Puzzled: Better Opportunity at Syracuse?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tommy
I don't think that's a fair assumption at all. Rather than having a "chip on his shoulder," I'd say it's more likely that he wanted to play at a perennial top 10 power, under a Hall of Fame coach, with a decent chance to win championships in a major conference and nationally, at a school where there are real academic opportunities as well. You know, kind of like Duke.
That makes a lot of sense to me. For Michael, it's probably not about settling any scores with Duke, or focusing on the "ethics" of playing against Duke, it's about him -- where he believes he can maximize his potential -- athletically and academically.
What intrigues me about this transfer is about basketball: Michael's going to a top basketball school with a big bench, where he he has to wait a year to play and then faces competing with Jeremi Grant at SF, among others. Doesn't seem like he would have a lock to play more. And, yes, Syracuse plays zone, but they play a rather excellent, active and sophisticated version of zone. Boeheim surely has studied tape and has likely talked with Coach K about Gbinije's abilities, potential and attitude. Coach K and Boeheim are friends and colleagues after all.
I am fully aware that to understand this transfer, we need inside information, which I don't have. What made this transfer desirable for Michael? And I'm giving everyone, deservedly, the benefit of any doubt. Not looking for conspiracies or deficiencies. I'm just very curious -- wish I knew. Anyone know? Thanks!!
Possible answer to the situation with Michael?
Has anyone even thought about the possibility that Michael's main problem considering playing time for Duke was maybe that he had a lot of trouble learning the man-to-man system, and that the reason he transferred to Syracuse is that they play zone? My thoughts on his lack of playing time have been centered around K's traditional attitude of having his players earn it through their defensive skills. I thought he did very well offensively for the short periods he was in there, considering that he was not a starting freshman. Comments?
ricks