SB Nation Boston: All Posts by Jared Smith

Jim Boeheim Rips Knicks To Back Carmelo Anthony

2013-05-21T16:44:01Z

Syracuse Orange head coach Jim Boeheim is a very opinionated man, and whenever given the opportunity to speak his mind about a topic -- whether its conference realignment, Rick Pitino's Kentucky Derby horse or gun control --he will do just that and possibly more.

On Tuesday, less than a day after the New York Knicks were eliminated in the second round of the NBA Playoffs by the Indiana Pacers -- which, of course, led to Carmelo Anthony getting his cliched backlash -- Syracuse.com interviewed Boeheim, as did ESPN's Mike & Mike In The Morning, to talk about 'Melo and the Knicks -- a topic he has, in the past, gotten heated about. And boy, did he delivery some fantastic material.

Via Syracuse.com's Chris Carlson, who asked if he believes Carmelo can win a championship with the Knicks.

"Not on that team," Boeheim said. "He did what he can do. He played very well the final game. Everybody's killing him but Tyson Chandler just didn't try to catch the ball. He threw him the ball and Tyson Chandler went like this (Boeheim dodged in a chair in his office in the Carmelo K. Anthony Center). He was wide open. He should have been looking for the ball right here. Kenyon Martin should have been looking for the ball. They both went like this (Boeheim dodged again). Carmelo gets turnovers and the announcers aren't smart enough to even think, 'Well, the guy should try to catch the ball.' "

Carlson asks Boeheim about J.R. Smith and Raymond Felton.

"Those guys weren't great players where they were and now they're asking them to be second and third options," Boeheim said. "In Miami the second and third options are Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Your fourth option is Ray Allen, who is still in good shape. Your fifth option is Shane Battier, who is still a good player. The New York Knicks have who?"

What about Tyson Chandler?

"Tyson Chandler claims he never gets the ball. He doesn't try to get the ball," said Boeheim, who coached Chandler when he was a member of the 2012 United States Olympic team. "He had two points and Hibbert had (21). What was the difference in the series? Raymond Felton was 0-for-7. Lance Stephenson had (25) points. They're going to blame it on Carmelo? I told him when he went to New York, they're going to blame it on you."

Here's a snippet of what he said on Mike & Mike this morning.

"I think he has proven he can be the star player," Boeheim said when asked could 'Melo win a championship seemingly by himself. "But no, he cannot do it by himself. And by the way, neither has anyone else ever won it without (help). Lebron, Dwyane Wade -- Dwyane Wade is one of the best player in the history of the league -- Michael Jordan -- won six with Scottie Pippen, who I believe is one of the best players in the history of the league -- and Kobe won with Shaq."

"Do the Knicks right now have a great player with Carmelo? I am not going to answer that, I am just going to say that" Boeheim said. "I believe he is good enough to win a NBA Championship, but I think he needs another guy with him. Hopefully, one day he will get the opportunity to get that kind of guy."

(Haha, Jim. You just answered the question.)

Anyway, Boeheim's answers are getting some play on other airwaves and some backlash from other media members like New York Post writer Zach Braziller.

Here's my question on Boeheim ripping Knicks: when did he become Coach K? They don't exactly maximize their talent in Syracuse either.
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) May 21, 2013

Point is one title with all the talent he's collected up there he shouldn't be ripping #knicks
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) May 21, 2013

Here's some feedback from Grantland's Zach Lowe.

How reliable/meaningful of a source is Jim Boeheim for NBA analysis, and, specifically, Cuse-related NBA analysis?
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) May 21, 2013

Meanwhile, CBS' Gary Parrish is loving this, well, parts of it.

Now let me state right here that I didn't watch the Knicks enough this season to know whether Boeheim is right or wrong, although I think the idea that Anthony's supporting cast is questionable at best probably makes some sense, if that's the point Boeheim was trying to make.

With King James in Miami, Derrick Rose coming back to the Bulls (presumably, at some point) and the Pacers probably maturing from year to year, I agree, for the most part, that it "doesn't look good" for the Knicks as currently constructed. Either way, I don't really care. I just like the idea that in a culture where most high-major coaches are guarded with their words and far too politically correct that there's still somebody willing to talk off the cuff and passionately ... and in late May, which is also hilarious.

Sometimes, obviously, that's going to work against Boeheim.

He's not always right.

But I'm perfectly willing to take the misguided rants so long as I can also get the rants in general, and isn't college basketball going to be a little less interesting when Boeheim finally retires? (Especially since we'll then no longer be able to ask Boeheim when he's going to retire, which is typically a trigger for another classic rant. But I digress.)

