It’s certainly not everyday of the week, that you hear or read about an N.C.A.A., major division one, men’s basketball program, being led in part by not just one, but two Canadians, and that, I’m proud to say, is the case at my Alma Mater, Syracuse University. A historical plateau was reached Tuesday evening for the 4th ranked Orange, in their 85-68 victory over the Providence Friars. They have won nine straight games and at 22-1, are off to the best start in school history. The previous best was 21-1 in the 1979/80 season. The best player for the Orange in this game, was Montreal native, and sophomore forward Kris Joseph. He finished with a career high 23 points, to go along with 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. In 23 games, the 6’-7, 207 pound Joseph is averaging 11 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals in an average of 26.5 minutes per game. His field goal percentage is .527 and from the free throw line, makes 72% of his shots.
One of Joseph’s teammates, is Team Canada’s Andy Rautins, son of former NBA player, and Team Canada coach, Leo Rautins. The younger Rautins is a 6’4, 195 pounds, and can play either guard position. He is counted on by Hall Of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, to make key defensive plays, and to be a leader on the floor, which as a senior, he certainly is. In 23 games, he is averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5 assists, along with 2.3 steals per game, and an assist/turnover ratio of 1.9/1. Rautins has a field goal percentage of .423 and converts 77% of his free throws. From three point range,the Jamesville,New York born Rautins makes .383 of his attempts.
The star player for Syracuse, who seems to be destined for the NBA, is junior forward Wesley Johnson. The Corsicana, Texas native, transferred from Iowa State University, and by NCAA rules, was required to sit out last year, but he was allowed to practice with the team. It became clear to the team,coaching staff, and anyone, like myself, who was able to watch him practice last year, how gifted he was in terms of his skills and leaping ability. In 23 games this year, the 6’7, 205 pound, Wooden Award Midseason Top 30 list member, is averaging 16.7 points, 9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.8 blocks, to go along with a field goal percentage of .545, as well as .425 shooting from three point range. He is converting 74% of his free throws in an average of 33.7 minutes per game.
One of the most impressive characteristics of this team, is their classy demeanor. I have been visiting the Orange practices, a few times each season since 2003. In my visit last week, every player who I was introduced to, including the three mentioned above, went out of their way to find me, either before, during or after practice, just to say ‘hello’, ‘how are you’, or just shake my hand. It was an amazing experience that you rarely find with elite athletes. What a great combination it is, to have highly skilled college basketball players, in conjunction with class, to compliment their business like countenance. Fuse all of this, with the ‘Cuse’s Canadian content, and it’s created compelling sport on the court, at the Carrier Dome.