The Syracuse men's basketball team appeared hungry to play during media day and the scrimmage that followed after.
Head coach Jim Boeheim [10] was the first to answer questions as he and his team made themselves available during media day at Carmelo Anthony Practice Facility early Friday afternoon.
Freshman forward Marek Dolezaj [11], hailing from Bratislava, Slovakia, hasn't been in the United States for long, but Boeheim said that isn't a problem for the 6'9" big man.
"He's a pretty good shooter," Boeheim said. "Not as good as some other European big guys, but pretty good. He works hard at the game. He understands the game. Doesn't understand me much, but understands the game and how to play," Boeheim said with a smile.
Syracuse won in the offseason without playing a game by successfully recruiting four-star point guard Howard Washington [12]. Coach Boeheim was quick to praise the young freshman.
"Howard is a very solid player. He reminds me of Tyler Ennis in how he plays and how he understands the game. He's probably a better shooter than Tyler."
Syracuse not only recruited Washington, but also signed four-star forward Oshae Brissett [13]. The two were teammates at Athlete Institute Basketball Academy and now are roommates at the University. Washington believes the duo will have success together for the Orange and added he will do anything it takes to be a winner.
"Whatever coach assigns me to do, I'm gonna go out there and do it. Personally, my job is to run the team, be the point guard, knock down shots when I need to, [and] get everyone else involved."
A majority of the team believes Brissett is going to be the biggest surprise for the Orange this season.
"Man is talented," said forward Matthew Moyer [14]. "I looked at the ESPN 100, and he wasn't on there. I was shocked. I play against him every single day, and he's really good.
Dolezaj shared Moyer's sentiment about the freshman small forward. Dolezaj said he improves every time he plays Brissett one on one.
With media day wrapped up, everyone made their way to the Carrier Dome, where the team was divided into two sides, Orange and White, in a four quarter, 40-minute scrimmage.
Brissett looked as good, if not better, as his teammates said he was. Brissett led the charge for the winning side, unofficially (by the media's tally) scoring 20 points in a game the Orange team won 69-60.
Boeheim was in good spirits after the game, joking he'll "Need to look at the game tape" in order to determine who was the best player on the court during the scrimmage.
Syracuse men's basketball plays its first exhibition game against Southern New Hampshire on Wednesday, November 1, at 7 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.
