http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/players/rick_jackson/38593 Recent articles about Rick Jackson en-us According to the Syracuse paper, the Orange is under investigation and has been for some time. It’s probably not what you think, at least not in part: it’s tied to an alleged 2007 case in which then-players Jonny Flynn, Scoop Jardine and Rick Jackson were accused of sexual assault and then, subsequently, some level of harassment. Details are always hard to come by in these cases, but that’s it in a nutshell. There is more, including questions about Fab Melo and other recent players. Jardine, incidentally, in a piece of spectacular bad timing, is supposed to help CBS broadcast the NCAA tournament. Also contributing this year: Alaa Abdelnaby, Chris Spatola and Bobby Hurley. ***** Apparently Seth Davis irritated some people with his call for a Montana upset of Syracuse. It’s not as irrational as it may seem. First, Syracuse has certainly been erratic of late. Second, although most in the East haven’t seen Montana, Duke fans have: the Grizzlies came to Durham in 2008 and acquitted thems... Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:55:06 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/tourney_news_notes/13196188 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/tourney_news_notes/13196188 Tourney News & Notes http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/tourney_news_notes/13196188 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Matt Slocum/AP Photo The zone has always been the hallmark of Jim Boeheim, and he’s had many great defenses through the years, but none can stack up to this year’s version. The Orange has all the ingredients for the perfect 2-3, and the team is undefeated and #1 largely due to its D. Here are the four biggest reasons why: Size. Start with Fab Melo, a 7-foot shot blocker inside who grows more confident and dominant each game. He also just so happens to have a 7-foot backup who can intimidate too. SU adds long athletic wings to the mix, who all see the passing lanes and disrupt long shots. The Orange also has bigger guards who generate a lot of steals, including dynamic Dion Waiters, who comes off the bench and is in the nation’s Top 3 for thefts per 40 minutes. Depth. Every single position has a competent backup, without a major drop off. SU’s best perimeter defender (Waiters) and rebounder (CJ Fair) both come off the  bench. The depth benefits Syracuse late in games. Last year, ... Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:08:43 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/boehiems_best_d_ever_the_fizzs_4_keys_to_sus_defensive_dominance/9321941 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/boehiems_best_d_ever_the_fizzs_4_keys_to_sus_defensive_dominance/9321941 Boehiem’s Best D Ever? The Fizz’s 4 Keys to SU’s Defensive Dominance http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/boehiems_best_d_ever_the_fizzs_4_keys_to_sus_defensive_dominance/9321941 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/4/940da1f1eb546b8c69b22aca64f66eba632cef39/mini/GettyImage.ashx_url_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f98051904.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d77BFBA49EF878921A343B2C87A49D8F579ADE2332FFF407AEFD6A8463A27570B8A86F31C64479CEB.jpg After losing Rick Jackson to graduation, many thought Syracuse would struggle to replace his 10.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. While the Orange have missed Jackson on the boards, sophomore Fab Melo has been a more imposing presence than his predecessor on the defensive end. After blocking a Syracuse record 10 shots in a 75-49 victory over Seton Hall where the Pirates managed just 15 first-half points, Melo is now averaging almost three blocks per game. That average puts Syracuse's most improved player this season just outside the national top 10, no small feat considering most of the players above him play at a much lower competition level. Much has been made of Melo's transformation from last season, when he weighed about 275 pounds and averaged fewer than ten minutes per game. Much like highly-touted recruits Michael Carter-Williams and Rakeem Christmas this season, Melo was a significant disappointment as a freshman. The seven-foot center came back ready in 2011, ... Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:29:39 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/cbb_melos_block_party_leads_syracuse_past_seton_hall/9003268 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/cbb_melos_block_party_leads_syracuse_past_seton_hall/9003268 CBB: Melo's Block Party Leads Syracuse Past Seton Hall http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/cbb_melos_block_party_leads_syracuse_past_seton_hall/9003268 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Syracuse is used to using non-conference play to get off to a fast start. What it isn't used to is losing at home by the margin it fell to Seton Hall at the Carrier Dome last season. The top-ranked Orange will try to halt the Pirates' eight-game win streak and earn a measure of revenge Wednesday night in the Big East opener for both teams. Syracuse has opened with 13 victories for the third straight season, starting 18-0 a year ago. Seton Hall (11-1) is off to its best start since the 1992-93 team began 13-1, and has won eight straight for the first time since an 8-0 start two seasons ago. The Orange are looking for payback after falling 90-68 at home to the Pirates on Jan. 25, 2011. It marked Syracuse's worst home loss since an 85-61 defeat to Seton Hall on Feb. 7, 1998, and ended the Pirates' five-game overall slide in the series. "We definitely owe them a better game than last year," said Orange guard Dion Waiters, who logged 14 scoreless minutes as a freshman in that game. