Freshman Joseph chips in for SU
SYRACUSE — As one of the new players in town, Syracuse freshman forward Kris Joseph realizes he has to make a quick impression on the Orange coaching staff.
Not only to earn more playing time as the season progresses. But to prove to himself that he can compete in college basketball at the major Division I level.
Joseph took a big step in both areas Sunday as SU finished off its two-game exhibition season with a 73-63 victory over Division II Indiana University (Pa.) in the Carrier Dome. Joseph scored 14 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the field, as SU took a 21-point halftime lead then played a sloppy second half.
Joseph also finished with five rebounds in 28 solid minutes. Those numbers and his all-around play drew the attention and praise of head coach Jim Boeheim.
"Kris was really good the first half," Boeheim said. "He looked a lot more calm and under control than the first game. He's got a lot of different skills and will just keep getting better and better with more experience."
A prep standout at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C., after leaving his native Montreal for his senior season, Joseph figures to see plenty of playing time as Boeheim tries to find a replacement for Donte Greene at power forward.
"Kris is a pretty good shooter, he can put the ball on the floor and he's a good defender," Boeheim said. "He needs work on his rebounding and shot selection, but so do most freshmen.''
Admittedly nervous in his first outing Monday against Cal-State Los Angeles, Joseph said he felt a lot more comfortable in his second college outing.
"I could feel myself more relaxed when I went into the game today," said Joseph, a well-built, 6-foot-7, 220-pounder. "My first two shots were easy, open looks and I knocked them down. That built my confidence in a hurry."
Joseph made two 3s in succession toward the end of the first half.
"Kris is a scorer, and gives us another weapon," said SU sophomore point guard Jonny Flynn, who finished with 14 points and six assists. "He's really been playing well in practice, and looked like a veteran today."
Boeheim played Joseph 15 minutes the second half, mainly because Kristof Ongenaet fouled out with 10 minutes remaining.
"Kris is the most natural guy for that position," said Boeheim. "But he can also played the three, so that gives us some flexibility up front.''
Joseph said he's already learned a lot in his short college career.
"You can't force things at this level and get away with it," he said. "You must be patient on offense and let the game come to you."
Joseph said defending players like Paul Harris (12 points) and Rick Jackson in practice has already made him a better and more physical defender.
While Joseph shined Sunday, fellow rookie Mookie Jones was not much of a factor in his 17-minute stint. He missed all four of his shots — all 3-pointers — and looked a little overwhelmed at times.
"Mookie is really hurting physically," Boeheim said. "His ankle, shoulder, hip and wrist all hurt, and that's not good for a shooter."
Boeheim said Jones has struggled more than Joseph because "the physical play is holding him back. He knows it, and knows he has to get stronger. He's a streak shooter who needs to gain more consistency."
nNOTES:Eric Devendorfled SU with 15 points and looked a lot more mobile coming off his knee injury. "He's coming," said Boeheim. "But he's still not back to where he was before he got hurt. It's just going to take a little more time." ...Andy Rautins, also returning from an ACL injury, did not dress after spraining his ankle in practice Saturday. "He got really beat up and took a couple of stitches," Boeheim said. "Hopefully, he'll only be out a couple of days and will be able to practice at the end of the week." ... SU opens the regular season playing cross-city Le Moyne College in the O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic on Sunday night at the Dome.
