Day 1: Big East Tournament

by James Finneral

It was a great first day at Madison Square Garden for the 2015 Big East Tournament. With two upsets in the first day of the tournament it is certainly obvious that we are in March.

#8 Seton Hall vs. #9 Marquette: 

Coming into the game people thought that this 8 vs. 9 matchup would come down to the wire, but that was absolutely not the case. A tough Golden Eagles team under first year coach Steve Wojciechowski smacked down a hungry Seton Hall club. Marquette was in control for the entire game. They were able to score from the paint with the power of their big 6'11" center, Luke Fischer who finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds. No one on Seton Hall could stop senior sharp shooter, Matt Carlino. Carlino has been the best player for the Golden Eagles this year and has shot lights out from behind the arch. Last night was no different. Carlino knocked down 8 three pointers which was a large part of his 26 points. After a first half beat down Seton Hall tried to battle back, but the Golden Eagles would have nothing of it. They still beat Seton Hall by 9 in the second half which totalled to a final score of 78-56. Seton Hall freshman, Isaiah Whitehead played well and looks to have a promising future. As for the Golden Eagles they advance to take on the number one seed in the Big East, the Villanova Wildcats. It will be a tough game, but anything can happen in March.

#7 DePaul vs. #10 Creighton: 

This was another game that was not very exciting. The theme of the game was unexpected heroes. Creighton has not been the same team since Doug McDermott left, but they are still playing with some heart. In the first half the teams were evenly matched in terms of offensive efficiency. The only reason this happened was because of Creighton junior guard, James Milliken. Milliken is a starter for the Blue Jays, but has never been their main guy, but he was last night. Milliken finished with 22 points, most of which he had in the first half. He did his part to keep Creighton in the game and his teammates responded in a big way. In the second half the DePaul defense fell apart allowing many layups and stupid fouls. There offense could not pick up the slack and the Blue Devils ended up losing by a final score of 78-63. The were solid efforts by DePaul players, Billy Garret Jr. and Jamee Crocket, but it just was not enough. Creighton received a great spark from Devin Brooks off the bench who finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Milliken and Brooks are the reason why Creighton won and it will be interesting to watch them play moving forward.

If the first day was filled with this much upsets I cannot wait for the rest of the tournament.

A Down Year for the Orange

by James Finneral

With early losses to mediocre teams it did not seem like the Orange would be big hitters in the NCAA this year. They had plenty of talent, but could not seem to pull out victories in big games. The struggles continued when freshman power forward, Chris McCullough went down with a knee injury which sidelined him for the rest of the year. McCullough has NBA potential and was just starting to get used to the program when he went down. Losing McCullough's presence down low was painful because the Orange could not just rely on Rakeem Christmas to match up with the tough ACC front-courts. Then the Orange lost to teams like Miami and Clemson. They still battled towards the end of the season defeating teams like #12 Louisville and  #9 Notre Dame. These late efforts were not enough to put the Orange inside the top 25 and they finished with 18-13 record. This is one of the worst records in recent years for Syracuse, but that was only the beginning of their problems.

The NCAA issued a nine game suspension for legendary Syracuse head coach, Jim Boeheim due to many rule infractions over the years. The NCAA believes that, "it's head mens basketball coach failed to monitor his program". Due to the many violations Syracuse will lose three scholarships per year for four years totaling to twelve overall. The Orange are also forced to remove the wins from the seasons where the violations took place which included 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012. This takes away 108 wins from Boeheim's grand total bringing him significantly down the list of the winningest coaches in college basketball history. Not that it matters with their record, but the Orange also self imposed a post-season ban which means they will not even compete in the ACC tournament. It is depressing to see the year end this way and these violations are going to hurt the Syracuse program in years to come.  

Who's Your MVP?

by James Finneral

Before this year most people believed it would be a two man race between LeBron James and Kevin Durant for the NBA's Most Valuable Player. Given  Durant's injuries and LeBron's adjustment to Cleveland the MVP throne is now open. LeBron has played well this year, but he is on the outside of the MVP conversation. Here are a couple guys that I think are the frontrunners to take home the MVP this year.

3rd Place: James Harden, SG, Houston Rockets: 

James Harden could be the best pure scorer in the NBA. He can take it to the rim and can shoot from anywhere on the floor. Ever since he was traded to the Houston Rockets Harden has taken on the role of being the best player on his team. This year the burden has been even greater on him because powerhouse center Dwight Howard has missed quite a few games for Houston. Harden has responded greatly to the larger work load. This season he has averaged just about 27 points. Something that impresses me more about Harden this year is that he is averaging 7 assists and 5 rebounds. For a guy that is considered to be a scorer and a guy who takes a lot of shots, it is amazing that Harden can average 7 assists. He is leading the Rockets To the playoffs and having a career year and that is why James Harden is a huge candidate for MVP.   

