 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
    Team Fizz Bios: Meet the Team Orange Feedback: Email the Fizz Fizz Archives: Browse the Fizz Files     |
 Missed a day of juice? Search the Orange Fizz archives here! 
Custom Search
Orange Eleven. 5.25.09 Count it. SU lax fizzing after 11th national championship.  
SU-UConn, 6 OTs. 11th lax championship. Groobers fired. It's been a solid six months for Orange Nation. You have to feel for Cornell just a tad. Sitting on a three-goal lead with just minutes to play, thirty-two years since its last title, up by a goal with :04 left. That'll leave a mark. The Orange does what it always does; closes on Memorial Day. In 2000, The Fizz called SU's 7th national championship at College Park, Maryland. At the time it seemed preposterous: seven titles in 17 years? Yet, here is John Desko adding plaques like Slumdog Millionaire, FOUR more championships later. Sure, we'd all trade one or two of these lax titles for a Meineke Car Care Bowl, but it still feels good to dogpile on Memorial Day. As for Cornell, at least the Big Red has its bumper stickers, "Ithaca is Gorges." And chokers. - - - Lax Fizz with Jared Schwartz. As a sports fan and Syracuse alum I will be the first to admit I only tune into SU lax on Memorial Day Weekend. It doesn't seem very different than the majority of those wearing orange and blue. It seems every year around this time, I'll sit down to watch a few lax games and get an enourmous amount of calls/text messages about the Final Four. All of these are from people like me who attended SU and take pride in what our school does on the field. But you'll be lucky to find one of us that can name more than two players on the team. It's not that we don't support our school, but lax has never been a big deal outside the Northeast. Living in South Florida, I've been to a few Memorial Day Parties since leaving The Hill and the games have always been on the television. But I can't tell you how many times someone has come up to me and asked "what sport are you watching?" I always enjoy seeing SU take care of business but obviously it'll never be football or basketball no matter how many Powells come through the Carrier Dome doors. There are major sports and there are minor sports. Syracuse lax is a major sport in Central New York. Everywhere else, however, it's on the same page as tennis, volleyball and golf no matter how many championships the Orange wins. Memorial Day Means Rings. 5.23.09 Lax cougar hunting at Gillette. 
Syracuse decimates Duke in the lax final four and once again the Orange play for the national championship on Memorial Day. Anyone else notice how harsh Dave Ryan (SU '89) was on the Blue Devils late in the game? The few national games college lacrosse gets on ESPN is rarely time for any real criticisms, but Ryan repeatedly went after the Dookies, including framing the loss as "yet another collapse on the biggest stage for John Danowski's club." 
Maybe it's just pent-up frustration as Shaq's professor this week at Newhouse's Sportscaster U. While watching another Orange romp, The Fizz couldn't help noticing major cougar action in the Syracuse fan section. Nice to know even if SU can't win football games, the Orange can still rack up lax rings and, ahem speaking of racks, add in some total cougar action. (If anyone knows who this hottie is, The Fizz. We might have to get a podcast with her.) 
Speaking of, Fizz First Tandem Conroy and Couzens brings you a fresh podcast. Team Fizz unites like Voltron. On the menu: Shaq Daddy on campus, Marrone's book tour and a depressing look back at the glory years of Orange football (hint: not that long ago). Team Fizz podcasts weekly. Listen On-Demand or download to your desktop and drag it to your iPod. We know the Orange. We are the Orange. 
Fizz First: Nassib Safe. For Now. 5.21.09 Posted: Mike Couzens. 
