The news is official now.
Syracuse's Arinze Onuaku will not be playing tonight against Butler. According to Jim Boeheim, he hasn't even practiced since injuring his right quad with about five minutes left is the Orange's Big East tournament quarterfinal loss to Georgetown.
It is ludicrous to say that having Onuaku out of the lineup won't hurt the Orange. Nothing against DaShonte Riley, the 7-foot freshman that has played 27 minutes the last two games in Onuaku's stead, but he's just that -- a 7-foot freshman. In those 27 minutes, he has 6 fouls, 4 turnovers, 2 boards, and not a single point.
Onuaku is a double-double waiting to happen.
While I don't think the loss will hurt that much against Butler -- the Bulldogs are not known for their size in the paint -- I think the question Syracuse fans need to start asking themselves are whether or not they will have Onuaku back at any point during the tournament.
When he first suffered the injury, word was that it wasn't that serious, no of a day-to-day kind of thing. Clearly, if he still isn't practicing two weeks later, than the injury was much more serious that Boeheim first let on.
And without Onuaku, I don't know if Syracuse can get to a Final Four.
On another note, doesn't it seem like there have been a lot of injuries during this post season? Onuaku, Truck Bryant, Kalin Lucas, Robbie Hummel -- four Sweet 16 teams will be playing without a key member of their team this weekend, and with the possible exception of Onuaku, for the rest of the tournament.
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Thursday, March 25, 2010
Is Onuaku done for the tournament? |
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Land Warriors: 2009-2010 Best of the Biggest |
Basketball is a game dominated by the blessed: the best of the best are the guys blessed with height, athleticism, and coordination. The are precious few people in the world built like a John Wall or a Derrick Rose. Rare is it that you come across a physical specimen like Blake Griffin or Al-Farouq Aminu. Those guys succeed in large part because they are bigger, or faster, or stronger, or can jump higher (or all of the above) than their opponents. While these are the guys that are the most fun and impressive to watch, at times it is difficult to root for them.
We at BIAH tend to pull for the underdog, today we take a look at our favorite kind of underdog: the land warrior.
What defines a land warrior?
A land warrior won't jump over you. He won't run by you or go around you. Land warriors will go through you. Why? Simply put, they are the widest players on the floor. They are the guys that always got their own seat on the team bus out of necessity, not seniority. The guys that Grandma always made sure got an extra plate of leftovers at Thanksgiving. How these men wound up on the hardwood and not on the gridiron will remain a mystery to high school and college football coaches around the country.
The rotund infantry always seem to be the fan favorites. They aren't the prettiest or the flashiest. They aren't primadonnas. They don't have that perfectly toned and streamlined body with the biceps of a Greek god. They don't look like an athlete as much as the guy next to you drinking a Bud Heavy while eating Doritos dipped in cheese sauce.
These heroes have flown under the radar for too long. It is time to put a stop to this injustice. Let us waste no more time in honoring our favorite soldiers of the terrain:
James "Big Lumber" Eayrs - UW-Milwaukee - 6'7, 310lbs
Let us be the first to introduce you (pending you aren't already familiar, thank you Sports Illustrated) to the quintessential land warrior.
His name? James Eayrs. His Occupation? "Big Lumber". We must give SI's Seth Davis credit for opening our eyes to this monstrous wrecking-ball with long range firepower.
Here is what Davis had to say about the man who moves like a nimble iguana: Body of a sumo wrestler, hands of a surgeon, feet of a ballet dancer.
Luke Winn also had nice things to say about the over-sized riot shield with a buttery touch: How can you not love Big Lumber? He's the Big Baby of the Northwoods, standing 6-7 and weighing 310 pounds, lighting up the Horizon League with surprising touch for his size. Not only does Eayrs provide constant entertainment -- his look and body type are completely unique in college hoops -- he gives hope to husky children everywhere, that one day, they, too, can play college hoops.
Take a look at this true land warrior and then imagine him with an extra 80lbs of "armor". Entering his freshman year, Eayrs tipped the scales at a svelte 390lbs. At 6'7 and 390lbs he would be hands-down the largest player in the NFL. But at a sleek 310lbs this land warrior has extra mobility and has acquired long-range precision (he is 14-37 from behind the arch).
Jame Eayrs was not always known as "Big Lumber". He heard "The Dancing Polar Bear", "Big James", and "Big Country". It was not until a January 9th, 2009, when Eayrs sank a game-tying 3-point buzzer-beater, that the legend of "Big Lumber" was born. The rotund rocket-launcher has become something of a pop icon in Milwaukee. During the siberian-esque winters in the great Midwest, people ditch the ice fishing in favor of bearing witness to the quintessential land warrior. The fans love him, the commentators are wooed by him, and the opposing players and coaches are absolutely puzzled by him. He is "Big Lumber" .
