A true changing of guard for SU

It's been a staple throughout Jim Boeheim's long tenure at Syracuse University.

The Orange has always relied on strong point guards, from Pearl Washington to Sherman Douglas to Gerry McNamara to the most recent, Jonny Flynn, for not only leadership but for their scoring prowess. They've been a reliable scoring option from the backcourt, and that in turn has taken pressure off the big guys to produce a lot of points.

That could change dramatically this season with Flynn having given up his final two years to play in the NBA. Stepping into the brink for Boeheim will be two pass-first point guards instead of those always looking for their shots.

How sophomore Scoop Jardine and true freshman Brandon Triche handle the quarterbacking duties for SU will most likely determine if the Orange can truly contend for another Big East Conference title, or fall back into the pack.

"We have all the faith in the world with Scoop or Brandon handling the ball," said Boeheim, which has been his stance since Flynn decided to opt out of college. "They won't be nearly as dynamic as Jonny for sure. But as far as doing what we need to be done, and getting the ball to our scorers, they absolutely can do it effectively."

Jardine is coming off a stress fracture in his leg that forced him to miss all of last season. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder from Philadelphia did play in 33 games as a freshman two years ago, averaging 5.5 points and handing out 82 assists in backup duty behind Flynn.

"Scoop had a chance to work on his game, get into better shape and become a much more complete player," Boeheim said. "He looks so much more comfortable and he's moving better than ever."

To his credit, Jardine used the year off to remake his body. He's now a lot slimmer, quicker and stronger.

"I wasn't ready for the grind or the speed of the game as a freshman," Jardine said. "The training staff has worked with me daily to get into great shape, and I've put in a lot of time to make sure I'm really ready to lead this team."

Jardine is a slasher with a good feel for the game and the ability to make tough passes. He still has a weird-looking jumper, but can take the ball to the basket.

"Scoop looks like a totally different player," said teammate and former high school buddy Rick Jackson. "He's playing with so much more confidence. I think people will be surprised how good he can be."

Triche comes into the SU program with double the pressure. He not only is trying to replace one of the most popular and exciting players in school history, he is the local kid trying to make good out of Jamesville-DeWitt High School.

But Boeheim has no qualms about putting the ball in Triche's hands.

"He's a terrific player that improves every practice," Boeheim said. "People say he's not a true point guard, but that's not true. He just scored a lot in high school because he had to. He's perfectly happy with setting up other guys and making plays."

At a sculpted 6-4, 198 pounds, the nephew of former SU star Howie Triche doesn't possess a great outside shot, but is what Boeheim termed "a playmaker." He has already convinced his teammates he's ready for the big time.

"I've played against him for years," said senior guard Andy Rautins, another Jamesville-DeWitt alumni. "He's already got the body of a pro, and he's much mature than his years."

For Triche, relying on his teammates for guidance and just playing his game will make him a valuable performer.

"Coach said he just wants me to run this team and do the things a good point guard does," Triche said. "I know I'm not going to score like in high school, but I believe I can score if I have to. But we have so many offensive options. That will make our job a lot simpler."

Boeheim points out that he has had inexperienced point guards before (Flynn, McNamara in particular) and "that has worked out pretty good for us. Pairing them with Andy is a huge bonus because he has a world of experience."

With the addition of transfer Wesley Johnson to the SU frontcourt, paired with Jackson and senior center Arinze Onuaku, Boeheim sees this team as "certainly more inside oriented. We can throw it down inside and get consistent scoring from any of those three guys."

For now, Jardine and Triche are happy to be sharing the load. "Coach has told us we're both going to play, so the minutes or who starts doesn't matter," Jardine said. "All we care about is doing our jobs and helping this team win.''