With the official arrival of Greg Paulus on campus, Doug Marrone took a chance to speak about his team for the first time since spring practice. The biggest news is that Ryan Nassib will remain the starting quarterback heading into the summer. But will things stay that way? Maybe says Marrone. Working in Paulus' favor is that "there's only 20 to 25 percent of the offense that's actually been installed" according to Dougey. It also doesnt hurt that he's been able to spend some time with @THE_REAL_SHAQ at Newhouse. Or as Marrone put it, the "School of Newhouse" (which is kinda like the House of Representatives). (For the record The Fizz did @reply Shaq to come party in Syracuse during his stay. He did not respond.) The Fizz will cut the head man a break if the team of football can win more games than it did under Groobers. Despite Nassib starting heading into the summer, Marrone essentially leaves the door wide open for Paulus to steal the job. "I've always believed in competition. Competition is the key to being successful. I think you look at any sporting team, I don't care what it is, if they're successful, they have competition on that team and they have leadership on that team. Ryan was great about it. Cam was great." Surely they were cooperative and probably also realized they wouldn't be able to afford the nearly $50,000 tuition, room and board at Syracuse each year without being on the football team. As the road to Paulus' first start... er, Opening Day '09 rolls closer, The Fizz will be on the lookout for who takes more first team snaps.
Fizz First: Big Board Part Deux. 5.20.09 Posted: Ted Conroy. 
The Fizz has had everyone waiting in suspense the last 24 hours for the defensive recruiting big board.Have no fear young padawans, Team Fizz never let's you leave empty handed. It's round two of the Orange recruiting big board. FYI: Don't be misled by the pictures; we're not fixing the economy (unless you're talking about Carrier Dome ticket sales). All of the following are class '10 ballers and ranked on rivals.com or scout.com and have offers from Syracuse. KHAIRI FORTT (Stamford, Connecticut) 33rd ranked on Rivals- Linebacker SHARRIF FLOYD (Philadelphia, PA) 91st ranked on Rivals- Defensive Tackle FRE'SHAD HUNTER (Cary, NC) 93rd ranked on Rivals- Defensive End BRIAN LAITI (Fairfax, VA) 24th ranked at position by Scout- Outside Linebacker JUSTIN PARKER (Beaufort, SC) 27th ranked at position by Scout- Outside Linebacker GARY ACQUAH (Bronx, NY) Not ranked at position by Scout- Middle Linebacker BRANDON IFILL (Pittsburgh, PA) 18th ranked at position by Scout- Safety JORDAN THOMAS (Endicott, NY) 35th ranked at position by Scout- Safety TEJAY JOHNSON (Egg Harbor Twp, NJ)- 27th ranked at position by Scout- Cornerback For more on recruits that the Orange already has in signature tow, look no further than B-Po. Our man Bud Poliquin continues to prove the Fizz First Podcast point that he will be the driver, steward and mechanic for the Paulus Bandwagon in '09. Then again, Couzens and I bought a ticket in that podcast (much to D.A.'s chagrin).
Fizz First: Shaq Daddy and Shaq Baby. 5.19.09 Posted: Mike Couzens/ D.A. 
Biggest question dogging Orange Nation right now: Is Food.com, Newhouse's cafeteria, big enough to handle two Shaqs? Shaquille O'Neal is on campus to partake in Sportscaster U (wonder how they'll work with him on monotone mumbling?). Shaquille Thomas is one of Boeheim and co.'s newest targets. Before you ask, is Team Fizz cool with Newhouse being the newest romper room for Shaq, Paulus and other camera-mugging athletes thinking a two-day sportscasting camp will make them the next Collinsworth? Answer: Uh no. Can't you do this at some Connecticut School of Broadcasting in White Plains? Does it really have to be at Newhouse? Argh. Meantime, always on the recruiting trail, The Fizz has the juice on New Jersey-native and West Virginia-transplant Shaquille Thomas. Shaq Baby is the 6'7" 190-pound nephew of current Chicago Bull Tim Thomas and used to play at Paterson (N.J) Catholic High School. According to this story Thomas left the school for academic and logistical reasons. Right. It also mentions Thomas did not start on the Paterson Catholic team his sophomore year. Interesting. Most intriguing is Thomas was not granted a hardship waiver and couldn't continue playing in New Jersey. So where did he end up? Among the gorgeous coal mines and Luv's Truck Stops of West Virginia. Why? He says he didn't have any options in the tri-state area of "New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.". How's SU's geography department? Anyway, Scout.com ranks Thomas as its #39 prospect overall in the Class of 2010. Rivals.com lists Thomas at #73. As for the moniker, Shaq says "It's just the name my mother picked out." And it's probably safe to say he won't be doing this anytime soon. Thomas says his favorite school is Syracuse for now. The Fizz bets after another year in West Virginia, he'd be willing to walk to the Dome to get away from all the roadkill.
