Paging Royal Ivey
The Syracuse Orange (3-0) men’s basketball team leave Central New York for the first time as they face the Texas Longhorns (3-1) in the opening night of the Legends Classic. The game tips at 7:00 on ESPN2 from the Barclays Center and here’s what we’re watching for:
Szuba: Who’s slowing Tre Johnson?
Texas freshman Tre Johnson is on a tear to begin his first season of college basketball, breaking Kevin Durant’s record for most points by a freshman in a debut (29). The former McDonald’s All-American who played on the same team with Donnie Freeman is a highly skilled three level scorer with deep range to compliment his smooth shooting stroke. We know defense has been a problem for Syracuse and as a 6-foot-6 guard, Johnson will be a tough matchup. Who on the Orange is equipped to take on the assignment of containing Texas’ leading scorer?
Kevin: Corner Chris
Chris Bell has struggled to start the season as he’s only 4-18 from 3 in the first three games. A quick dive into those numbers show that Bell has made 2-4 on corner 3s and only 2-14 on long-distance attempts from the wing or top of the key. Can the coaching staff develop more looks for Bell (and others) from the corner to help him get going? There’s a chance you can use Eddie Lampkin’s passing to get Bell some looks, but getting in transition could allow Bell opportunities to sprint to the corner for a drive and kick shot. If Syracuse is going to have a chance in this one, they need to knock down some 3s.
Mike: Don’t Waste the Free Points!
A main factor in all three SU games being so close is their lackluster 63.6% free throw rate. The charity stripe is supposed to mean charity for you and the Longhorns certainly don’t need to be denied easy points against them when their own offense is humming along. I’m especially looking for improvement from Eddie Lampkin, who was 66% from the line last season but only 4/10 against Youngstown State. To Kevin’s point, if Eddie can get active underneath, it will help the perimeter loosen up, but if he can’t convert early fouls then Texas can spare a few more for him.
Sam: Playing through Lampkin
Part of the reason why Texas has been so great defensively this season is Kadin Shedrick’s presence around the rim. However, if Eddie Lampkin can drag him out of the post by forcing him to guard the high-post, elbows, or even out to the perimeter, it will open up the game for cutters to have runs to the basket. Lampkin had seven assists against Youngstown State, and the Orange are 85th percentile in perimeter cutting efficiency with him on the floor. I’d also like to see some hi-low action with him and Donnie Freeman to try to manufacture paint points against a team that has done an excellent job preventing it. All told, the important thing is keeping the ball out of the hands of Texas’ dangerous guards in transition, and slowing the game down with deliberate cuts and actions through Lampkin is how SU can do that.
Dom: Keep up the pace on offense
After its offense looked a bit slow out of the gate versus Ohio State, Texas has scored 89+ points in three-straight games and has won each of those by at least 30 points. Syracuse’s defensive concerns could really manifest against what is a productive Longhorns offense. Outside of just giving Texas freebie points via turnovers that turn into transition points, this is the game where Syracuse’s top options on offense will need to have another strong day to keep the Orange within range. Expect a high-scoring contest regardless of what the result at the final buzzer is.
Max: Active hands on defense
The Texas offense can score at will and does so without turning the ball over (11.5% turnover rate, 5th best in DI). Meanwhile, the Orange have struggled at forcing turnovers, averaging just four steals per game (339th). Adrian Autry needs to have his guys come out way more aggressive against the Longhorns, as Syracuse needs to shorten the game and steal away as many possessions as possible if it wants a realistic chance to win.
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What will you be watching for tomorrow night?