How Jim Boeheim’s 2–3 Zone is affective for so long
COLUMBUS- As the ACC vs Big Ten challenge continues, the 16th ranked Ohio State Men’s basketball team will be matching up against this tough Syracuse basketball team, November 28th in Columbus at the Schott. Before the game, C.J. Jackson and Keyshawn Woods, along with head coach Chris Holtmann were asked about overcoming this dangerous 2–3 zone.
“Its definitely unique, its when you think of Syracuse, the first thing you think of is that zone before anything else. I don't think I can compare their zone to anybody that I have seen personally, we just can’t be too consumed with the zone or how they play defensively.”
Senior guard C.J. Jackson talks about playing this unique Syracuse defense. Unlike any other because of the speed and height of this teams roster. With the average height on the team at 6'7 with versatile abilities on both sides of the court, the option to get open threes just isn’t likely. With a team shooting just 26% from the three point area on the year, they will need some help against this chaotic zone defense.
“Its frustrating because I mean, 40 minutes of them just laid back and you having to guard them man on the other end and then they are just right there in your face at all times. They move, but they don't move all the time. We need to get the ball in the middle. We get to the middle that's how we break down their zone.”
Keyshawn Woods saying this due to his first hand experience playing against Syracuse. Before transferring to Ohio State, he played at Wake Forest. With them being in the ACC, he was able to play Syracuse a few times so he has seen them face to face.
Chris Holtmann asked about Jim Boeheim and his defensive strategies over the last few decades. “ I don't throw this lightly, I do think Coach Boeheim is a defensive wizard. He’s a genius in some of his concepts, the adjustments they make. I don't throw it around lightly, it is phenomenal at what they do.”
When it comes to college basketball, some coaches stand out more than others: Coach K, Tom Izzo, Bill Self, John Calipari and of course Jim Boeheim. These are some of the elite coaches in the league to this day. Every coach has something unique to them, and for Jim Boeheim its his defensive strategies. The 74-year-old coach has dominated in the league ever since he started. Entering his 42nd season with Syracuse, he has an impressive 929- 370 record, a national championship in 2003, named Naismith Coach of the year in 2010 and 33 NCAA tournaments reached. If Boeheim knows two things: its how to play defense, and how to win.
“Its like going to the dentist, and not for a cleaning. It is 40 minutes of that. You have to be able to endure that, you have to be able to weather. If you think you're going to go into this game getting your open threes, you are wrong.
Chris Holtmann when asked about what its like going against this defense. Knowing this will be a difficult matchup for them, but eager to give it his all.
The Buckeyes hoping to keep their undefeated record and reach 7–0 on the year. With it being student night and the return of former Ohio State basketball coach Thad Matta, expect the stadium to be packed with lots of scarlet and grey around the arena. Game is at 7:00 on ESPN 2, make sure to tone in because this is going to be one hard fought game.