Fizz First: The Football Big Board. 5.18.09 Posted: Ted Conroy. 
There is seemingly only one mile-marker in college football recruiting: Are they top 100? The Fizz, obviously, is always looking to make your life easier. Therefore, we introduce the 2009 Fizz First "Big Board" of Orange recruits! Everyone on the list (class of '10) is either top 100 by Rivals.com or in the top ranks of their class by Scout.com. All have offers from Syracuse. Here's the hand guide on the offensive boys. Defense soon to come. ANTHONY BARR- (Torrance, CA)- 20th ranked on Rivals- No position. SHAKIM PHILLIPS (Wayne, NJ)- 33rd ranked on Rivals- Wide Receiver. SEAN ROBINSON (Rochester, IL) 30th ranked at position by Scout- Quarterback. KEVIN HAPLEA (Annandale, NJ) 6th ranked at position by Scout- Tight End. TOM RICKETTS (Wexford, PA) 26th ranked at position by Scout- Off Tackle. MILES DIEFFENBACH (Pittsburgh, PA) 5th ranked at position by Scout- Off Guard. ROSS KRAUTMAN (Franklin Lakes, NJ) Unranked by Scout- Kicker. Bling Bling. The Fizz just made your life a whole lot easier. Fizz Friday: Princess and Paulus. 5.15.09 Hotness and hype. Fizz nation gets both today. 
By now you know, The Fizz delivers a Friday pick-me-up every week by running a new picture of the fabulously gorgeous Brittany Blasier. The aspiring Las Vegas model has been deemed The Fizz Princess and no one has seemed to complain. We suggest you double back and search through the Friday archives. It's worth the trouble you dogs. Meantime, Greg Paulus' announcement has all of Orange Nation abuzz. Yesterday's post reeled in one of the largest hit totals in Fizz history, so thanks (we think). Team Fizz powered up like the Wonder Twins and podcasted about Paulus' addition to the 'Cuse. Team Fizz will be back podcasting next Friday, until then look for Weekend Fizz from Jared Schwartz and then another week of wonderment and magic starting Monday. Why? Because that's just how we roll. Paulus Parade Scheduled For Monday. 5.14.09 The gravitational pull of Otto too much. 
(AP) Durham, NC -- Duke point guard Greg Paulus decided today to pursue an advanced degree at Syracuse University, just minutes from where he grew up. Paulus, once a Gatorade National Player of the Year at quarterback, tossed football aspirations aside four years ago in an attempt to become the next nationally reviled white player under Coach Krzyzewski. "As a kid," Paulus said by teleconference, "I looked up to Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley, Mike Dunleavey Jr., Wojo, Redick and the rest of those guys. They were total douche bags. I hoped to one day become as hated as them. I think I accomplished that." Paulus was deciding between Nebraska, Michigan and Syracuse. "To be honest... and no disrespect here... Coach Rodriguez was kinda a dick. Plus, I want to pursue a communications degree, so it was a no-brainer, really," said Paulus. "Have you seen Nebraska's broadcast school? It looked like O.C.C.'s FFA wing. It looked like somewhere Mike Williams would go get credits." Orange coach Doug Marrone will now have some choices at quarterback. Paulus will compete for the starting quarterback job, along with Ryan Nassib and last year's starter, Cam Dantley. "I just want to bring toughness to the position," said Paulus. "If I need to stick my nose in there and take a charge, I will. I want to bring energy, too. One thing I'm gonna start as a tradition is slapping the turf when we're on defense." Growing up just minutes from the Carrier Dome factored into the decision as well. "I remember watching great players like Donovan McNabb, Dwight Freeney, Troy Nunes... that guy was a magician," Paulus reminisced. "I want to be part of that. Plus, I figured this was the only place I could throw six interceptions in practice and still be the front-runner." Paulus attended the Dome many times as a young Orange fan. "This is a dream come true. I used to pretend I was Otto the Orange growing up. I would tape pillows to my body and then roll around the house doing somersaults and smiling, but never saying anything. You know, because Otto can't talk and stuff. "I can even remember getting spit on by Billy Edelin once. We had really good seats and they were losing by like 10 to Seton Hall and he just kinda spit a loogie towards us. It was awesome." 
