ACC Coaches Call Notebook: Overcoming BC loss, previewing Virginia Tech
On Monday’s ACC Coaches call, Adrian Autry spoke about overcoming SU's upset loss to Boston College and previewed Wednesday’s matchup versus Virginia Tech. Leonardo Eriman | Senior Staff Photographer
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Syracuse’s March Madness ambitions took a hit Saturday. The Orange fell in overtime 81-73 to Boston College, the Atlantic Coast Conference’s last-place team entering the contest. SU collapsed down the stretch with 18 turnovers, suffering its second conference loss in five games.
In need of some resume building, the Orange have a few prime opportunities on the horizon. Syracuse takes on Quad 2 squad Virginia Tech on Wednesday at 9 p.m. before facing Miami on Saturday at 2 p.m. for a Quad 1 opportunity. SU is 1-4 in Quad 1 games and 1-0 in Quad 2 games.
Here are some notes from Monday’s ACC Men’s Basketball Coaches Zoom Call entering the week:
Reflecting on the upset
In the closing seconds of regulation Saturday, the Orange led by three and the Eagles had the ball. Donald Hand Jr. curled off a screen at the top of the key and Chase Forte held the ball comfortably before delivering to Hand Jr., who swished a 3 to send the game to overtime. Reflecting on the game a few days later, Autry said the only thing he wished SU did differently was execute its plan.
“We didn’t execute what we were supposed to do. We were supposed to foul,” Autry said.
Point guard Naithan George admitted to the mistake first postgame Saturday, also apologizing for his seven turnovers. When asked about George’s recent struggles, Autry said they’ve had conversations about decision-making at certain times of the game. He used a baseball analogy, saying to sometimes go for the single instead of the home-run pass.
“I think he has to take less risk,” Autry said.
When reflecting on the loss to the Eagles, breaking a three-game-game winning streak, Autry said even in the wins with better offensive performances, his defense took a hit. The decrease resulted in BC scoring 81 points despite entering as the worst offense in the conference. To improve, Autry said he’ll hone in on defense and continue to stress its importance, especially on the perimeter.
“We’re kind of trading one for the other,” Autry said of his offense improving while his defense decreased. “We got to get them back both at the same time.”
Autry’s VT preview
VT enters the contest off a 13-point win over Notre Dame. The Hokies average the seventh most points in the ACC at 82.3 per game, but have allowed the fourth most points in the conference (74.1).
Through his film study, Autry said he’s noticed that the Hokies are a connected group that can “seduce” opponents into taking poor shots. Additionally, he said the group rarely fouls and finishes out possessions.
“They pick their spots where they can be aggressive,” Autry said. “The defense is a solid, physical, sound defense.”
On offense, VT is led by Greek native Neoklis Avdalas, a 6-foot-9 freshman guard. His size and outside ability, making almost two 3s per game, spreads out defenses and helps others get involved. Autry also pointed to Amani Hansberry as another threat. The 6-foot-8 forward leads the Hokies with an average of 15.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
Mike Young notes
In Mike Young’s seventh season, the Hokies are 14-5 with a 3-3 ACC record. VT knocked off Virginia, Cal and Notre Dame at home but fell to Wake Forest and SMU on the road. It also dropped a home game to Stanford by one point.
A highlight of Young’s rebuilt team is its perimeter defense, which has held opponents to a 28.8% 3-point mark — the ninth-best mark in the country. In Virginia Tech’s last game, it held Notre Dame to 6-for-24 from deep. Ben Hammond is at the forefront of VT’s perimeter defense this season after growing pains a year ago, in Young’s eyes. Young added that guard Tyler Johnson, who has been out since Dec. 20, likely won’t play Wednesday but is close to a return.
Young pointed out Syracuse’s defense, led by William Kyle III’s shot blocking and guards like George, Nate Kingz and J.J. Starling on the perimeter.
“(Autry has) always done a good job with his team. He’s doing a nice job. They’ve got a good defense, a formidable defense,” Young said. “Anytime you got a shot blocker back there, he can cover up mistakes and Kyle contests all of them. That’s a real luxury, and a luxury that (Autry) has utilized quite well.”
Young said he watched Syracuse’s game against Pitt Monday morning, where the Orange’s offense — led by Donnie Freeman and Starling’s 41-point outburst — ignited for 83 points. He said Starling is a “very good ACC player” and poses challenges, along with a litany of other scorers for SU.
“They’ve got a number of weapons, and they can turn you inside out on the offensive end if you aren’t on top of your game,” Young said.
Random stat of the week
Kiyan Anthony ranks last on the Orange with a -0.55 Bayesian Performance Rating, per EvanMiya Analytics. Only Bryce Zephir and Anthony have produced negative ratings for SU.
