It was October of last year. DaShonte Riley, a center on the SU basketball team, was looking forward to fighting for a starting spot in the frontcourt for the Orange. He only averaged 1.4 points and 1.5 rebounds per game as a freshman, but there was no doubt that his size and skill could help in the paint. Then it happened. Riley suffered a foot injury in fall practice that required surgery and in effect, he missed the 2010-2011 season.
Since the surgery, Riley has been working hard to return to the court as strong as ever. He has been working with Ryan Cabiles, the strength coach, and Brad Pike, the head trainer, to build strength and get back into game shape.
Most of the exercises have been focused on his lower body. Riley is “getting certain things stronger so it relieves stress on my foot,” he said.
Missing this past season, though, was tough for the seven-foot, Detroit native. However, the most difficult aspect of sitting out this year is not what one would think. Riley wasn’t worried about his individual game or reputation, but he was worried about his team, especially senior Rick Jackson.
Riley described the most difficult part of sitting out as “not being able to help Rick out in his senior year.”
However, the experience wasn’t all bad. Through watching the games on the sidelines, Riley realized that “the game is a learning experience and in this past season, I took an outside approach, more of a student’s role.”
Also, since he couldn’t practice, Riley was able to devote his time to different areas, such as lifting. “I feel stronger since I spent more time in the weight room which was one of the biggest areas of improvement for me,” he said.
Riley was just recently given the go-ahead to start engaging in physical activity again. Although his right foot is not completely back at 100%, Riley told me it’s “in the high 90%.”
By the start of next season, Riley should be back to 100% and better than ever. With the graduation of Rick Jackson, the Orange have an unexperienced frontline. However, the return of Riley could provide a big boost. He fills the paint with his seven-foot frame, but is also skilled enough to score in the post and defend without fouling.
With Riley’s new approach to the game, stronger frame and healed ankle, he could prove to be an x-factor for the Orange next season. Syracuse fans, get excited - DaShonte Riley is back.
Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basketball. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Autry Reportedly Returning To Cuse
Adrian Autry will reportedly be the next assistant coach for the Syracuse Orange. He will take the position of recruiting coordinator that Rob Murphy previously had, before leaving to be the head coach at Eastern Michigan.
Just weeks ago it looked like Autry, 39, was headed to Dayton to be an assistant, but once Murphy left the SU staff, Boeheim quickly made a move to hire Autry.
“I think he’s the right kind of guy. He’ll be perfect. I’ve always been impressed with Adrian.”
Autry is no stranger to Syracuse. He graduated from SU in 1994, after being a four-year starter at point guard for his new boss - Jim Boeheim. Autry will join former backcourt mate Mike Hopkins on the staff. Hopkins has nothing but praise for his future colleague.
“‘Red’ [Autry] is one of those guys who’s just gotten better and better as a coach and recruiter because he’s worked at those things just as hard as he worked on his game when he was a player,” assistant coach Mike Hopkins said.
After graduating from Syracuse, Autry played professionally overseas in Greece, Russia, Italy, Spain and France. While in Europe, he also periodically wrote for ESPN the Magazine about playing overseas and living abroad. After his playing career, Autry worked in basketball at the high school and AAU levels until catching on with Seth Greenberg as a member of the Virginia Tech staff.
Autry should be one of the leading recruiters on the staff at Syracuse. He has deep connections with Team Takeover, a highly successful AAU program based out of Baltimore, as well as the Triple Threat AAU.
With the addition of Autry, each member of the SU staff is a Syracuse grad - Boeheim, Fine, Hopkins and Autry. The Syracuse coaches are looking forward to his arrival and what he can bring to the program.
“I think Adrian will be one of the very best assistant coaches in the country,” Boeheim said. “I think he’s one of the hottest candidates in the world.
Just weeks ago it looked like Autry, 39, was headed to Dayton to be an assistant, but once Murphy left the SU staff, Boeheim quickly made a move to hire Autry.
“I think he’s the right kind of guy. He’ll be perfect. I’ve always been impressed with Adrian.”
Autry is no stranger to Syracuse. He graduated from SU in 1994, after being a four-year starter at point guard for his new boss - Jim Boeheim. Autry will join former backcourt mate Mike Hopkins on the staff. Hopkins has nothing but praise for his future colleague.
“‘Red’ [Autry] is one of those guys who’s just gotten better and better as a coach and recruiter because he’s worked at those things just as hard as he worked on his game when he was a player,” assistant coach Mike Hopkins said.
After graduating from Syracuse, Autry played professionally overseas in Greece, Russia, Italy, Spain and France. While in Europe, he also periodically wrote for ESPN the Magazine about playing overseas and living abroad. After his playing career, Autry worked in basketball at the high school and AAU levels until catching on with Seth Greenberg as a member of the Virginia Tech staff.
Autry should be one of the leading recruiters on the staff at Syracuse. He has deep connections with Team Takeover, a highly successful AAU program based out of Baltimore, as well as the Triple Threat AAU.
With the addition of Autry, each member of the SU staff is a Syracuse grad - Boeheim, Fine, Hopkins and Autry. The Syracuse coaches are looking forward to his arrival and what he can bring to the program.
“I think Adrian will be one of the very best assistant coaches in the country,” Boeheim said. “I think he’s one of the hottest candidates in the world.
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