Dec. 6, 2016

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N • Swearing in

P • Comin’ to town

The Syracuse Police Department welcomed 34 new recruits in Class No. 18 to the police academy Monday during a ceremony at Fowler High School.

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When John Wheeler isn’t stocking motorcycle helmets and leather jackets in his shop, he’s slipping on his red suit to play Santa Claus.

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S • Sour apple

Syracuse men’s basketball lost for the third time in its last four games against Connecticut, 52-50, on Monday night at Madison Square Garden.

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1. CODY JOCK, a sophomore political science major, was one of the event’s main organizers. Jock traveled to Standing Rock during Thanksgiving break in solidarity with other indigenous peoples. 2. (FROM LEFT) CHRIS THOMAS AND HONNI DAVID helped lead the crowd from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management building to Hendricks Chapel. 3. Attendees held signs in support of Standing Rock, including ones reading “mni wiconi,” which means “water is life.”

‘Cautious celebration’ Students march in support of Dakota Access Pipeline protesters Text by Kennedy Rose staff writer

Photos by Riley Bunch staff photographer

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group of Syracuse University students and community members chanted “Mni wiconi! Water is life!” as they marched from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management to Hendricks Chapel.

Homemade signs read, “Defend the Sacred #NoDAPL,” and “Water is Life,” both rallying cries for protesters of the Dakota Access Pipeline at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

The march and rally was held on Monday to stand in solidarity with those protesters. It also celebrated the announcement of the rerouting

of the Dakota Access Pipeline away from sacred Standing Rock Sioux tribe lands. The entire rally lasted about an hour, with the crowd dispersing at 12:35 p.m.

Protesters have been at the Standing Rock Reservation for months, protesting the building of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Cody Jock, a sophomore political science major, organized the event on Facebook. About 50 people attended the rally. Jock went to the protest site at Standing Rock over Thanksgiving break.

While he was there, he said he witnessed police brutality firsthand, seeing his friends shot at, tear gassed and sprayed with Mace.

Jock said he has no ill will toward law enforcement at Standing Rock, but he thought their brutality aided in suppressing First Amendment rights.

“Through all of that, we remained strong,” Jock said. “This isn’t a complete victory. This is a minor victory and it’s a step in the right direction.”

Jock said he doesn’t know what a complete victory would entail, he wants the Dakota Access Pipeline to halt construction permanently, but added that it’s not a realistic desire.

“I don’t stand for this big oil, but I do understand that these kind of infrastructure projects take precedence over citizens,” Jock said. “With America being such a big corporate state now, what else can we do than voice our concerns?”

As the group marched from Whitman to Hendricks, Chris Thomas, a member of the Onondaga Nation in Syracuse, played a drum and sang. He said he wanted to show his support see pipeline page 4

Liberal professor watchlist gains traction, causes concern

By Satoshi Sugiyama asst. news editor

Dana Cloud is unabashed about expressing her personal opinions in demonstrations as she participated in a Black Lives Matter rally on the Syracuse University campus in October.

She is also critical of United States foreign policy in the Middle East, pointing out the hypocrisy of then-

President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney for declaring war on perpetrators of 9/11 while pointing out that U.S. military has been “the most effective and constant killer of civilians around the world.”

Those types of opinions led her to be listed in the early 2000s as one of the 101 most dangerous academics in America by conservative academic David Horowitz. Back

ON THE LIST HERE ARE THE FIVE SU PEER INSTITUTIONS THAT HAVE PROFESSORS ON THE WATCHLIST Boston University Georgetown University University of Notre Dame Cornell University Marquette University

then she dismissed it and she did not feel particularly endangered.

But now Cloud, a professor of communication and rhetorical studies at SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, is alarmed because she made it on another list called Professor Watchlist, a website created by student group Turning Point USA launched two weeks ago.

“It is McCarthyism,” said Cloud,

who is also a self-described member of the international socialist organization. “You know, here’s the list we will try to silence or get rid of those people and it’s really quite frightening in this moment now.”

