Syracuse Basketball Q and A with Ben Sigel
I recently sat down with Syracuse basketball staff writer Ben Sigel to break down the team, talk recruiting and more (interview as of November 9 with SU 2-0).
ML: Best and worst of what you have seen from the team so far?
BS: The best has been the tempo. I love the fast-paced focus that Autry has implemented. It brings you back to the really good Syracuse teams that forced a bunch of turnovers, ran the floor well and capitalized in transition. That, to me, is when Syracuse is at its best. They have the athletes to run the floor and we’re seeing that so far.
The defensive miscues have been bad. I like the emphasis on man-to-man defense. I think it helps the program in a lot of areas with a modern approach, although no one loved Boeheim’s 2-3 zone more than me. Through two games, we’ve seen a lot of open backdoor layups, easy entry passes and guys getting beat off the ball with no help – all of which can be corrected. They’ll get everything figured out.
ML: How strange is it for you without Jim Boeheim coaching this team?
BS: It’s very strange, however I’m glad they stayed in-house. I’m very happy that Autry got the job. I’ve said all along I thought Mike Hopkins would come back once Boeheim retired, but things got messy and Syracuse did the right thing. Autry is a great recruiter and the players love him. He’s the right man for the job and it’s my belief he’ll have Syracuse basketball back where it belongs sooner rather than later.
ML: SU with some huge recruiting news lately. Who has committed and what do they bring to the table?
BS: Exciting times for Syracuse recruiting. Donnie Freeman, a Top 30 prospect in the 2024 class, signed his National Letter of Intent. Top 50 prospect Elijah Moore is on his way as well. In a world where high school recruiting isn’t as prominent as it once was (thanks, transfer portal), Syracuse landed two really good players that can make an impact on day one.
Moore is an elite scorer and athlete. He’s a very good on-ball defender. He can shoot it from anywhere, create his own shot and get to the basket. Freeman is a versatile forward. He runs the floor well, can score with his back to the basket and has an improved jumper. There’s a lot to like about these two signees.
ML: Adrian Autry brings communication and work ethic and personality but it seems as though he wants to play faster with the man to man defense and more implemented into the Orange system. That really attracts today’s top players, right? 
BS: 100%. While being an advocate for the 2-3 zone, I’ve often thought Syracuse could be missing out on guys because of it. Playing both man and zone will help on the court, but in recruiting as well. It can now be part of the pitch on how Syracuse will prepare you for the next level of basketball. The up-tempo style of play will produce a better on-court product but also attract recruits. Let your athletes be athletes.
ML: Biggest X-factor for this team is who?
BS: Justin Taylor. He’s averaging nearly 14 & 8 through two games. Outside of a few turnovers in the season-opener, he’s been incredibly efficient. Shooting over 52% from the floor, over 44% from deep and eating up minutes for Autry (33.5 per game). If he can sustain this, while playing alongside Judah and JJ, it’ll be a really solid three-headed monster for the Orange.
ML: Ben, thanks so much and keep up the terrific work.
BS: Thanks, Mike!
As always, tremendous stuff from Ben. We used to host post game shows together and I really miss those days. Ben brings a lot to the table as an SU hoops insider and CNY is lucky to have him. Follow Ben on Twitter @cusesigel.
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