MBB : Jackson fills up stat sheet during SU’s preseason win
Most Syracuse fans focused on the return of guards Andy Rautins and Eric Devendorf to the SU lineup Monday night. They missed the strong performance of Rick Jackson, who could emerge as a key reserve this season.
Jackson, the Orange’s sophomore backup center, led the team with 12 rebounds and was the only SU player consistently hitting the glass. He also scored six points on 3-of-5 shooting and blocked four shots, each one more assertive than the next, in 23 minutes of action off the bench.
At least for one game, Jackson showed he could be a valuable low-court presence, especially on defense against big, physical Big East opponents.
‘Rick is a rebounder,’ SU head coach Jim Boeheim said. ‘That’s what he does best. He is a good low-post player because he rebounds the ball. We need that, and there will be opportunities for him to play at the four this year, because we’ll need that rebounding in certain situations.’
Jackson was especially impressive in the first half, when Syracuse struggled to secure rebounds in its developing man-to-man defense. He grabbed eight boards when no other Orange player had more than four, and recorded all four of his blocks in the game’s first 30 minutes.
Offensively, Jackson was less polished, but showed moments of promise with several strong low-post moves, using his 6-foot-9 frame to clear space in the lane. Perhaps his most mature and veteran play came in the first half, when he drew a double team on the block and kicked the ball out to point guard Jonny Flynn for an open 3.
Although Jackson likely will not play in the regular season as much as he did Monday against Cal-State Los Angeles – more than starters Arinze Onuaku, Paul Harris and Kristof Ongenaet – his performance suggested he could be ready for a more prominent role this season.
‘Ricky is ready,’ Boeheim said. ‘He played a lot last year. I think he’s ready to help.’
Fresh start
Monday night also gave SU fans their first glimpse at the Orange’s two coveted freshmen – Kris Joseph and Mookie Jones. Both newcomers played important roles against the Golden Eagles and showed flashes of their potential.
Joseph played 22 minutes, scored four points and snagged three rebounds. At times, he looked a little tentative and hesitant with the ball, especially in the first half, trying to find a rhythm with his new teammates. His one field goal came in the second half on a layup at the 5:49 mark.
‘In warm-ups, I felt very confident, but the first time I was subbed in, that was my first experience, and it all changed,’ Joseph said. ‘The first half was a little crazy, but the second half was much better.’
Jones entered the game at the 13:51 mark of the first half to an extended ‘Moooookie’ chant, reminiscent to the one given to former Syracuse center Darryl ‘Mookie’ Watkins. The new Mookie played 15 minutes Monday night and scored eight points, including two 3’s.
Unlike his freshman counterpart, Jones showed little nervousness on the court, hoisting up six field goals and five 3-point attempts.
‘It felt good,’ Jones said. ‘I felt like now I’m a part of it, scoring my first basket in the Dome.’
New line? No problem
Much has been made during the offseason about the new college 3-point line, which was moved back a foot this offseason. Monday was Syracuse’s first chance to try the tougher 3-point shot out for size, and it didn’t seem to have much trouble.
The Orange shot 9-of-21 from deep (43 percent), and five different players hit at least one 3-pointer.
Even Paul Harris, who last year was told by Boeheim to stop taking longer shots, hit 2-of-4 and said after the game the reigns have been taken off.
‘I got some open looks, and I took them,’ Harris said. ‘I have been hitting them in practice, too, I really have. Coach said if I shoot 33 percent in practice, I can shoot them in the game.’
Published on November 4, 2008 at 12:00 pm