The signing of a local celebrity has added value for the Syracuse athletic department. Athletic Director Dr. Daryl Gross has already put the marketing wheels in motion. "Look, we don't want to get ahead of ourselves," Gross said. "He hasn't thrown a pass in four years. He's not going to automatically put us in the International Bowl. If anything we'll be understated about this. So starting Monday there will be a 22-story banner of Greg in Times Square and we will be running advertising during the NBA Playoffs with the tagline 'Where Paulus Happens.' It should be really neat." Marrone was unavailable for comment. He is on a speaking tour, but found time to Twitter about it. "GP cming to Cuse. So fird up. Looks like da Marrone-man is alrdy paying off. Boo ya." Fizz First: Exclusive Podcast - Brandon Triche. 5.13.09 Posted: Ted Conroy. 
Fizz First has been breaking down the addition of Jamesville-Dewitt point guard Brandon Triche over the last two weeks. So, it was only natural The Fizz's Ted Conroy nailed down an exclusive interview with the guard chosen to fill Jonny Ice's Nikes. For a guy whose uncle played on the iconic '87 Final Four team and grew up in CNY you'd figure this would've been a dream come true. Not quite. Sounds like it's more about PT. "Syracuse wasn't a dream school for me. But I'm excited about coming up to SU. With Jonny leaving, there's a vacant spot at point guard." "I'm gonna get thrown into the fire. Scoop's still gonna be there. But it leaves me more playing time. If Jonny stayed it would give me someone to look up to at the point guard position." ***Listen to Brandon Triche with the Fizz Here*** What's the potential of next season's Orange? Brandon puts it on his shoulders. "It all comes down to how well I do. How the point guard does, is often how the team goes. The sky's the limit for us. We just have to work harder as a team and play together more as a team." But the best part is Brandon talking about the ease of going to college just a few minutes from home. "I don't try to be home too much now. It's gonna be different. My mom not screaming at me. My dad not screaming at me." Pretty sure we can all relate to that dynamic of senior year. Now, as long as Brandon can handle Boeheim screaming at him. The Doug Marrone Twitter Tour. 5.12.09 Posted: Mike Couzens. 
If you're on Twitter, chances are you're under the age of 40. There is one brave man, wearing all Orange, willing to break that trend... and it's Doug Marrone. Marrone is currently on a book tour minus the book across upstate New York and other select locations spreading his cheer and superb pitching talent. And if you are one of the 482 people at the current moment to follow @dougmarrone on Twitter, you would be privy to lots of juicy info. For example: "Stepping into the batters box to take batting practice in Binghamton with the B-Mets" or "Day 2 of the Spring Tour, Buffalo tonight. Ready to meet and greet more Orange fans" and even "I am writing my own tweets, but on occasion will have some folks help me post them." Did I read that last one correctly? He can coach a football team but needs help writing a tweet? Is this a sign that Syracuse football 2009 is doomed already?!? The Fizz knows opening day is almost 4 months away, but let's try to project some of Coach Marrone's future tweets. Week 1: "Only lost to Minnesota by 30, expectations are still high. Let's go ORANGE!" Week 2: "At least Austin Wallis got on the scoreboard." Week 4: "Take that Maine!!! South Florida... You're next!" Hopes are high in Twitter land just one month into the season, but what about, oh, November when Rutgers comes to town? Week 11: "We might only have one win, but I cannot fail. And hey, look how long it took @DarrylGross to fire @groobers!" The Fizz will enjoy following Coach Marrone's tweets and passing along all the exciting info that the athletic dep... er, Coach Marrone fills us in on all season long. Fizz First: Faceoffs, Fromage and Forced Entry. 5.11.09 Posted: Ted Conroy. 