Honestly, I understand why people are irked, but I'll 100-percent agree with Parrish on this one key point.

Boeheim was asked a question about a topic he feels passionate about and he gave his honest opinion -- wrong or right -- and, yet, it upsets you? (The media. Not Smith, Felton, Chandler or Mike Woodson.)

This is the one thing about the media that drives me insane. All the time we -- I'll lump TNIAAM in this for a second -- complain about athletes and coaches being boring. It is the same answers to the same stupid questions and nothing, usually, comes out of a press conference or locker room interview.

UNLESS, you're dealing with James Arthur Boeheim! Then it is real, opinionated and he doesn't care if you agree or not. Yet, because of this -- and a few other things -- media members and other fans dislike him for it.

Sure, disagree with his opinions, but at least respect him for having the balls to give a honest one.

Plus, lets not forget that Boeheim is a basketball savant that watches so much of it he is easily qualified to have an opinion on it.

Just because its about Carmelo, and he might be a bit bias, doesn't mean its not credible or a good one.

Suppose he was asked about Lebron James and his ranking among the greatest NBA players of all-time. Would he be smashed for giving his opinion on the NBA when he's a college coach? Probably. Yet, Boeheim knows more about the NBA than 90-percent of the writers that cover it.

How do I know this? Because he has coached most of these star players and HE WATCHES A BILLION HOURS OF BASKETBALL, just like many NBA experts, which are now ripping him, do.

Did Boeheim go a bit far in ripping the Knicks? Probably. However, it is not a ignorant opinion, so stop slamming him for having it. Instead, write a column pointing out the flaws in his opinion. But, I'll wish you best of luck, because he's probably more right than wrong, like most of his opinions.

Syracuse Lacrosse Pre-Game And Post-Game Festivities

2013-05-21T13:00:05Z

Yeah baby! Syracuse lacrosse has advanced to the Final Four in both the men's and women's game, and if you're planning on making the journey down to Philadelphia, where both championships are being played, SU's Philadelphia Alumni Club is holding a pre-game and post-game festivities Saturday at Broad Street Bullies Pub.

Here's what the SUPAC is doing:

BEFORE Syracuse men vs. Denver -- Saturday at 5 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field

Pre-game/Post-game: Street Bullies Pub (1 p.m. ET)

Price: $5.00 gets you a Syracuse-Bullies pass -- 1/2 select appetizers, $3 domestic drafts, $4 well cocktails, jack drinks & domestic bottles, $5 orange cruches & shots AND SU swag!

Other stuff: Corn hole and GIANT pong in the Plaza.

What you need to do: "identify yourself to the Bullies rep as a member of the "Syracuse Alumni Group" to receive these specials."

More info can be found here.

*Note: If you're under the age of 21, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 25.

If there are spots in Philadelphia SU fans will be hanging out at please share them here.

Scott Shafer Has A Hardnosed Conversation With Mike Francesa

2013-05-21T12:00:11Z

Syracuse football head coach Scott Shafer hit the links, again, Monday, as he participated in the New York Yankees/New Era Pinstripe Bowl Charity Golf Tournament at the Westchester Country Club.

When finished, the hardnosed coach joined the legendary Mike Francesa for a pretty lengthy chat on New York radio.

Here's a podcast of the interview, if you'd like to give it a listen. But, if you don't have time to listen here's a few highlights to wet your whistle.

1) To start, Mike Francesa takes way too much interest in Scott Shafer's background/resume. No disrespect to Shafer, but Francesa sounds like he's interviewing the most interesting man in the world -- "Oh really? Where you from? Oh really? That's Division III? Oh really? He's a good coach? Oh really?"

2) Francesa calls Syracuse (football) head coaching job a big deal. Though, Shafer has coached at Michigan and Stanford.

(This is no disrespect to SU. Just pointing out that Francesa acts like Shafer has never been a part of a major college football program. That is not the case at all.)

3) Francesa had no idea that Shafer was the defensive coordinator at Stanford. Which explains Francesa's comments about Syracuse being a big deal.

4) At about the 5-minute mark, Shafer uses his amazing, "We're going to lock up the dome and beat the hell out of them" shtick on Clemson -- yikes!

5) Near the 6 1/2-minute mark, listen to the joy in Shafer's voice when he rehashes the dominance Syracuse had against Geno Smith and the Mountaineers.

6) At 8 minutes, Shafer shares a cool story about Jim Boeheim and his love for Syracuse.