Dexter Pittman - Texas - 6'10, 298lbs
Pittman is another example of a land warrior who went into boot camp as a "project" and left as a husky but muscular fighting machine. Pittman is your hand-to-hand combat specialist. He breaks the mold of a true "hippo of the hardwood" because he has shed nearly 30 pounds in four years and is now a chiseled one-man battering ram.
His long frame means even weight-displacement for more raw power. He is the Longhorn's go-to weapon for clearing 2-4 defenders out of the paint, offensive rebounding, and tearing down the Berlin Wall.
Pierre Henderson-Niles - Memphis - 6'8, 300lbs
I have had a chance to view this man-bear-pig in close-quarters and let me tell you that Henderson-Niles has got to be one of the largest land mammals on the planet earth. Best known for his skills at preying on small groups of farm animals by himself, PHN is one of the most ferocious-looking creatures on the college basketball savanna.
The scariest part about this behemoth is that he could be even bigger. This specimen has crammed all 300lbs of muscle and rawhide onto his athletic frame. Attempting to stand in front of the mammoth power forward at top speed is considered a death wish in many cultures. Henderson-Niles never quite lived up to his potential though. He is currently averaging only 3.8ppg, which happens to be his career high.
Arinze Onuaku - Syracuse - 6'9, 275lbs
Of the same species as our last creature, this specimen is a tad smaller and is only located in the Northern United States. Despite it's somewhat slim physique, the land warrior known as Onuaku is even more talented ferocious than Henderson-Niles. Adorned by his trademark head band, Onuaku is the most dominating post player the Orangemen have.
He has raw power and athleticism but lacking a smooth touch at the charity stripe and poor ball-handling skills keeps Arinze from being an "elite big man". It also means he must resort to picking on the larger, slower animals in the savannah, as he is no match for quick gazelles or savvy hyenas.
Keith "Tiny" Gallon - Oklahoma - 6'8, 290lbs
Every infantry unit has a "Jumbo", a "slim" or a "Big John" amongst them. This rookie land warrior is new to the battlefield, but already shows signs of improvement. His areas of expertise include rebounding, footwork, and carpet-bombing.
"Tiny" is no Blake Griffin, but he is doing better than expected filling the hole in the Sooner's frontcourt left by Blake and Taylor Griffin. Gallon may still be nothing more than a man-child at this point, but his touch is developing nicely. But give this plebe some time to mature. However, at a university with practice squad offensive linemen the size of Gallon, he has to set his stun-gun on dazzle in order to win over the Boomer Sooner fans.
Derrick Nix - Michigan State - 6'9, 275lbs
Nix is big-boned, large, wide, long, tall, and any other word you use to describe a man of enormous proportions. Nix suffers from a disease that is too common among land warriors: Shaq Flu
Most beasts can cope with mediocre ball skills, but Nix is a one-of-a-kind specimen. His hands are rather slow, which undoubtedly meant he was the kid back in the day who never was able to snag the last biscuit at the dinner table. In order to gain the fan base of a true land warrior, Nix will need to work on his accuracy. Because, you know, 5% free throw shooting just won't cut it.
Seriously.
5%.
Other Notable Land Warriors:
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Droppin' Dimes: Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician |
Droppin' Dimes is a new feature we are trying out at BIAH this year. A couple of times a week, we are going to catch up with the bloggers behind the best team-specific sites on the web. If the internet really is becoming the new newspaper, then the writers at these sites are the de facto beat writers. They know their teams inside and out, and hopefully will provide you (and us) with some detailed insights. If you would like to recommend a site or pose a question for a certain team, you can reach us at contactbiah@gmail.com or @ballinisahabit.
In this edition of Droppin' Dimes, we catch up with Sean Keeley of Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician, an all-inclusive Syracuse sports blog. Keeley answers our questions about Kris Joseph, the Syracuse zone, and Arinze Onuaku's free throw percentage.
1. The Orange stormed through MSG last week, thoroughly beating two ranked teams in Cal and UNC. Is this now the team to beat in the Big East?
On paper, absolutely. What Big East team has accomplished more against better opponents? Now, we're barely into December and not everyone has had the opportunity to showcase themselves properly. That said, the Orange have clearly gone from being the 6th or 7th best team in the conference to among the top three. And given that we're seeing great things out of West Virginia, Villanova, Louisville, UConn and others, the Big East is shaping up to once again be a fantastic conference.