So after the Fab Melo visit, Paulus-Watch and the return of Joe Biden this weekend, there's only one place any given Syracuse coach would be.You guessed it: S.U.-Siena lax! The defending champs had no problem asserting themselves as the best team on the Hill by taking down the Saints 11-4 in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Making his not-so-unusual cameo at the contest was Jim Boeheim, who watched from the press box and enjoyed the wonderous cheese and cracker spread. If Fab Melo was in the 'Cuse, he certainly didn't go to the lacrosse game. Repping the football team, however, was defensive coordinator Scott Shafer. Shafer, known for his profanity laced tirades at open practices (a cornucopia of vulgarity, if you will), was pretty calm at the game and seemed to enjoy himself. In fact, Shafer even took a moment to reflect on a portrait of Floyd Little between the first and second half. If Shafer can get the football defense to play half as well as the lacrosse team's, then Doug Marrone's all set on at least one side of the ball. That defense has one less player now, though. Syracuse.com has reported that a burglary up on South Campus left Chris A. Basile facing petit larceny charges and is no longer playing for the Orange. Being on South at the time of the incident, The Fizz spied a very large contingent of police investigating the scene of the crime and it was none too pretty. Just another friendly reminder to lock your doors. There's a 275-pound defensive-end bear sleeping in my bed... and stealing my Xbox. Fizz First: Melo The Sequel? Kinda. 5.8.09 Posted: Mike Couzens. 
Ah, after a grueling week of the Syracuse Orange Blogger Awards, it's time to kick up our feet in the cubicle and enjoy another Fizz Friday. Here's Brittany Blasier, Fizz Princess, reminding us that even when it's frigid in CNY hot chicks can still go bra-commando. As for the Orange recruiting trail, Fabricio de Melo, better known as Fab Melo, will make an unofficial visit to Syracuse this weekend. The reason this is Fizz Worthy is because Fab Melo stands 7 feet, 270 pounds. Fab Melo is originally from Brazil but transferred to Sagemont High School (FL) to hoop this past summer and had to sit out due to state rules. While we do know that he has names resembling two people you may be more familiar with (rapper Fabolous and Carmelo Anthony), that's where the similarities end.  
He has been rated a five-star rectruit and apparently averaged 13.5 points per game with his Brazilian school. Just watching his recruiting video makes it possible to think he might just Fizzle instead of becoming a big time player. In ten minutes of scrimmaging against what looks like JV players, he makes almost no trips under the basket, sets some screens and swats away a few easy shots. Fab Melo must be intriguing, though, because he's already got Jim Boeheim, Jim Calhoun, Rick Pitino, Billy Donovan and Rick Barnes on his trail. The first comparision that comes to mind is Sean Williams, who was not a five-star recruit coming out of high school but stands at 6-11 (and sits every minute of every game on the SU bench). ***Must Listen*** Fab Melo is a big topic of conversation in this week's Fizz First Podcast where the entire four-man Team Fizz powers up and Brandon Reese's mom earns some buzz! Even though De Melo can't play high school ball until next season, it seems likely he'll be blowing up the AAU circuit. And any time a seven-footer who's name conjures a rapper and Orange legend is on campus, The Fizz will be all over it. I'm Rick Jackson, Bitch! 5.7.09 The 2009 S.O.B. Awards Honor Our R.J and the Real Slim Devo. 