The website complies a list of names of professors who “who discriminate against conservative students and advance leftist see watchlist page 4

2 dec. 6, 2016

dailyorange.com

t o day ’ s w e at h e r

TATTOO tuesday | zoey woldman

Senior remembers late cousin with tattoo

By Destiny Reyes staff writer

Zoey Woldman got a tattoo of a holly branch on her ribcage to honor her cousin, Torie Mae Costa who died of cancer last Christmas. Costa was Woldman’s age at the time.

Costa was diagnosed with stage four rhabdomyosarcoma cancer, a type of tissue, bone and muscle cancer, at age 16.

A year later she was declared cancer-free, but two years of remission ended with the discovery that the cancer had returned.

Woldman’s holly branch design symbolizes Christmas, the day Costa died.

Costa was initially diagnosed when doctors found her lungs filled up with fluid. Woldman, a senior writing major, explained how doctors put a tube in between Costa’s ribs in order to drain the fluid out of her lungs. Woldman got her tattoo in the exact spot that the tube was put into Costa’s ribs, a symbol of the strong bond the cousins had, Although the two weren’t as close as Woldman said she would have liked, she still holds the memories they had as children very close to her. Costa lived in Woldman’s house for period of time during her childhood, where Woldman said they shared some of

their closest memories.

“We used to sneak across the hall and play Barbies at like 3 a.m.,” Woldman said. “She was like the sister I never had.”

After Costa’s death, Woldman knew she wanted to get a tattoo in honor of her cousin. While in New York City for a weekend with her parents, Woldman’s mother suggested they visit the parlor of celebrity tattoo artist Jon Boy to see if he had an opening.

To their surprise, the artist had an opening that weekend — Woldman and her parents would all leave the city with tattoos honoring Costa.

In addition to Woldman and her parents, Costa’s sister and stepfather also got tattoos in memory of Costa. Woldman calls her family a “tattoo family.”

Woldman said Costa had always wanted to get a tattoo, but was unable to do so given her condition.

On Christmas day, Costa’s family gave her a temporary tattoo of a butterfly, right before she died.

Woldman said her tattoo is a symbol of the one Costa was never able to have.

“Her passing caused a lot of stress on our entire family. It was the one thing I wanted to do for her to remember her.” She said. “She was my first best friend.”

dereyes@syr.edu

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INSIDE N • Through time

A Salem State University professor reflects on the late Fidel Castro’s strained relationship with the United States while he was in power.

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S • New Role

Bria Day was part of a veteran-laden bench crew last season. This year, she’s the only upperclassman left in the bench crew.

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ZOEY WOLDMAN and her family members all got tattoos in honor of Woldman’s cousin, Torie Mae Costa, who died last year. Woldman’s family is now a “tattoo family.” kali bowden staff photographer

The Daily Orange is published weekdays during the Syracuse University academic year by The Daily Orange Corp., 744 Ostrom Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210. All contents Copyright 2016 by The Daily Orange Corp. and may not be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the editor in chief. The Daily Orange is distributed on and around campus with the first two copies complimentary. Each additional copy costs $1. The Daily Orange is in no way a subsidy or associated with Syracuse University.

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Full coverage SA Vice President Joyce LaLonde announced plans for an eating disorder awareness week.

See dailyorange.com

NEWS

@sunyesf ESF researcher Ruth Yanai awarded @NSF funds to develop NANAPHID aphid-like #nanotech sensor for plant research

Joint effort The city of Syracuse and the university have worked together on the Campus Framework plan.

See Wednesday’s paper

dailyorange.com @dailyorange dec. 6, 2016 • PAG E 3

city

Resolution for I-81 approved

By Michael Burke asst. news editor

Thirty-four recruits were appointed to the rank of police officer in the Syracuse Police Department at a ceremony Monday morning. More than 800 people applied to the department, the hiring process for which began in early August. clare ramirez presentation director

city

SPD welcomes police officer recruiting class

By Sara Swann news editor

The Syracuse Police Department has a 4 percent acceptance rate for new recruits and a rigorous application process for individuals interested in joining. Only 34 recruits out of 831 applicants were appointed to the rank of police officer Monday morning.

