November 16, 2006
the showstopper
If you weren't there, it's too bad, because you missed it. It was a performance that ignited both the team on Jim Boeheim Court and the crowd surrounding it, practically causing mass-hysteria in a game that SU won going away. Last night, Paul Harris made his first official announcement: he's an Orangeman now, and he's here to make an impact.
In a contest during which the first 25 minutes were no more than a pilot episode of The Eric and Andy Show, Terrence Roberts owned both backboards throughout, and the Cuse dominated Northeastern 76-36 over the last 33 minutes, the only moment anyone will remember today was a single play created and finished by a certain freshman sensation, well after the outcome had been decided. No, I'm not referring to the Huskies' Matt Janning, who lit up the Orange for 16 points in his first NCAA experience and seemed he'd never missed a threeball in his life - last night was emphatically claimed by the Orange #11, with SU up 18 and only 6:03 showing on the clock.
This morning's Associated Press story will tell you all about how Syracuse was down 15 just seven minutes into the game, that the Orange's man-to-man defense was exposed as ineffective and underdeveloped, that the Cuse shot 48% from the arc without a certain departed long-range leader, and that their Hall of Fame coach jumped into 15th position on the career win list. The AP will also wrongly inform you that Harris finished the first half with a buzzer-beating, crowd-combusting slam dunk though it was actually FNNP Mike Jones who sparked the halftime chants and cheers from the orange-clad student section (give credit where it's due).
What the national recap of the game will not tell you is that despite Devo's game-leading 19 points and 8 assists, Roberts' 13 rebounds, and Rautins' take-charge 1st half assault from 20 feet, it was on the evening of November 15th that Mr. Harris presented Exhibit A in his case for Big East FOY.
With his team ahead by 16, the game virtually locked up, and only about 15,000 of the Syracuse faithful left in the building, the FNP (Freshman Named Paul) finds himself at the bottom of the Orange zone with Northeastern point guard Bobby Kelly bringing the ball up the court. Sensing a pass from Kelly to the Husky off guard across the top of the key, Harris makes a break for the rock from his station next to the low block and manages to poke it off course, back towards the Northeastern basket. With a quick burst of speed, the freshman brings the ball under control and sprints upcourt to his left, carving a path from the half court circle to a space just inside the 3-point arc.
Along with everyone else in attendance, Harris spies Kelly making a move from right to left across the paint to intercept him before he reaches the hoop. Devendorf, who had been trailing the play, also sees Kelly begin his run to the blocks and makes himself available on the foul line for an easy bounce & lay-in. Anticipating the pass, many fans in the arena jump to their feet and look for yet another bucket from Devo, who had been draining everything he put up all night long. To their surprise, though, Harris would have none of it. Instead of dishing, the 6'5" (more or less) blue-chipper from Niagara puts the ball in his right hand and leaps towards the basket. Kelly, a 6'3" senior, forever regrets his next move - if it were a bigger game, the posters would already be rolling off the press, Hakim-over-Ivey style.
Thinking he can contest the dunk, Kelly jumps to block Harris' attempt, pushing his left arm as high as it will go. Harris, who must see the bright red jersey flying towards him, simply ignores Kelly and powers the ball through the net, acting as if it were just a few feet off the ground and his opponent topped out no more than a yard high. He soars past Kelly as he does it, the length of his body nearly extending parallel to the floor, arm stretching to the rim. It's one of those explosive moments that can only be found in sports, much like a no-doubt 10th inning upper deck homerun at Yankee Stadium, or a thunderous inertia-reversing hit on a running back at the goaline. Those in the crowd who were sitting are suddenly on their feet, screaming and clapping for more. Those who were already standing find themselves with their hands raised above their heads, feeling just as dominant and powerful as the young Harris dunking over a man 3 years his elder.
Once he touches down, Harris runs the length of the floor, crossing halfcourt with wings out to each side, asking for the Dome crowd to give him more. He finds himself at the center of attention, receiving his first real Welcome-to-Cusetown reception. Bill Coen has no choice but to call timeout, extending the home crowd's appreciation of its new star for a couple extra minutes.
It was a play that defined the entire game - despite Northeastern's best efforts to stop them Syracuse dominated the contest with length and athleticism, moving the score from 7-22 to 81-58. Much like a hopeful Bobby Kelly, the Huskies acted as if they could out-hustle the Cuse to an upset and, much like a powerful Paul Harris, the Orange slammed the win back in their faces. It was the top play of the early season, and likely the first of many ovation-inducing moments for a freshman who has begun adapting to new surroundings. The win was the result of a team effort, with many significant contributions, but Paul Harris owned and defined the game with a single steal-to-breakaway finish. If you didn't see it, I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm sure there are many similar moments are soon to arrive. Just don't miss out next time.