Sometime during the winter, The Fizz was inspired to carve out a post comparing and contrasting Superfreak Rick James to Superdunk Rick Jackson and E-Rabbit Eric Devendorf to B-Rabbit Marshall Mathers.Unfortunately, around that very same time was the vomit-inducing hire of Groobers as the next ex-Michigan defensive coordinator. Admittedly, we got caught up in shredding Groobers and Poliquin (there's a solid week of mind-bending venom to read there. Whew, that was fun :), Google-news'ing this Marrone guy and never got around to the R.J./Devo post. Until now. Destiny works in mysterious ways and The Fizz was originally bestowed the category: Most Surprising Player. Naturally, Big Jax was the call. We were recently alerted, however, the The Fizz was now responsible for Best Junior. (Drum Roll) See that guy pounding his chest and standing on the scorer's table? Yep, that's your winner. E-Rabbit. The Real Slim Devo. Eric Devendorf everybody! The Fizz was born out of an appreciation of all the sharp-tongued and super-passionate Orange blogs that came before us. Looking down the roll call of the S.O.B.'s was no different. Ah, the creativity floating around the BlogoCuse. On Rick's nicknames? The Sports Hump: "Rick 'Action' Jackson. One cool MoFo on the court and decent hands for a big guy." Superman Wears Rob Long Underoos: "Big Dick Rick Jackson. I didn't expect to get that much from him this year, but he came on so strong that he won the starting job, and I think he's ahead of AO right now. Hopefully the two will continue their strong play next season." On Devo's importance? Nunes Magician: "Andy Rautins made his case but I'm going with Devo. Eric Devendorf was, at times, an emotional leader for the Orange. When it mattered most, he wanted the ball in his hands and had his share of clutch moments." Orange44: "I want to say Andy Rautins here, but Eric Devendorf was more consistent and more valuable all season. He had some clutch shots and put several games away." Rob Long Wears Underoos: "Eric Devendorf: I don't know if he really counts as a junior, but that's what it says on the roster. I'd hate him if he weren't winning games for our team." Jameson@Bleacher Report: "Eric Devendorf. The poise and leadership he showed down the stretch is quite admirable and what Devendorf should be remembered for." And then there was Hoya Suxa, which as usual made us see SU hoops in a new light while needing a thesaurus: "According to the team, it's Wes Johnson. According to me, it's Andy Rautins' hair. That 'do absolves sins and is a form of currency in various micronations located in the Pacific." So, thanks for doing all the work for us here at The Fizz. Rick James: Crazy, super fly, bad ass S.O.B. Rick Jackson: Nasty, super tough, bad ass who won the S.O.B. Best Senio... er... Juni... what's he listed as? Uh, best Christmas Eve work at a soup kitchen with Mike Hopkins calling every five minutes? Mr. Devendorf, please rise! If only he could've preened six inches from Calhoun's face and barked profanities after the near-miracle shot in the Big East Tourney. The rest of the college hoops world hated him. But we in Orange Nation embraced E-Rabbit (just brush 'dem haters off in Yugoslavia next season). Much love to all that dropped by this Fizzy corner of the Orange-tinted web (next time just remember your Lawrence Moten jersey, please). Reminder: Tomorrow on Fizz Fridays we unveil the newest picture of our Fizz Princess Brittany Blasier and the Fizz First guys will soon be posting their newest podcast. Track us on Twitter and visit our YouTube for video of the shocker at Notre Dame and the final seconds of the second-round win over ASU. The good guys at CuseOrange (they even have a cool graphic for us) have you covered next with the Worst Game of the Year. Does the game of chicken Boeheim played with Devo and Harris count? And all the S.O.B.'s, please stand up. Please stand up.
Fizz First: The Orange Water Gets Deeper. 5.6.09 Posted: Ted Conroy. 
Plenty of positions are of concern to the S.U. football program after spring practice wrapped. Quarterback (obviously), kicker (coach Marrone reported that to the media) and linebacker (see: Doug Hogue) are all flashing red lights on the Orange depth chart. Seeing that S.U. signed JuCo corner from Santa Anna College Derek Hines (pictured) seems just a little fizzy at first. Yes, he had good credentials with 61 tackles and 2 interceptions last year playing safety. But the secondary was a relative strong suit for the 'Cuse this spring. The corners and safeties prided themselves this spring on physical play, forcing receivers into dropping a lot of passes. And Mike Holmes should finally become known as the third member of Alexander and Catalano's heavy hitters. Then again... At the end of the day, Doug's got a plan, and he's sticking to it. As could be seen through the mass exodus in spring practice, and discussed on the Fizz First weekly podcast, the new boss is trimming the fat from the Groober leftovers. With eight players already out the door (and more rumored to be headed for the exits), adding quality athletes is an absolute necessity and has to start somewhere. Who knows what it could end with. As was the case with Groobers, only time will tell. Fizz First: Hometown Backcourt. 5.5.09 Posted: Mike Couzens.