The hiring process started 123 days ago on Aug. 5. Once those interested filled out the 29-page application for the position, they were given extensive background checks and a polygraph exam.

The applicants still in the running then answered 700 questions as part of a psychological test and met with a psychologist afterward. Finally, each remaining applicant was interviewed by SPD officials.

“These (34 recruits) had the best answers,” said SPD Lt. Jonathan Hamblin during a ceremony held at Fowler High School in Syracuse for the newly appointed officers in SPD’s Class No. 18.

The 34 recruits appointed to police officer in the Syracuse Police Department get sworn in. clare ramirez presentation director

“After all that, here they are. And in two days, the academy starts.”

Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner spoke during the ceremony and thanked the parents of the recruits for supporting their children through this process.

“You have delivered us individuals who are exquisite, and that didn’t happen just by itself,” Miner said. “It happened because

of all of your loved ones, all those years and all that time and tears and anger and discipline to make sure you are the caliber of human being that you are.”

Addressing the parents, she added that SPD and other city officials, like herself, will do everything they can to ensure the safety and proper training of the new recruits.

The parents of the recruits will

continue to be a necessary part of their children’s lives, Miner said, because what they will be going through at the police academy will push them and challenge them in new ways. In addition, she said the parents support will be needed once the recruits become police officers because “this is a job like no other.”

“We expect the most of our police officers when often people that they are being called to help are in the worst of circumstances,” Miner said. “We expect our police officers to keep a level head when everyone around them has lost theirs. We expect them to be dignified and compassionate when all circumstances tell them not to do that.”

And that is why SPD goes through so many candidates for the 35 spots open in the recruiting class, Miner said.

Monday’s ceremony was dedicated to SPD Officer James Morris, who died last week at the age of 56.

Morris had served as a police officer

see police page 7

Syverud named accreditation commissioner

By Madeleine Davison staff writer

Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud has been elected as a commissioner for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an organization that accredits SU among other universities.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to partner with col-

leagues across the higher education landscape in this new role,” Syverud said in an SU news release.

“The Middle States Commission on Higher Education does important work to ensure institutions of higher education are delivering a high quality academic experience.”

Sy verud’s three-year term will begin Jan. 1, according to the news release.

MSCHE is one of 15 regional and national agencies that are recognized by the federal government to determine whether colleges and universities are eligible to receive Title IV federal funding, including Pell Grants and federal work-study dollars. The commission accredits higher education institutions in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C.,

and in locations abroad.

The commission is made up of 26 volunteer commissioners.

MSCHE commissioners set standards on how institutions are judged and voted by commissioners on whether institutions receive accreditation, said Preston Cooper, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. mdavison@syr.edu

The Syracuse Common Council on Monday unanimously approved a resolution calling on the New York State Department of Transportation to reconsider its plans to reconstruct Interstate 81 on Syracuse’s North Side.

After some debate, the Common Council also approved the establishment of a Youth Advisory Council to advise the Common Council on issues concerning youth.

Midway through Monday’s meeting, Councilor Joseph Nicoletti introduced a resolution asking New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo to direct the NYSDOT to rethink the “missing link” feature of the 1-81 Viaduct Project, which would potentially include connecting Interstate 690 west to I-81 north with a new set of ramps. The Common Council said the plan could disrupt economic opportunities on the north side as well as divide that part of the city.

Nicoletti chairs Syracuse’s Public Transportation committee, and he said at a recent meeting, committee members spoke out against the missing link sector and the impact that potential flyovers could have on the city.

Councilor Joseph Carni on Monday echoed those feelings, saying see common

council page 7

student association A bill was presented to call on making Syracuse University a sanctuary campus during Monday’s Student Association meeting.

Titled “Call for Syracuse University To Be a Sanctuary Campus,” the bill was submitted by James Franco, chair of academic affairs, and Marcus Lane, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The bill, however, could not be voted on during Monday’s meeting. SA Parliamentarian Billy Collins and his administrative operations committee must look over any bill ahead of time that will be passed during a meeting.

“Last night was when I was made aware of this bill and AdOp couldn’t meet to today to discuss this,” Collins said.