2nd Place: Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors:

The past few years Stephen Curry proved he could play, but this year he has gone above and beyond is one of the frontrunners to win the MVP. Curry is known for his incredible shooting especially from three point range. So far this season Curry has lived up to his reputation shooting 48% from the field and 41% from three. Curry has also developed great point guard skills. He can score at will, but he will often look to dish it to his teammates as well. This year Curry is averaging close to 24 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds. It is amazing that Curry is able to keep up these numbers on such a talented team. Possibly the most impressive thing about Curry is his effectiveness as a leader on the court. He is always keeping the game in control and he has lead this Warriors team to the best record in the extremely tough Western Conference. Curry has turned the Warriors franchise around and could very well being having the best season in the NBA. 

1st Place: Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder:

I know that many people may disagree with me, but I believe that Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder deserves this year's MVP. For my argument I'll start off with the numbers. During this historic run he is putting up, Westbrook has taken over as the NBA's leading scorer with 27 points, trailed by James Harden with 26.9. People take shots at Westbrook for being a ball hog, but the guy averages 8 assists per night. Westbrook is also aggressive on the glass averaging 7 rebounds. Westbrook is also currently on a four game triple-double streak which has only recently been done by Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. That is some nice company to say the least. The statistics are MVP caliber, but what is even more impressive is how his performance is effecting his team. When Kevin Durant went down again people were unsure if the Thunder could make it to the playoffs. Westbrook doesn't care if he has to do it without Durant or with an indented face he is going to lead this team to the playoffs. Much like Harden, Westbrook has responded to the greater burden and the masked man deserves to be rewarded for his hard work. 

Honorable Mentions: 

LeBron James, SF, Cle

Chris Paul, PG, LAC

Anthony Davis, PF, NO

Predicted East All Star Starting Lineup

by James Finneral

It is that time of year again where fans are voting for their favorite players to make it to this year's All Star game at Madison Square Garden in New York. As anyone who follows the NBA knows the fans determine who the starters for the game are. This method has proven to cause corruption or example when Kobe Bryant was voted a starter in last year's game, but then declined and gave his spot to James Harden of Houston. This article will give a prediction on what the rosters will be based on the performance of the players so far.

Eastern All Star Team:

Starters:

PG: John Wall (Was):
In a conference full of talented point guards John Wall stands out amongst the rest and truly deserves to start in this game. Wall takes on the roll of a true point guard who thinks about his teammates first even when he has the ability to score. He has a league leading 10 assists per game to go along with 17 points. More importantly Wall has dug the Washington Wizards out of the hole they have been in for so long. When Washington drafted him first overall in 2010 they where expecting a franchise player and he has exceeded all expectations and is now the best point guard in the Eastern Conference.

SG: Dwyane Wade (Mia): 
Even though the East is not stacked with shooting guards Dwyane Wade is still and All Star caliber player in the NBA. Playing 11 years in the NBA must take a toll on you and it has not shown in Wade. He still averages 23 points and 5 assists. Wade has stepped up after the departure of LeBron James and kept the Heat in playoff contention. He is a timeless player who is consistent year in and year out.

SF: LeBron James (Cle):
Not surprisingly LeBron James currently leads all players in All Star votes. Although right now he is not the outright frontrunner for the MVP right now he is still a dominant force in the league. LeBron does it all averaging 25 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds a night. He has a nice combination of shooting and driving making it easy for him to draw double teams and pass it out. LeBron is currently out with a knee injury and is projected to return to action next week. He is easily an All Star player and could definitely contend for another MVP.

PF: Carmelo Anthony (NY):
Carmelo Anthony may be a small forward and on a terrible team, but he is still worthy of a starting role on this East team. Anthony is another injured player hoping to come back next week. He is playing on the worst team in the East, but he is trying to stay positive. Anthony is a pure scorer averaging 23 points a night with 6 rebounds. Honestly if he plays for the rest of the season his averages will improve. He is popular enough to make it and he is good enough to make it.

C: Pau Gasol (Chi):
Although he is listed as a power forward, Pau Gasol has the ability to play center and is one of the best big men in the league. Gasol is having a career year with 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks a night. More importantly he has been a difference maker for the Chicago Bulls this season. He gives Chicago one of the best front-courts and also attracts double teams to give the ball to Derrick Rose or Jimmy Butler. Gasol has been a great addition to the Bulls as well as the Eastern Conference.

This Year's Orange and a Look Ahead

by James Finneral

After such a great start to the 2013-2014 season Syracuse was eliminated by Dayton fairly early in the NCAA Tournament. This year Syracuse is a brand new team losing many seniors and adding two freshman to their starting five.

So far this has not been the start the Orange were hoping for, losing to the two ranked teams they have played in Michigan and Villanova. They have also lost to California and St. Johns who are two solid non ranked teams. Syracuse's wins have been against sub par teams aside from the Iowa Hawkeyes who recently defeated Ohio State. Overall the Orange stand at a record of 10-4 and do not have an easy road ahead of them. Here is a look at some of the players on this years team.