With Jonny Flynn on the way out, things are looking good for incoming SU recruit Brandon Triche. Triche, a senior at Jamesville-DeWitt, will compete immediately with Scoop Jardine at point guard. Brandon was a major topic of conversation in the latest Fizz First podcast and for good reason. After wrapping up a second straight class A New York State title, he was named the Gatorade New York Boys High School Player of the Year AND dropped 33 points while garnering co-MVP honors in the Jordan Brand Classic. When Triche arrives at SU this summer, he will be locked in a familiar battle. Exactly two years ago Jonny Flynn arrived on campus and had to fight off Josh Wright for floor general responsibilities. ***Listen to The Fizz First Team breakdown Paulus-gate, Spring depth-chart battles and Triche's ballin'*** What makes this battle even more Fizz-worthy is that Triche could be in the backcourt with fellow J-D Red Ram Andy Rautins. Sifting through the Orange archives, finding prep teammates at guard is like witnessing Haley's Comet or a BCS conference win by Groobers. Flynn and Paul Harris both played together at Niagara Falls High School but were not a backcourt tandem. It would also be a legacy backcourt with Rautins' father Leo playing at SU from 1980-1983 and Triche's uncle Howard from 1983-1987. The true Central New York backcourt is very possible, especially with Scoop Jardine's proficiency for turnovers. (That and Triche has been spotted playing pickup at Manley Field House since his junior year of high school.) As mentioned in the latest Fizz First podcast, Flynn has a big payday coming. Jonny Ice is listed as high as tenth in some of the latest mock drafts.
Fizz First: Greg Goes To Lincoln. 5.4.09 Posted: Ted Conroy. 
Greg Paulus spent the weekend in Lincoln, Nebraska as he continues to check his options. He toured their journalism school, according to HuskerExtra.com (remember, the NCAA waiver Paulus needs to apply for is based on his transfer being academically motivated. Uh huh). Apparently, Paulus might be interested in broadcasting, which begs the question: where would you go to school? The Fizz has always been more of a visual learner so let's check the aesthetics. Above is the fancy shmancy S.I. Newhouse complex-temple-sanctum. And here's, ahem, Nebraska's Andersen Hall (which looks more like the science building at OCCC). 
That makes the choice seem undeniably easy, but for a tangible note regarding Paulus' decision, just look at the offenses the two teams run. Nebraska uses a complicated (read: 2,000 page playbook) system based on some zone looks, a little spread, and option as well. In one summer, that's a lot to learn. New Orange headmaster Doug Marrone has said time and time again that he will run a system based on his players, instead of fitting square pegs into circular holes. Just a little food for thought. 
- - - On a more concrete note, the team finally filled a major void on the depth chart for 2009: S.U. has another place kicker, as Shane Raupers (Athens, P.A.) is coming to the Hill. Kicking duties have been a concern for the 'Cuse all spring, after Niko Rechul decided to quit the team and run his hookah bar and Austin Wallis just didn't seem to impress Marrone. The head man even called for an open tryout to address the glaring need (which fizzled out to nothing.) A little hope: Raupers had a 47-yard boot in 2007. Which means a potential homecoming for Raupers as SU's main offensive weapon in the 59-6 loss at Happy Valley coming this fall.
Weekend Fizz with Jared Schwartz. 5.2.09 Devo's a draft bust. 
After a week of reading, listening and watching the Devendorf coverage, one thing's clear. He's done with Syracuse and wants to move on with his life. The obvious deciding factor for him was economic. SHOW HIM THE MONEY. Knowing Eric on and off the court, he would be wise to stay in school another year. More than any other league, nothing in the NBA is guaranteed unless you're a first round draft pick. The Real Slim Devo will not be drafted in the first round of the upcoming draft and he might not even be selected in the second round. If he did stay in the Salt City for another year, he would have been a first round pick. With a top-5 pre-season ranking and no Johnny Flynn, it would have been Devo's team to run. On the court, his stock was rising and another year under the tutelage of Jimmy B and Bernie Fine (The Fizz loves us some Bernie) it could have made his dreams of the NBA and many more Benjamins a reality. Fizz Prediction: Undrafted. Will not make a regular season NBA roster. Travels to Europe and becomes the next British League All-Star like former teammate Matt Gorman.
Custom Search
|
| ||||
 | ||||||
