While Syracuse students were enjoying their winter break and relaxing on the couch watching sporting events or reality TV shows, the SU men’s basketball team was getting down to business (now 20-0 we remain undefeated).
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As the break signaled the start of Big East play for the Orange, the team has won all of their games by playing exceptionally well on defense. A big part of that, lies with Dion Waiters. The sophomore guard has transformed since freshman year, and even though he is coming off the bench, Waiters is averaging 13.1 points per game only trailing behind Wooden Award finalist Kris Joseph who is averaging 13.7 points per game.
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The bigger story though than Waiter’s is undoubtedly the dramatic improvement of Fab Melo. Fab is as agile as ever and can run the court without stopping every five seconds, thanks in part to a 30-pound loss in weight over the offseason. But it is his ability to alter shots and/or block them that has people talking. In a game against Seton Hall, Melo blocked a school record 10 shots.
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While the Orange haven’t been perfect this team looks destine for a Final Four run when it’s all said and done. It would be a huge accomplishment given all the scrutiny the team has been under with the Bernie Fine allegations. Â
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Syracuse chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.