Frosh shows off for SU
SYRACUSE — James Southerland was kind of the forgotten man among Syracuse's incoming recruits and newcomers this season.
Perhaps for not much longer.
The freshman forward made an auspicious debut Sunday afternoon, scoring a team-high 19 points and making all seven shots he took during SU's 97-54 exhibition win over Cal State Los Angeles in the Carrier Dome.
One of four players making their first appearance in an SU uniform, the 6-foot-8 rookie from Bayside (Queens) finished 5-for-5 from 3-point range, which reminded some Orange fans of Carmelo Anthony's debut game in a 2003 exhibition when the future NBA star poured in 38 points.
But veteran SU coach Jim Boeheim downplayed the expectations for his freshman forward before they got started.
"We knew James was a good shooter, so it's no surprise he made some open shots,'' Boeheim said. "But he's still a freshman, and sometimes they just don't know better when they are out there.''
To Southerland's credit, he said all the right things when questioned about the phenomenal start.
"It felt good to play well, but I'm still learning every day,'' he said. "Fortunately, we have a lot of experienced guys and they found me in a lot of open situations. I'm sure every game isn't going to be this easy.''
Southerland was actually recruited two years ago, but spent his final high school season as well as last season at Notre Dame Prep (Fitchburg, Mass.), the same school that former SU player Paul Harris attended. Boeheim knew he was getting a more mature recruit than most of his first-year players.
"James is a little older (almost 20) and has a little more experience than a normal freshman,'' Boeheim said. "He's got all of the great physical tools and a good feel for the game.''
Yet, Southerland was overshadowed in most of the preseason talk. People were curious about how freshman point guard Brandon Triche would work out, what junior transfer Wesley Johnson would bring to the team, and if 7-foot rookie center DaShonte Riley could make an impact.
Sophomore point guard Scoop Jardine, who shared duties with Triche on Sunday, said he's known about Southerland for awhile.
"I actually worked out with him two summers ago when he was up here, and then we played together every day this past summer,'' said Jardine, who missed most of last season with a stress fracture in his leg. "He's the real deal. He reminds me a little bit of Trevor Ariza (who shined for the Los Angeles Lakers in last year's NBA Playoffs). The guy can downright shoot the ball. And he's really willing to listen and learn.''
Southerland hit his first shot, a 16-foot jumper, just a few minutes after being inserted into Sunday's game in the first half. He also drilled his first 3-pointer right before halftime.
In the second half, Southerland hit three 3-pointers within a 2-minute span, then left to a standing ovation after draining his fifth 3-pointer in a row.
"Seeing my teammates and the fans excited was pretty cool,'' said Southerland. "But it's just one game. I'm not going to get too excited until I do it consistently.''
Triche, a local favorite out of Jamesville-DeWitt High School, started at point. He scored eight points on 3 of 6 shooting (one 3-pointer) and dished out three assists in 21 minutes.
Johnson, a transfer from Iowa State, also started, scoring eight points and grabbing eight rebounds. Riley played 17 minutes, scoring four points and registering six rebounds.
"I thought all of the new guys did pretty well and contributed. That's a positive sign,'' said Boeheim.
Junior forward Rick Jackson had 12 points and 12 rebounds, while sophomore Kris Joseph scored 13 points. Jardine and senior center Arinze Onuaku added 10 points each for SU.