Once AdOP makes sure the bill does not break any bylaws or constitutional law, then it will be presented next semester.

If this bill were approved by SA, it would be brought to SU administrators, who will decide what to.

-Compiled by William Muoio, staff writer

4 dec. 6, 2016

from page 1

pipeline through singing.

Thomas was joined by members of the Oneida Nation, including Jenna Jacobs and Brittany Ninham, who said they attended the rally to show support for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and to celebrate the halt of construction through the Standing Rock Reservation.

“We might have won right now, but from page 1

watchlist propaganda in the classroom” based on news stories published, according to the website.

There are 148 individuals from 111 colleges listed across the country, including five of SU’s 16 peer institutions — Boston University, Georgetown University, the University of Notre Dame, Cornell University and Marquette University.

Cloud said she is concerned about the timing of the list coming out following the election of Donald Trump. He and his transition team’s incendiary rhetoric, she said, have invigorated far-right, white-supremacist, anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim forces that make certain academics vulnerable.

“I have to say … that on that list I am probably the safest person. I mean I am a full professor, I have tenure. My department supports me,” Cloud said. “ … But what I worry about and think should be real focus is that people on that list who are not tenured, who are minorities, who are anti-racist scholars, pro-Palestine scholars, people who are Muslims. You know, scholars who are immigrants, people who are young and not protected at their universities. “… This moment is very different. It’s a much more dangerous moment and there are people who are on that list who are vulnerable.”

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there is a possibility that we didn’t, so it’s good that we’re coming together and supporting our people in Standing Rock,” Jacobs said.

Regina Jones, assistant director of the Native Student Program in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said she came to the rally to support indigenous students at SU. Jones said she doesn’t think people realize how much the Dakota Access Pipeline would affect everybody and that it wasn’t only an indigenous issue.

Jones is a member of the Oneida Nation in the Turtle Clan. She said she was showing solidarity for other indigenous peoples in America. She stood with a colorful sign reading, “Water is Life.”

During the march, the group stopped in front of the Pan Am Flight 103 memorial for a moment of silence. Jock thanked veterans for their support of protesters.

The procession concluded at Hendricks, with Jock giving a speech.

“The message I had originally intended

to convey was one of dire circumstance to one of celebration,” he said. “Cautious celebration, that is.”

Jock illustrated the struggles indigenous peoples endured throughout America’s history, calling it “fraught with deception and violence,” and the importance of protesting.

Jock called upon students and faculty at SU to stand with indigenous peoples in America and “against big oil, and its never-ending war against the earth.”

The website has nothing to do with the election of Trump and serves as a database for students and parents to prepare themselves to engage with professors who may have bias, said Matt Lamb, director of constitutional enforcement and transparency at Turning Point USA. The organization has chapters at colleges across the country to promote values such as free markets. Lamb said the organization has heard stories of professors with biased views and decided to create a website aggregating already published stories about them, similar to Rate My Professors.

“It’s kind of like a conservative version of that,” he said.

Still, he added not all professors on the list have liberal views. The website, he explained, is more about documenting people who have radical views and engage in “disturbing behavior” — such as denying the existence of the Holocaust and destroying a pro-life display — and undermining academic freedom.

A majority of attributions on the website comes from conservative-leaning education websites such as campusreform.org or collegefix.com. Those websites also frequently cite other publications for their articles.

If a professor shows proof that information is inaccurate or has been changed, Lamb said the organization will review and possibly take down the professor’s webpage on Professor Watchlist.

“(The taking down process) depends on how complex it is. The more proof someone presents, the faster we will review it,” he said.

Gary Peller, professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center who is listed on the website, said even though the information on it is inaccurate, he is not planning to file a compliant.

He was named because he drafted an email telling students not to idolize late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia following his death.

me about Republicans being anti-intellectual, which I neither said nor think,” he said. “I certainly don’t aim to promote any particular political viewpoint in my classes, and am eager to teach students of any ideology.”

When asked about this case, Lamb cited the original source came from The Cornell Daily Sun and suggested Little reach out to the student publication to demand correction.

