Good Hoops and Beverages in the Cuse

Another weekend in the Cuse, this one devoted to hoops and, as always, beverages. Let’s talk hoops first. We saw the Orange open this year’s season against St. Francis last night, winning easily after an uneven start. The team was tight for the first eight minutes or so, with no one able to hit a shot from the outside. But while we were unable to find a way to score, we were even more effective in keeping St. Francis off the scoreboard. A couple encouraging notes even from this slow start were a better job on the boards (in part resulting from the fact that St. Francis was small), and a hustling man defense. After a while, the defense led to some fast breaks, and Cuse opened up a double digit lead. In the second half, shots began to drop; Nichols hit a couple in a row; Gorman and Josh Wright hit threes; everyone loosened up, and the game became a blowout.

Several positive signs from the opener. First, the bench is deep. Nine guys played more than ten minutes. Five guys were in double figures. Second, two of the freshmen look ready to contribute immediately. Paul Harris (the new PH) is going to be great. He lacks a consistent outside shot, and it’s unfair to compare him to Melo, but he is a tenacious defender, a great rebounder (unbelievable really for a guy only 6’5”), and on a couple occasions looked unstoppable when slashing to the hoop. He’s too quick for big men to guard, and too strong for guards. So when he gets into the lane, he’s either going to get to the rim, or else one of our big guys will be open. Mike Jones looked tight, but contributed during the second half. At one point during the second half, and well before garbage time, we had three freshmen and two sophomores on the court. Third, we’re much quicker than we have been for the past few years. Lots of fast break buckets from turnovers, and even off the defensive boards. And enough quickness to be effective in the man D.

Potential problem areas include the lack of a consistent outside shooter; no go-to-guy in the half court offense; and Eric Devendorf, who has taken his punk-ass trash-talking image to a new level. It’s OK for him to have an off night shooting, which he did, but not OK to ignore the coach on the sidelines, nor to pout on the court after a turnover or a foul. Still, if Josh Wright plays well, and doesn’t turn the ball over needlessly, this team should be in good shape come March.

After the game, we walked downtown, and found ourselves at the Blue Tusk, where there are 69 beers on tap. Susan had a Middle Ages (local microbrew) wheat, and I had a Red Breast. The bar has a small but quality selection of Scotch and Irish whisky. And it was packed. (We went back for lunch, where I had a Middle Ages porter; I like to support the local breweries, wherever we are.) Armory Square is something else. Before the game, we ate at Lemon Grass, an upscale Thai restaurant (think Thai with white tablecloths), and this place had a great selection of malts. Unfortunately, most of the selection was tilted toward the very high end of the spectrum. I was standing at the bar, admiring the inventory, and the barmaid tried to sell me Macallan 25. Only $30 for a measured shot. Um, no thanks. Fun to read the menu, with over 40 selections, but for the most part, too much dough even for a whisky lover like me. Still, it was just another reflection on the diverse and interesting collection of people and spirits that we have found in downtown Syracuse. Who knew?