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:41:23 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/seton_hall_syracuse_preview/8973616 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/seton_hall_syracuse_preview/8973616 Seton Hall-Syracuse Preview http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/seton_hall_syracuse_preview/8973616 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After losses by Kentucky and Ohio State, undefeated Syracuse (10-0) has risen to the top of the national rankings. Even through the Bernie Fine scandal, this team has not flinched in picking up quality non-conference wins against Virginia Tech, Stanford and Florida. Without further ado, let's grade this Orange team and find out why they have been able to weather the storm up to the apex of the polls. Coaching: A Jim Boeheim has always been one of the better coaches in college basketball; it's why his teams enjoy consistent success every year. So far in the 2011-12 season he has done some of his best work, considering the chaos surrounding his program due to his close friend and longtime assistant Fine. Boeheim has taken some heat for how he has handled the situation off the court, but nobody can question the way he's kept his team focused on it. The Orange had to play Virginia Tech and Stanford in the NIT Season Tip-Off less than a week after Fine was placed on admini... Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:44:34 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/college_basketball_report_card_1_syracuse_orange/8735752 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/college_basketball_report_card_1_syracuse_orange/8735752 College Basketball: Report Card: #1 Syracuse Orange http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/college_basketball_report_card_1_syracuse_orange/8735752 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/1/8193deaaaeaf22a848d5c1fc1562f93b96452f4a/mini/NCAA_Basketball_St_a9b6.jpg It’s time to give credit where credit is due: Fab Melo is a ball player. After a terrible freshman season when he could barely stay on the court, Melo has transformed into an integral part for the Syracuse team. Last night he only accounted for 4 points and 2 rebounds, but he played very well in the preseason NIT, and compared to last season it’s been night and day for his comfort on the court. Follow The Fizz on Twitter for the latest SU hoops updates Mark Twain famously said there are “lies, damned lies and statistics.” While the stat sheet under Fab’s name isn’t sexy (right around 6 points and 6 boards per game), the truth is Melo has become a game changer. He has been one of SU’s best defenders. Not only is Fab blocking and altering shots (8 blocks in the two games at MSG), he is drawing charges and is bringing defensive intensity that was nonexistent at many times last season. Considering his offseason from hell and speculation he would leave Syracuse, Melo’s development this... Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:55:43 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/after_hellish_offseason_fab_melo_has_been_tremendous_for_syracuse/8418622 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/after_hellish_offseason_fab_melo_has_been_tremendous_for_syracuse/8418622 After Hellish Offseason, Fab Melo Has Been Tremendous for Syracuse http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/after_hellish_offseason_fab_melo_has_been_tremendous_for_syracuse/8418622 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Kris Joseph scored 16 points, Dion Waiters added 14 and No. 5 Syracuse beat Fordham 78-53 on Saturday in their season opener. Brandon Triche and C.J. Fair had nine points apiece and Scoop Jardine and James Southerland each scored seven as Orange coach Jim Boeheim emptied his bench in the first meeting between the schools since Syracuse's 80-63 victory four years ago. Chris Gaston and Bryan Smith led Fordham with 13 points apiece. Branden Frazier had nine points, three steals and three assists, and Kerwin Bristol had eight rebounds. Syracuse freshman Rakeem Christmas made his first start in place of departed star Rick Jackson, who averaged 13.