7) Can't help but smile when Francesa tries to use a bunch of terminology to figure out what type of offense and defense Syracuse will use this year. You just can feel that Francesa is trying so hard to either: A) sound smart to gain the respect of Shafer; or B) sound smart to look smarter than Shafer.

8) Francesa tries to get Shafer to take the bait and talk about whether he thinks Chip Kelly's offense will work on in the NFL. Shafer doesn't take the bait -- and then I ask, why would you ask a college coach that question?

9) Sadly, I only counted one #hardnosed in the whole 16-minute interview.

Brady Rourke Promoted To Associate Director

2013-05-20T19:30:57Z

Brady Rourke, the former assistant director of "making sure Syracuse University student athletes stay academically eligible and the basketball team's APR doesn't dip to UConn-Postseason-Ineligible status," was official promoted to, "man completely in charge of making sure student athletes stay academically eligible and the Syracuse basketball team's APR doesn't dip to And-You-Are-Getting-Fired-And-You-Are-Getting-Fired status."

Rourke, who's new title is actually Associate Director of the Stevenson Academic Center for Student-Athlete Development, brings seven years of experience to the position, including a stint at Penn State. Rourke was hired as SU's assistant director in March.

(Basically, if another Syracuse basketball player becomes academically ineligible, he's the guy trolls will blame.)

This seems to be, hopefully, a move in the right direction for SU athletics to get a handle on what has become a public relations nightmare for the department. As we all know, over the course of two seasons, two Syracuse basketball players -- Fab Melo and James Southerland -- became academically ineligible in the middle of spectacular years.

Luckily, Southerland's case was resolved and he was able to help spark a Final Four run. Melo's story was a bit different, as he was unable to return -- well he did but he then didn't -- and the Orange fell a game short of making the Final Four and possibly losing out on a second National Championship.

Those academic issues, mixed with the Bernie Fine saga, raised some red flags with the NCAA, which are now allegedly looking into more and more violations -- academic or other.

Best of luck to Rourke in this new role.

If Coach K Returns To Olympic Team, Jim Boeheim Expected To Follow

2013-05-20T17:43:43Z

To continue the "what the heck is Jim Boeheim going to do in (situation XX)" speculation articles, today we're going to let you know, according to a weekend article by SI.com's Pete Thamel, the long-time Syracuse head coach may not be done coaching the U.S. Olympic Team.

This news comes nearly a full year after Boeheim wrote a journal entry in The Post-Standard admitting he was done with Olympics. Of course, at that time Boeheim thought Mike Krzyzewski was finished with international play, and Thamel's article says that may no longer be the case.

Krzyzewski said he hasn't made a final decision, but his openness to the position represents a significant change. For eight months, Krzyzewski has maintained he's not returning as USA Basketball's head coach.

On Saturday, Krzyzewski said he and USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo have been talking about his return "quite a bit."

Colangelo said Saturday he and Krzyzewski have been discussing his return "in installments."

"I think it's very close to being resolved," Colangelo said. "That's all I can say for sure."

He added: "Give it another week and it should be resolved."

When told about this, Boeheim responded:

Colangelo said there would likely be changes to the USA Basketball staff if Krzyzewski did return. The 2012 staff included Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni, former Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan and Syracuse Orange coach Jim Boeheim. Colangelo said it's likely Boeheim would again be part of the staff if Krzyzewski returned.

"I would think that's probable," Boeheim said Saturday. "I think so."

All I have to say is, if you liked pictures of Jim Boeheim in the sun in sunglasses in San Diego, wait until he gets to Brazil!

NCAA Lacrosse Bracket 2013: Syracuse To Take On Denver (And Bill Tierney)

2013-05-20T12:55:06Z

Growing up in my mother's household, with my step father leading the charge, Syracuse lacrosse season was nearly as important as football season, and one consistent about lacrosse season was the mandatory attendance of a Syracuse vs. Princeton showdown at the Carrier Dome.

Not only were the Tigers a worthy opponent, they were very easy to dislike because of there snooty, leopard-printed wearing fans and hot headed, whiny head coach Bill Tierney.

In the early 2000s, it was always Syracuse vs. Princeton in the NCAA Finals and most of the time -- besides 2001 -- the Orange came out on top.

It was freakin' awesome seeing Tierney cry like a little girl as Syracuse celebrated ANOTHER National Championship, and this upcoming Saturday (5 p.m. ET on ESPN2), when Syracuse faces Tierney's new team, the Denver Pioneers, in the national semifinals in Philadelphia, I hope to revisit history.

The Pioneers, who earned an impressive come-from-behind victory, 12-11, over North Carolina on Sunday in Indianapolis, will be making their second appearance in the lacrosse Final Four in the past three seasons.