The Cornell Daily Sun article from Oct. 15, 2015 quoted Little saying that while he expressed it would be nice to have more viewpoints on campus, he would not support compromising the quality of Cornell’s professors at the expense of looking for Republican faculty.

“Placing more emphasis on diversity of political beliefs when hiring (would) almost certainly require sacrificing on general quality or other dimensions of diversity,” he said in the article.

Cloud, the SU professor, said she is capable of separating her personal opinions from professionalism in classrooms and welcomes diverse points of view. She has not received any threats after the list came out but has received an outpouring message of support from students, faculty, staff and SU alumni, she said.

“I’ve only gotten positive responses and so I am grateful to the Syracuse community for standing behind faculty who want to do public engagement,” Cloud said.

3.65

The average RateMyProfessors score of professors from Syracuse University and its peer institutions on the Professor Watchlist

“I don’t take this as a source of serious information for students and therefore I don’t see any need to engage with it,” Peller said.

“This is obviously a right-wing production that is intended to intimidate.”

Andrew Little, an assistant professor of government at Cornell University who is also on the list, said in an email that he denies an accusation against him calling Republicans “anti-intellectual.”

“In my case they couldn’t even make an accurate accusation, attributing a quote to

krose100@syr.edu

ssugiyam@syr.edu | @SatoshiJournal

O

You’re so fake Columnist Ryan Dunn dissects the rise of fake news in the 2016 presidential election.

See Wednesday’s paper

OPINION

dailyorange.com @dailyorange dec. 6, 2016 • PAG E 5

gender and sexuality

scribble

Gilmore Girls revival doesn’t address privilege

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here you lead, white feminism, privilege and misrepresentation will follow.

The Gilmore Girls revival, “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” recently made its debut on Netflix.

Fans of the show who waited for nine years pulled on their bingewatching sweatpants in anticipation for this momentous event, but the revival fell short of addressing feminist issues that were swept under the rug in the original show.

Although the women-centric show did discuss some feminist topics in a progressive manner, it failed to accurately capture all types of real women who, like Lorelai Gilmore, are single mothers. It told the story of millions of women from the perspective of a privileged, white woman — making single motherhood seem like a breeze with advantages that just aren’t realistic for every woman.

The show told the story of thirty-something Lorelai and her daughter Rory, whom she gave birth to at 16, and their life in the fictional Stars Hollow, which seemed like the most close-knit town on earth. But the show was more than a witty, fast-paced, feelgood storyline. It demonstrated the uphill battle that Lorelai faced after abandoning her conservative, silver-spoon upbringing in order to raise her daughter on her own, until she needed help After watching the revival, millions of fans had mixed feelings about the direction in which the writers took the show and the way they decided to end it so abruptly — yet again.

4.75

The millions of viewers who tuned in to the Gilmore Girls finale in 2007, according to Media Life Magazine

The overarching theme in both the original show and the revival seemed to be that life just always works out somehow if you’re white and privileged. No matter what situations the characters had to navigate through, it seemed that they could always afford to run off and explore their career options for years on end, which is demonNews Editor Sara Swann Editorial Editor Caroline Colvin Sports Editor Paul Schwedelson Feature Editor Rachel Gilbert Presentation Director Clare Ramirez Photo Editor Jessica Sheldon Head Illustrator Emmy Gnat Copy Chief Kathryn Krawczyk Development Editor Alexa Torrens Digital Editor Jacob Gedetsis Social Media Director Benjamin Farr Video Editor Griffin Morrow Web Developer Shuai Wang Asst. News Editor Michael Burke Asst. News Editor Stacy Fernandez Asst. News Editor Satoshi Sugiyama Asst. Editorial Editor Joanna Orland Asst. Feature Editor Hanna Horvath Asst. Feature Editor Casey Russell Asst. Sports Editor Chris Libonati

IVANA PINO WRITE LIKE A GIRL

strated through Rory living her “vagabond existence” throughout all four episodes of the revival.

So, as long as you have rich parents or grandparents as a safety net, the world will always resolve itself.