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and a team-high 35.6 minutes last season. Christmas had five points and six rebounds in 20 minutes. Fordham was 7-21 last year and 1-15 in the Atlantic 10, going 17 straight games without a win despite the performance of Gaston, who ranked fourth nationally with 11.3 rebounds per game and also averaged nearly 16 points. The Rams have four Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:23:55 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/no_5_syracuse_78_fordham_53/8050114 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/no_5_syracuse_78_fordham_53/8050114 No. 5 Syracuse 78, Fordham 53 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/no_5_syracuse_78_fordham_53/8050114 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/e/7e2e4eedc574e033781625a4e7c7ab99b266c090/mini/Big_East_Tournament_2ad3.jpg Jim Boeheim says he really doesn't pay attention to the rankings. If true, rest assured he's in a distinct minority around here as Syracuse gets ready for what promises to be another season of promise. Coming off a 27-8 campaign and with only one player lost to graduation, the Orange are ranked No. 5 in the AP preseason Top 25 as the season gets underway Saturday against Fordham at the Carrier Dome. It's the highest Syracuse has been ranked before the season since it was No. 3 in 1989-90. That national high regard is due to talent - and experience. Boeheim gave 10 players good chunks of playing time last season - all but one are back - and he has three impressive freshmen in the fold. "Coming off a successful year, you have a lot of guys back, your ranking's going to be pretty good," said Boeheim, who begins his 36th year as head coach with 856 wins. "That's fine. It should be. We've had good depth the last couple of years. I think this year we probably have the oppor Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:22:04 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/fordham_syracuse_preview/8035834 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/fordham_syracuse_preview/8035834 Fordham-Syracuse Preview http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/fordham_syracuse_preview/8035834 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/4/940da1f1eb546b8c69b22aca64f66eba632cef39/mini/GettyImage.ashx_url_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f98051904.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d77BFBA49EF878921A343B2C87A49D8F579ADE2332FFF407AEFD6A8463A27570B8A86F31C64479CEB.jpg Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series.  Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days.  This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days.  We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order.  We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick a player to watch for each team. With all their key contributors returning except for Rick Jackson, the Syracuse Orange have the talent to compete for a National Championship.  With the program soon jumping ship to the ACC (don’t get me started how much I hate this), Jim Boeheim hopes to make one of his final seasons in the Big East a memorable one. SYRACUSE ORANGE Last Season: T-3rd, 12-6 in Big East, 27-8 overall Predicted Big East Finish: 2nd Projected Depth Chart C: Fab Melo(So)/Baye Moussa Keita (So) PF: Rakeen Christmas (Fr)/James Southerland (Jr) SF: Kris Joseph (Sr)/C.J. Fair (So)/Mookie Jones (Jr) G:... Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:01:37 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/6_syracuse_orange_college_basketball_111_in_111/7966645 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/6_syracuse_orange_college_basketball_111_in_111/7966645 #6 Syracuse Orange: College Basketball 111 in 111 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/6_syracuse_orange_college_basketball_111_in_111/7966645 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Scoop Jardine has been through it all, and sees a Final Four team in front of him everyday at practice. So he’s taking it upon himself to impart that wisdom to help keep this potential runaway train on the tracks. After one final tuneup tonight, Syracuse will finally get its much anticipated season underway Saturday and begin its journey to what Orange Nation hopes will be a magical March. The Orange will be led on that journey by its fifth-year point guard. The enigmatic Scoop has experienced success in his career with the Orange, posting a solid 12.5 points and 5.8 assists per game last year, and earning sixth man of the year honors in ‘09. But the point guard has also been widely criticized by fans and media for his propensity for turnovers (2.8 per game last season) and questionable decision making. Follow The Fizz on Twitter for courtside SU basketball coverage from the preseason finale tonight If Syracuse is going to reach an elite level this season, it’s going to need more ... Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:28:41 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/syracuses_scoop_weve_got_the_notes_to_the_national_championship_test/7970587 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/syracuses_scoop_weve_got_the_notes_to_the_national_championship_test/7970587 Syracuse’s Scoop: “We’ve Got the Notes to the National Championship Test” http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/syracuses_scoop_weve_got_the_notes_to_the_national_championship_test/7970587 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/f/1fcbea05b0ab52ad4b2d62e9328536d7830e0edc/mini/GettyImage.ashx_url_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f93238602.