A lot of this has to do with Tierney, who nearly four years ago decided to take the upstart job in Colorado -- my guess is because he hated losing to Syracuse so much -- and since then has done a tremendous job trying to build up the sport on the West Coast.

It maybe a different school, but my feelings towards beating Tierney on Saturday will be the same. For someone that has lost track of the sport the last few years, this will be a good way to suck me back in. I'll make it a point to watch and cheer hard for the Orange (15-3) in this one.

The winner of top-seeded Syracuse and No. 4 Denver (14-4) will play either non-seeded Cornell or No. 7 Duke, which will play earlier in the day (2:30 p.m. ET) on ESPN2.

As of right now, the Big Red (14-3), who smoked Ohio State, 16-6, in the quarterfinals, will enter the weekend as the favorite to win the National Championship on Monday.

The Blue Devils (14-5), who squeaked out a 12-11 victory over Notre Dame in the quarterfinals, are making their seventh straight Final Four appearance. (10 more seasons of that and they will be just sniffing Syracuse's record of 22 consecutive.)

The bracket it setting up for an exciting weekend, and I can't wait to watch.

Share your thoughts about Bill Tierney and the Final Four bracket below.

Don McPherson To Have Syracuse Jersey Retired Too

2013-05-20T12:14:41Z

Thanks to Twitter and the talkativeness of former Syracuse quarterback Donovan McNabb, we all knew the former No. 5 was going to be honored sometime this upcoming season by having his jersey retired.

Well, thanks to a weekend press release by the Syracuse University athletic department, we know McNabb will not be the only former Orangemen quarterback being honored this upcoming season.

Before McNabb is honored on Nov. 2, Don McPherson's jersey No. 9 will get its moment in the sun on Oct. 5.

“It is our pleasure to honor Donovan McNabb and Don McPherson and recognize their importance to the history of Syracuse football. Both of these men were catalysts for some of the greatest success in college football during their respectful tenures at Syracuse. We want to recognize these extraordinary men during our inaugural season in the ACC as we look to establish new success,” said Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. “We celebrate two individuals who were significant in branding Syracuse football as a national power. The nation's eyes were fixated on these two amazing student-athletes as they helped elevate and maintain SU football's prominence.

The timing of the honors are fitting considering before there was McNabb there was McPherson, who was named an All-American in 1987 and despite finishing second in the Heisman Trophy balloting still was honored with the Maxwell Award and the Davey O'Brien Award.

McPherson was named the the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009 and literally, in 1988, helped lead SU to its best chance to win a National Championship since doing so in 1959. (FREAKIN' AUBURN!!)

Most young Syracuse fans know him now as a the Big East Football analyst on SNY.

“There are so many people who are responsible for this honor who should be standing next to me when this happens,” McPherson said. “In sports we wear jerseys because we are part of a team. The number on the jersey is meant to identify the player wearing it. To have my jersey singled out is more a moment of reflection than accomplishment. It makes me think about what I did to deserve this and that makes me think about all of the people who came before me, were at Syracuse with me and who have been there since I graduated. A significant part of my journey has been having somebody like Coach Mac in my life. When Daryl Gross called to tell me about this event, I started to write down the names of those who have impacted who I am and it quickly became too long to list everyone. I am blessed.”

On the day McPherson will be honored, the Orange will face Clemson. Meanwhile, SU hosts Wake Forest when McNabb is honored.

Syracuse Women's Lacrosse Vs. Florida: Game Time, TV And More

2013-05-17T16:28:34Z

Before the Syracuse men's lacrosse team begin its quest for a run at the Final Four appearance, the Orange women will be, hopefully, in the process of advancing to their second straight Final Four, as they host Florida in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals at the Carrier Dome (2 p.m. ET on Sun Sports or 89.1 FM).

No. 4-seeded SU (17-3) is in the middle of a 12-game winning streak, which includes a Big East Tournament crown and a NCAA first-round victory, 21-8, over Dartmouth.

Junior Alyssa Murray, the team leader with 100 points, helped lead the team to victory with a 10-point performance (five goals and five assists), while Kayla Treanor has a team-best 64 goals.

The Gators (18-2) will be looking to defeat the Orange for the second time this season. Earlier in the year, Florida downed Syracuse, 14-10, at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.

In last year's NCAA Tournament, if you recall, these two high-scoring programs met in semifinals where SU earned a double-OT victory, 14-13.

Unfortunately, this game can only be viewed on Sun Sports or online at Orange All-Access. You can catch the game on the radio at 89.1 FM.