2. Syracuse's zone was great at creating points off of turnovers and forcing UNC and Cal out of their offensive sets. But the Heels and the Bears are both dealing with personnel issues - youth, depth, injuries, inexperience. Cornell, an experienced group that has won back-to-back Ivy titles, seemed to have much better success navigating that zone and finding open shooters, especially in the first half. Is that a sign that this Orange zone can be beaten, or was it a result of lackadaisical defense being played?
The zone can always be beaten. I think back to the many times Notre Dame shredded the zone with it's outside shooting. Or the way Pitt would manhandle us down low. That said, this is a better defensive team that we've seen in a while wearing orange. Say what you will about the offensive prowess but these guys are locking down on D. Credit the fact that, despite all of the players who left, there's a lot of experience on the court. Rautins, Onuaku, Jackson and Scoop are old hat at this while Wes Johnson and Brandon Triche are filling in nicely.
Wes Johnson's length is a big reason the Syracuse zone is so effective.(photo credit: SUAthletics)
The true test of this SU defense will be when they eventually do go up against a team that's red hot from outside. If they can hold one and withstand that, then we're talking about something special.
3. The Orange always seem to have about two or three guys that can be impact contributors but never see the floor - Jones and Southerland come to mind this year. Does Boeheim lack confidence in these guys? Are they ready to contribute? Or does Boeheim just prefer a shorter rotation with this group?
Well Mookie Jones had an interesting week in that regard. He sulked and walked off the bench during the Cornell game, later taking to his Facebook page to say that he's frustrated with his lack of playing time. He got what he wanted the next two games thanks to inferior opponents and has proven that he has a great shot...but also has a long way to go on defense.
Mookie Jones has seen inconsistent minutes this year.(photo credit: Syracuse.com)
Boeheim is a little loose with the rotation in November and December but eventually he always tightens it into a 7-8 man rotation that leaves somebody out. Mookie and Southerland can look at it two ways...they can be frustrated about not playing or they can look to the fact that they will be called on in a big way next year and this experience is only going to make them better.
As for whether or not Boeheim lacks confidence in them...Boeheim's just being Boeheim. He's tough on young players and likes to break them down in order to build them back up. Some guys react well, some don't. We'll see how they do.
4. It seems to me that the x-factor on this team is going to be Kris Joseph. He is versatile and athletic, and will create a mismatch on the offensive end of the floor. If he can be a scorer and a defensive play maker off the bench, it makes the Cuse a real Final Four threat. The question then becomes is he capable of filling that role?
Great point. Wes Johnson gets all the highlights, Andy Rautins is the leader, Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson are the notable big men and the Scoop/Triche point guard hybrid make for an interesting situation. But then there's Kris Joseph, lurking in the background, quietly putting together a solid season (9 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg, 1.7 spg). He's a special player who's time will come, he'll likely be the go-to guy by the time he's a senior. In the meantime, he's a steady role player who helps weather any storm when one of the top guys isn't performing.
5. Brandon Triche or Scoop Jardine?
Seems to depend on the night. Triche seems to want to prove himself not only as a point guard but as a shooter and that doesn't always work. Scoop has developed immensely since his freshman year and all of a sudden he's become a dependable asset up top. Neither of them are Jonny Flynn but given time, Triche could develop into a top point guard among the many great ones SU has had. As far as I can tell, the two-headed monster is working fine so Boeheim will continue to play them as they warrant it.
Bonus: Over-under on Arinze Onuaku's free throw percentage by the end of the year.
Well let's see...he was an unbelievably atrocious .298 last season. Giving him the benefit of the doubt that he's improving...slightly...I'm gonna go with an even .333. Believe me when I say if AO is hitting one out of every three free throws, SU fans will take it at this point.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
2009-2010 Team Preview: Syracuse Orange |
This preview is brought to you by Just Blaze, loyal reader and our resident Orange fan.
2008-09 Record: 28-10, 11-7 Big East (6th)
Key Losses: Johnny Flynn (17.4ppg 6.7apg), Eric Devendorf (15.7ppg 3.0apg), Paul Harris (12ppg 8.1rpg), Kristoff Ongenaet (3.1ppg 4.8rpg)
Key Returners: Arinze Onuaku (10.3ppg 7.3rpg), Andy Rautins (10.5ppg 36 3P%), Rick Jackson (8.3ppg 5.8rpg)
Newcomers: Wes Johnson, Brandon Triche, James Southerland, DaShonte Riley
Andy Rautins has developed into a solid two-guard for Jim Boeheim.(photo credit: fingerlakes1.com)
The squad that Jim Boeheim trots out for the 2009-10 season will look quite different than the one we saw at the end of last year. No longer will they have the backcourt duo of Flynn and Devendorf to initiate so much of their offense and carry them for streches (see the 6OT thriller vs UConn). Flynn was scooped up as a lottery pick by the woeful Timberwolves while Devendorf is still deciding whether to play in the NBDL or Europe. While Flynn was one of the preeminent guards in college basketball last year and was widely expected to bolt for greener pastures, Devendorf’s decision was much more surprising, but understandable after his troubles off the court last season and the need to feed his budding family.