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D04C232211D3F9C6327EC04611B88FAD0C1BA06E5499153195.jpg 1. SYRACUSE'S YOUNG CENTERS SHOW PROMISE What happened: With the departure of Rick Jackson leaving Syracuse without a proven low-post defender or rebounder, the Orange desperately need either sophomore Fab Melo or freshman Baye Moussa Keita to fill that role. It's far too early to say whether either are capable of rising to the challenge, but their performance Tuesday night against Cal State Los Angeles at least showed promise. Melo put the memory of a disappointing freshman season behind him and showcased the benefits of shedding 18 pounds this summer, posting 14 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. And Moussa Keita took advantage of his strength and athleticism advantage over the opposing big men by pulling down nine rebounds of his own. Quote to note: "I thought Fab and Baye were real good. They were really active. They showed a lot of advancement from last year. I think it was a good game. I think it'll really help us and our preparation going forward.&qu... Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:54:24 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/four_noteworthy_performances_from_tuesdays_exhibition_games/7826083 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/four_noteworthy_performances_from_tuesdays_exhibition_games/7826083 Four noteworthy performances from Tuesday’s exhibition games http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/four_noteworthy_performances_from_tuesdays_exhibition_games/7826083 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Syracuse is starting the 2011-2012 season ranked #5.  The Orange have a reputation of often underachievingwhen highly rated, and overachieving when lowly ranked or unranked.   However, starting the year at #5 is a rarityfor the Orange, something accomplished only three times before.  There are some strong similarities betweenthose three seasons, as we will see.In the fall of 1985, the Orange were ranked #4 to start theseason. This was Pearl Washington’s junior season, and the underrated RafaelAddison was getting recognition as he entered his senior year.  Senior Wendell Alexis was finally getting astarting job, as was Howard Triche, and Rony Seikaly was moving into his sophomoreyear.  The Pearl played as well as couldbe expected, but an injury to Addison’s knee hampered the second half of hisyear.  Rony Seikaly improved, but not asmuch as hoped.  The Orangemen would go26-6 over the season including 14-2 in the Big East, winning the Big EastRegular season championship.  ... Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:07:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/2011_2012_starting_in_a_lofty_position/7788694 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/2011_2012_starting_in_a_lofty_position/7788694 2011-2012 Starting in a Lofty Position http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/2011_2012_starting_in_a_lofty_position/7788694 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Coming off a 27-8 campaign and with only one player lost to graduation, the Syracuse Orange are ranked No. 5 in the AP preseason Top 25. It's the highest Syracuse has been ranked before the season since it was No. 3 in 1989-90. That high regard is due to talent and experience. Boeheim gave 10 players good chunks of playing time last season and he has three impressive freshmen in the fold. Boeheim begins his 36th year as head coach with 856 wins, and he's counting on guard Scoop Jardine and forward Kris Joseph to fill the leadership void left by the graduation of power forward Rick Jackson. Syracuse opens its season at home against Fordham on Nov. 12. Sat, 29 Oct 2011 08:47:47 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/syracuse_loaded_and_ready_to_make_amends/7726855 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/syracuse_loaded_and_ready_to_make_amends/7726855 Syracuse: loaded and ready to make amends http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/syracuse_loaded_and_ready_to_make_amends/7726855 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Maalik Wayns/bleacherreport.comBy Paul Seaver (TheArenaPulse) This post is part of The Arena Pulse's 2011-2012 Season Preview. For other previews, go to the '11-12 Season Preview page.As college basketball turns the page into another new season, The Arena Pulse will take a look at a few players from the Big East Conference who could be set on breaking out in 2011-12.Each year, teams lose talent and look to fill certain voids in an effort to stay ahead of the curve. Those players who embrace the challenge and emerge within their respected teams help keep their programs moving in a positive direction.Let's take a look at some potential candidates from the Big East Conference:Cashmere Wright (Cincinnati) After averaging 8.9 points and a team-high 3.9 assists per game in 2010-11, Wright will be looking for an expanded leadership role as he prepares for his junior season. While the Bearcats return enough talent to challenge within the upper half of the loaded Big East Conference, the 6-foot guard will Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:27:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/the_arena_pulse_11_12_season_preview_big_east_breakout_candidates/7651405 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/the_arena_pulse_11_12_season_preview_big_east_breakout_candidates/7651405 The Arena Pulse '11-12 Season Preview: Big East Breakout Candidates http://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/the_arena_pulse_11_12_season_preview_big_east_breakout_candidates/7651405 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png