Scoop Jardine relies on family ties

Teams rise to the top of the polls with support.

As the Syracuse University men's basketball team currently plays as the nation's No. 1 team, senior guard Scoop Jardine knows all about support.

Most fans know Jardine is a cousin to fellow teammate sophomore Dion Waiters, but the senior guard also has two more cousins who moved to Syracuse during the past year.

Photo: Kristina Subsara

Scoop Jardine dribbles the ball as the Carrier Dome echoes the sounds of fans shouting "SCOOP" during the team's win over Marshall on Dec. 6.

Tahron “Smoke” Richards and Jahron “Ree” Richards, who grew up with their younger cousin in Philadelphia, are living with Jardine to help support their cousin on and off the court.

Both are around to wake up Jardine for 6 a.m. workouts, cook him healthy meals and chip in with chores at the apartment they all share.

Like any family would expect, there is plenty of fun as well, whether it's battling each other in video games or cheering him on at every home game and scrimmage opportunity.

For home games this season, Jardine and his cousins are often joined by his father, younger brother and extended family members who make the trip from Philadelphia to support No. 11.

Ultimately, having family around really helps to keep a positive mindset, Jardine said, as he navigates his final year of Syracuse basketball.