s role his junior year. Buddy Boeheim’s offensive success down the stretch likely means he will be the focus of the offense for his senior year. The question is will Girard and Richmond continue to split the point guard role.
It is hard to believe that Girard is already halfway through his college basketball career.
And to keep things in perspective, Girard was named to the All-Academic team for ACC this year.
Quote of the Day
“I couldn’t be more proud of a team than I am of this team.”
- Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim
I saw that last night. I suspect Guerrier will be back for another year to work on his 3-point shot, then maybe the NBA. I was surprised about Richmond leaving. What was even more surprising was some of the harsh words Syracuse fans were saying about Girard. Reminded me of when I was in Kentucky. Nothing mattered to UK fans but winning a national championship. Girard also confirmed he would be back next year.
Richmond, Brawell and another player have put in for transfer as of today. Also Guerrier is testing the NBA waters. So the team may look quite different next year.