ONUAKU INJURED: X-rays negative but SU concerned
NEW YORK — As Arinze Onuaku lay on the Madison Square Garden floor Thursday afternoon, grabbing his right knee and writhing in pain, all teammate Scoop Jardine could think about was how much his buddy had overcome in his five years at Syracuse.
"He's battled and battled through bad knees and other injuries, but he's always fought hard," Jardine said. "I just prayed he would be OK."
The prognosis for SU's 6-foot-9, 265-pound fifth-year senior center looks better now than when he was helped off the court after trying to block a dunk by Georgetown's Greg Monroe with 5:07 left in the second half of Thursday's Big East quarterfinals.
ESPN.com reported that X-rays on the knee were negative, and that it is the same kind of "strain" Onuaku has suffered several other times during his career.
Team physician Dr. Irving Raphael was quoted as saying, "I think the key here is just rest and the trainers taking good care of him."
Onuaku had surgery on his right knee following his freshman year. This past offseason, he had a procedure to correct an ongoing problem with the quad tendon in his right knee.
SU coach Jim Boeheim said Onuaku will undergo an MRI when the team returns home. "He's had a tremendous year and is one of our key guys," Boeheim said. "Hopefully, this won't be the end of his career."
Onuaku has averaged 11.2 points and 6.2 rebounds, both career highs. But it is his presence inside that has made him such a valuable player.
"He makes you guard the paint," said SU guard Andy Rautins, the only other senior on the SU squad. "Just his presence inside makes our whole team a lot better. He's a tough guy, and I know that if it's possible he will be back."
If Onuaku cannot return, Kris Joseph, the sophomore who won Big East Sixth Man of the Year honors, will likely step into the starting lineup.
Seven-foot freshman center DaShonte Riley has played in only four Big East games and 14 overall, so he would likely have to shoulder a bigger load.
"We don't even want to think about playing without AO," said SU junior Wes Johnson, Onuaku's roommate. "He and Andy have been the heart and soul of our team this season."
IS SU STILL A TOP SEED?
Despite a quarterfinal loss to Georgetown in Thursday's quarterfinals, SU still appears to be a lock for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
"You can't argue with what they accomplished during the regular season," said ESPN analyst Fran Frashilla. "They won the toughest league in the country by two games, only lost one league road game and have been among the two or three most consistent teams in the country all year long. One loss should not make that big a difference."
Kansas, Kentucky and Duke are the likely other top seeds, with teams such as Kansas State, Ohio State, Purdue, Villanova and Michigan State thought to be in the running.
"Is Syracuse still one of the top teams in the country? Absolutely," said Georgetown coach John Thompson III after his team eliminated SU. "They have proven it over a long period this season and have proven their worth against one of the best schedules in the country."
ESPN "bracketology" guru Joe Lunardi still had SU as a No. 1 even after the loss. Whether they are a No. 1 or No. 2, SU's first-and-second round destination will likely be Buffalo.
Jardine said SU's focus all year long has been so singular on the next game. "That's not going to change," he said. "Coach won't let feel sorry for ourselves."
FREEMAN DEALS WITH DIABETES
Georgetown senior Austin Freeman has had a difficult couple of weeks since being diagnosed with diabetes.
Playing in his third game since, the Hoyas' leading scorer netted 18 points in Thursday's quarterfinal win over top-seeded Syracuse.
"It's been a life-changing experience for Austin and his family," said Georgetown coach John Thompson III. "People talk about it like a sprained ankle or a knee bruise. But it is a huge adjustment for a young man who has handled everything with dignity and class."
Thompson said Freeman is "physically fine. We have specialists monitoring him at every practice and game. During time-outs, they check to see if he is OK."
Said Freeman: "Now that I know how to deal with the problem, it's a lot easier. My teammates, coaches and the whole Georgetown family have been so supportive. I couldn't have dealt with it if not for their help and faith."