The show’s cast is also not at all diverse, and the few characters that aim to represent other cultures play into offensive generalizations. Rory’s best friend, Lane, also made her return to Stars Hollow in the revival, and while her part was very short, her character in the original show spoke volumes about the ideas and dialogue that the media puts out about women of color.

5

The millions of viewers from age 18-49 who watched the revival within the first three days, according to Entertainment Weekly

Lane and her mother are the only women of color portrayed in the show, and they are automatically cast in a negative light because of their Korean background and how cultural norms negatively affect their motherdaughter relationship. Their encounters are limited to the uphill battle that Lane faces as she struggles to hide her secret life of rock-and-roll music and American junk food from her mother. And in the revival, her mother is still portrayed as a strict, condescending figure with a heavy accent.

In all, the original show and the revival did not attempt to make strides in terms of changing the conversation about women in other cultures or diversify the cast in order to make it more relatable to every fan of the show. So while “Gilmore Girls” will always hold a special place in our hearts, it’s important to note what is missing from this witty narrative.

Ivana Pino is a sophomore political science major. Her column appears weekly. She can be reached at ivpino@syr.edu.

Asst. Sports Editor Jon Mettus Asst. Photo Editor Jacob Greenfeld Asst. Photo Editor Ally Moreo Senior Design Editor Emma Comtois Senior Design Editor Lucy Naland Design Editor Ali Harford Design Editor Andy Mendes Design Editor Jordana Rubin Design Editor Rori Sachs Asst. Copy Editor Joe Bloss Asst. Copy Editor Alison Boghosian Asst. Copy Editor Matthew Gutierrez Asst. Copy Editor Haley Kim Asst. Copy Editor Tomer Langer Asst. Copy Editor Taylor Watson Asst. Video Editor Amanda Caffey Asst. Web Editor Rachel Sandler Asst. Web Editor Alex Archambault Asst. Web Editor Byron Tollefson Digital Design Editor Kiran Ramsey

editorial board

Professor Watchlist stifles freedom Professor Watchlist, hosted by nonprofit organization Turning Point USA, initially intended to protect conservative students who may feel marginalized on college campuses.

But in reality, the platform is an attack on academic freedom.

Formally, Professor Watchlist’s mission is to “expose and document college professors who discriminate against conservative students and advance leftist propaganda in the classroom.” The list was created with the purpose of letting students and parents prepare to engage with these professors — one of whom is Syracuse University’s own Dana Cloud, a professor of communication and rhetorical studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Still, universities are institutions created for the purpose of exchanging thought. They should uphold an expected standard for

diversity of opinion. Because of this, it’s crucial that students get the chance to hear as many different viewpoints from their professors as possible.

what is the professor watchlist?

The goal of Turning Point USA’s Professor Watchlist is to keep track of university and college professors that are considered extremely liberal and an ideological threat to students.

Liberal or conservative, no professor should be subject to this kind of shaming and surveillance. Labeling a faculty member as “untrustworthy” and “dangerous” because of a curriculum hinders students and discourages them from taking a class that can

challenge their beliefs.

“All posts are of professors who have radical views that would chill the free speech of students in the classroom and stifle debate,” said Matt Lamb, Turning Point’s director of constitutional enforcement and transparency.

If anything, this list chills professors’ free speech.

Professors may now teach in fear that if they say the wrong thing, they’ll end up on this list.

And because online presence is crucial in this day and age, association with this watchlist damages a professor’s respectability and humiliates them.

Given that there aren’t guidelines or hard requirements, this list is subjective. There is no threshold as to what defines dangerous, and intellectual voices should never be softened by biased shouts.

THE DAILY ORANGE IS HIRING SPRING COLUMNISTS! Columnists will be responsible for producing a weekly column analyzing and providing an opinion on events related to their column topic that are locally relevant to Syracuse University, the city of Syracuse, New York state and/or college students. Columnists work as beat reporters and are required to source at least one expert per column. Columnists will be expected to meet deadlines, work with the Editorial Editor and Asst. Editorial Editor on their columns and write “fast reactions” in response to breaking news.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TO OPINION@DAILYORANGE.COM

BY SUNDAY, DEC. 11 AT 11:59 P.M. EST

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

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ask the experts

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• dec. 6, 2016

every tuesday in news

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ROCKY RELATIONS

illustration by clare ramirez presentation director

Professor reflects on late Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s relationship with United States

By McKenna Moore staff writer

F

idel Castro, leader of the Cuban Revolution, died on Nov. 25 at the age of 90. He was a polarizing figure, both despised and beloved internationally.