PG: Kaleb Joseph, Fr:
Kaleb Joseph was one of the high profile recruits that the Orange brought in this year. They hoped to keep up the trend of developing young point guards into NBA caliber players. Joseph is extremely athletic and can score from both inside and outside. Thus far he has done a solid job for the Orange averaging 7 points and 5 assists. As the season continues Syracuse hopes that Joseph can be a leader and a floor general for this team much like Tyler Ennis last year.

SG: Trevor Cooney, Jr:
Trevor Cooney has worked his way up the ranks at Syracuse and is now a leader of this team who needs to perform well in order for the Orange to compete. Cooney is purely a shooter who shoots nearly 40% from beyond the three point arch. He is now the second leading scorer on the team averaging 13 points a game. Cooney is going to have keep his production up to help the Orange fight their way back in the tough ACC.

SF: Michael Gbinije, Jr:
Michael Gbinije, a former Duke Blue Devil is taking on a major role for Syracuse this season. This year Gbinije starts at the small forward and is depended upon to score and rebound the basketball. He is debatably the most athletic player for the Orange this year and can score from three point range as well as get to the basket. He is an X factor for the Orange and they need him to improve throughout the season.

PF: Chris McCullough, Fr:
It was evident from when he committed to Syracuse that Chris McCullough was going to be a major part of this year's team. At 6'10", 220 lbs McCullough is a force in the post, but his athleticism makes him even more of a threat. So far he has been great for the Orange averaging nearly 11 points and 7 rebounds. With McCullough alongside Rakeem Christmas the Orange have one of the best front-courts they have had in a while.

C: Rakeem Christmas, Sr:
As a four year senior Rakeem Christmas understands the system that Jim Boeheim runs at Syracuse. This year all of his hard work is finally paying off. After never averaging more than 6 points in his previous three seasons, Christmas is averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks a game making him one of the top players in the ACC. He has dominated on both ends of the floor and leads the team in points and rebounds. If he keeps up the good work Christmas will cause havoc to just about every front-court the Orange face.

SF: Tyler Roberson, So:
Roberson comes off the bench for the Orange and effectively scores and rebounds the ball averaging 7 points and 5 rebounds. He is a great relief for Gbinije.

SF: B.J. Johnson, So: 
Johnson has the build of a small forward, but he can also play at the shooting guard. He is an exceptional shooter who can come into the game and give the Orange a spark.

G: Ron Patterson, So:
Patterson is an extremely athletic player who can get himself open shots off the dribble. He is an even better defender and can lock down guards in the ACC.


Looking ahead Syracuse has games against the likes of Duke, Louisville, Notre Dame, Virginia and UNC. Although these games will be tough they are not out of reach for the Orange. They have plenty of talent on their roster they just have to gel. I believe the Orange will pick up some quality wins in the ACC and may creep into the top 25. Syracuse is a NCAA tournament caliber team and are just as good as last year's team that was undefeated at this point. It is a tough road ahead and the will of this Orange team will be tested.

Commitment Catchup

Class of 2015:

Malachi Richardson..... SG...... Hamilton, New Jersey...... Trenton Catholic Academy...... 6'6" , 190 lbs

*****

Tyler Lydon.....PF........ Pine Plains, NewYork........ New Hampton School......... 6'8" , 181lbs

****

Moustafa Diagne....... F......... Sparta, New Jersey....... Pope John XXIII High School........ 6'8", 230 lbs

****

Franklin Howard....... SG....... Washington, DC........ Paul VI High School........ 6'4", 170lbs

****

Class of 2016:

Matthew Moyer....... PF......... Columbus, OH........ Lincoln High School........ 6'7", 210 lbs

****

Final NBA Predictions

by James Finneral

Eastern Conference:

1st Place: Cleveland Cavaliers 
2nd Place: Chicago Bulls
3rd Place: Toronto Raptors 
4th Place: Washington Wizards
5th Place: Atlanta Hawks 
6th Place: Miami Heat
7th Place: Charlotte Hornets 
8th Place:New York Knicks
9th Place: Brooklyn Nets
10th Place: Indiana Pacers
11th Place: Detroit Pistons
12th Place: Orlando Magic
13th Place: Boston Celtics
14th Place: Philadelphia 76ers
15th Place: Milwaukee Bucks

Western Conference:

1st Place: Los Angeles Clippers
2nd Place: San Antonio Spurs 
3rd Place: Portland Trail Blazers
4th Place: Golden State Warriors
5th Place: Houston Rockets 
6th Place: Oklahoma City Thunder
7th Place: Memphis Grizzlies 
8th Place: Phoenix Suns
9th Place: Dallas Mavericks
10th Place: Denver Nuggets
11th Place: Minnesota Timberwolves
12th Place: New Orleans Pelicans
13th Place: Sacramento Kings
14th Place: Los Angeles Lakers
15th Place: Utah Jazz