Orange - circa 2012-13

We’ve been into the Dome twice in the last week to see this year’s Orange. I know it’s too early in the year to know much about how they will perform in March, and I also know that the past week's opposition wasn’t that tough, but even so, here’s the preliminary report.

The Bench. I think one of the most promising things about this year's team is its depth. Not only are they going to play eight guys regularly, maybe nine if freshman Jerami Grant comes along, but the first two guys off the bench might be the best offensive players on the team -- certainly the best two shooters. I’m speaking about Southerland and redshirt freshman, Trevor Cooney. The Princeton game was a perfect example. The offense was out of sorts most of the night, but Southerland, in the role of sixth man, led the team in scoring with 22 points, hitting four of six threes. Cooney did nothing against Princeton, but in the Wagner game, he was a spark off the bench, hitting his first three, leading the team in steals, and adding a couple beautiful assists for good measure.

Rebounding. Cuse's biggest weakness last year, even as they held the number one ranking for several weeks, was a lack of rebounding. That will change this year with DaJuan Coleman replacing Fab Melo in the middle of the back line, and Rakeem Christmas having not only added several pounds, but a year of experience as well. Coleman is a monster; as a freshman, he’s bigger and more imposing the AO was even in his senior year. He’s as close to an immovable object as one could find on a basketball court. I mean, it would be easier to bring down the backboard than to move Coleman off the block. Plus he has great hands. So with Christmas and CJ Fair, he gives the Orange the ability to control the boards far better than they did last year.

2-3 Zone. Somehow Boeheim takes a new group of kids each year, and molds them into a dominant defensive force. And it looks like he will accomplish that once again this year. They are long and quick, with two big guards at the top of the zone -- Triche and Carter-Williams. Last year the offense was triggered by the defense, with the guards generating steals that led to breakaway baskets. Against Princeton, the team had nineteen steals, with Southerland leading the way with five. It seemed to me that most of the steals came as Princeton tried to force the ball inside, so there weren’t many easy buckets; but still, it’s far easier to win when you force the opposition into 22 turnovers. Right now, early in the season, especially with freshmen and sophomores on the floor, the zone is still a bit out of sync. But I think as the season progresses, this group will coalesce into another defensive force.

I wasn’t enamored with the way in which Carter-Williams ran the offense. He looks great in the box score, with twenty assists in the last two games. But he spent most of the game dribbling around the top of the defense, looking to penetrate into the lane and then dish to someone down low. Too often the lane was clogged and he or Triche turned the ball over. Plus, Coleman can play with his back to the basket, shades of AO, so I’d like to see more inside-out play. My buddy Matt insists that Carter-Williams is the best player on the team, so probably I shouldn’t be complaining. But I thought the offense looked out of sorts, particularly against a couple of overmatched opponents.

Still, I’m very encouraged by what I saw. Good defense, improved rebounding, and two great shooters coming off the bench. I think they have another chance to play deep into the post-season. So once again, Go Orange!

Van Winkle 23

A week ago, we were in Albany for a wedding, and ended up one night at the bar in our hotel, with the unfortunate name of “ DP, an American Brasserie”. What kind of a name is that for a bar? After we had already ordered cocktails, I noticed, on a shelf high above the bar, a bottle of Van Winkle Special Reserve, 12 year old. I asked the bartender what they charged for the Van Winkle, and he, in turn, asked: “For the 12, for the 20, or for the 23?”  “No, just the 12”, I replied. And as it was a modest $13 a pour,  I ordered one, to go with my Pimm’s Cup.

 

After having identified myself as a whisky lover, merely by virtue of having spied the Winkle high above the bar; and then having engaged the bartender in lengthy and detailed conversation about Van Winkle, its present scarcity, its outstanding flavor, and the fact that the 15 was my favorite, and of course after dropping the name of the now defunct Stitzel-Weller distillery, where Van Winkle was once produced, I was ready to take the next step. “Have you tasted the 23?” asked the bartender? “No”, I replied, “too rich for my taste.” A couple minutes later he returned with a short pour, maybe half an ounce, but on the house.

 

Now, I have tasted some pretty good whiskies in the past few years, including a host of great bourbons when we went to Whisky Live in Boston. But this Winkle 23 was unique -- unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. It had a rich creamy texture - smoother, softer, and more rounded even than the great aged scotches we’ve had a chance to sample. Of course, bourbon is by nature sweeter than scotch, owing to the corn in the mash, but this Winkle was so thick and rich, almost like syrup. And, as you would expect, it had a long, really long finish. We passed the taste around so everyone could get a drop or two, and when the glass came back, several minutes later, I could still taste the rich caramel flavor on my palate.

 

I’m a big fan a the various Van Winkles. We used to drink the 12 regularly, when one could easily find it on the shelf in several local establishments. I used to keep a bottle of the 15 around, but unfortunately, I haven’t even seen any of that for the past couple years. And I still have the better part of a bottle of 20 that a grateful client gave me a few years ago. I heard John recently found a couple bottles of Jefferson Presidential Select, which is actually 18 year old Van Winkle, from Stitzel-Weller. All of them are great. All of them are a must-have-one, when I see them out somewhere. But I’ve got to figure out a way to get a bottle of the 23. Before it completely disappears. A truly unique whisky.

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