They also lost Paul Harris who unexpectedly decided to enter his name in the draft but ended up going undrafted and has been sidelined with an injury in his attempt to latch on with the Utah Jazz during this preseason. Despite leading SU in rebounding last year from the small forward spot, Harris was maddening to watch as his decision making and lack of understanding of how to fit into the offensive flow of the squad hindered their ability to compete with the best in the Big East. Finally, Kristof Ongenaet was lost to graduation after providing a steady, hardworking presence off the bench last season.
The bruising tandem of Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson will likely be the focal point of the offense as long as they can remain on the court and avoid the foul trouble that plagued them at times last year. Jackson showed vast improvement from his freshman to sophomore year (3.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg vs. 8.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg) while having ample room still to develop. He has displayed a soft touch around the rim, finished with authority on feeds from penetration and did a respectable job protecting the rim (1.6 bpg in 22 mpg). Onuaku has the potential to be an unstoppable force in the paint in the Big East with his combination of strength, size (6’9”, 275 lbs) and touch, but his complete inability to hit free throws, a staggering 29% from the line, often makes him a liability, especially late in games, as teams were all too willing to hack AO knowing he couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from 15 feet. He has also had a string of injuries that have limited his mobility and explosiveness over his career so far, if he can take care of his body, he will be a nightmare for opposing bigs. Backing up these two will be the only other real post player likely to see any time, 7 foot freshman DaShonte Riley, a raw shot blocker who should be able to spell the bash brothers for a few minutes a night.
Andy Rautins returns for his final year of eligibility as the only experienced backcourt performer and de-facto leader of this squad. A deadeye shooter as soon as he stepped on campus, Rautins has developed into a well rounded swingman (3.3 rpg and 1.4 spg) whom Boeheim will rely on a lot this campaign. Capable of sliding over to the point guard spot on occasion because of his improved ball-handling skills and ability to see the floor extremely well (3.0 apg). Joining him in the starting backcourt will likely be freshman Brandon Triche, New York State’s Mr. Basketball and local product that has been drawing rave reviews. Triche is a 6’4” bulldog of a PG that has the size and craftiness to get into the lane and create. Scoop Jardine will be back after red-shirting last year due to injury to back up both guard spots. The 6’3” Jardine worked tirelessly during his time off on his skills, body, and overall approach to the game and should see significant time in the Orange backcourt.
Rounding out the starting five will be Wesley Johnson, a dynamic and athletic 6’7” 205lbs forward who transferred from Iowa State and sat out last year due to NCAA rules, and who might end up being their best player. Named to the Pre-Season All-Big East team, Johnson averaged 12.3 ppg and 7. 9rpg as a freshman and 12.4 ppg and 4.0 rpg as a sophomore despite a season-long ankle injury that limited his effectiveness. On offense, a versatile slasher with a solid outside game, Johnson also will be a perfect fit along the baseline in JB’s famous 2-3 zone with his length and athleticism. Big things are expected out of him and he should make an impact on both sides of the floor this season.
A trio of athletic wings, Kris Joseph, James Southerland and Mookie Jones will be competing for time on the wings. Joseph got spot minutes last year but ended up fading out of the rotation as the Big East schedule and postseason wore on. Southerland is a long, rangy 6'8" shooter who was compared by Jim Boeheim to former SU standout Preston Shumpert. Jones didn't see much time as a freshman because of hip injury that ended up requiring surgery, but should be fully healed. It will be interesting to see if Boeheim experiments with some small lineups with Johnson, Southerland or Joseph at the four in a Shawn Marion-type role.
OUTLOOK: The main challenge for the Orange coaching staff this year will be blending the talented newcomers and experienced veterans into the system while working to develop an identity for this versatile squad. Two keys to this season are whether or not a Triche/Jardine combo will be able to man the 1 effectively and whether this team will be able to make up for the loss of Flynn/Devo/Harris with the ability to shut down opponents with what promises to be a much longer, active 2-3 zone. Anytime a team loses as much pure talent as SU did this off-season, it is bound to take a dip, but with a Hall of Famer at the reins and a solid infusion of talent, a 5th or 6th place finish in the diminished Big East is not out of the question.
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