The Daily Orange spoke with Avi Chomsky, a historian and Latin American studies expert at Salem State University, about the revolutionary’s relationship with America throughout his long life.

The Daily Orange: How did the U.S. get involved with Cuba?

Avi Chomsky: The United States basically completely dominated Cuba since 1898 when we claimed it as our own. We turned it into basically a protectorate. We wrote the Cuban constitution and we wrote in the Platt Amendment, which gave the U.S. the right to control Cuba’s foreign policy, Cuba’s financial decision making, to land troops in Cuba anytime we felt it was necessary. U.S. corporations owned almost all of Cuba’s major sugar industry (and) it was sort of an economic dependency.

The D.O.: Why was Fidel Castro important in the United States?

A.C.: Fidel Castro was important to Americans in terms of the American government but I would also say that Fidel Castro was important to America in terms of popular movements and political mobilization.

One of the main goals of the Cuban Revolution was to take back control of their country from the United States. Clearly there were a lot of corporate and government interests there. (The U.S. govern-

ment) sort of played it up through a Cold War lens but if you look at their internal correspondence at the time, what they’re really afraid of is Cuban nationalism.

Cubans intended to take control of their own economy which they saw as detrimental to U.S. businesses.

It’s for those same reasons that so many oppressed groups in the United States found the Cuban Revolution so inspiring.

The D.O.: When did Fidel Castro become a household name to Americans?

A.C.: Probably 1958. While the revolutionary war was going on, Herbert Matthews of the New York Times spent some time with the guerillas and wrote some really sympathetic coverage of the revolutionary movement. Then the revolution became successful in 1959.

The D.O.: How has Fidel Castro’s Cuba been portrayed in America?

A.C.: The United States made the determination by the middle of 1959 that Castro’s government is not worth saving. The determination was made for a military solution.

It’s absolutely crystal clear to the U.S. personnel on the ground in Cuba that, and this is an actual quote, “the Cuban population is united in adulating Fidel Castro. They love him. They support this revolution.”

So the United States is debating, “How are we going to frame that we are overthrowing this government that the Cubans seem to like so much?” Really, I think the whole question of human rights issues was basically invented to justify their hostility toward the revolution.

This does not mean that there were no

human rights violations in Cuba. I can not name a country in the world that has been free of human rights violations. There have been human rights violations in Cuba but I think the decision by the United States to emphasize them was completely political.

We have no trouble supporting governments that carry out horrific human rights violations. The only thing that determines if we overthrow a government or not is how they treat U.S. corporations. That’s where you find the consistency.

One of the main goals of the Cuban Revolution was to take back control of their country from the United States. Clearly there were a lot of corporate and government interests there.

Avi Chomsky historian and latin american studies expert at salem state university

The D.O.: When Fidel Castro ceded power

to Raul in 2006, why didn’t Raul become famous like his brother?

A.C.: I don’t think it’s the transfer of power from Fidel to Raul that makes (younger) generations not aware of Cuba, I think it’s the real undermining and collapse of the Cuban economy that makes it a less formi-

dable enemy.

The D.O.: Where are U.S. - Cuban rela-

tions now?

A.C.: Cuba is really opening itself to foreign investments, so U.S. companies are being shut out. U.S. corporations which, back in the 1960s, had been clamoring for the overthrow of the Cuban revolution are now clamoring for better relations with Cuba so they can invest there.

In December of 2014, Barack Obama made the announcement that he and Raul Castro had been negotiating and they had agreed to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. So there’s been a definite warming of relations. However, if you look closely, President Obama still repeats the old imperial lines that imply really it should be up to us to decide what kind of government Cuba has it shouldn’t be up to the Cubans.

The D.O.: When Raul steps down in 2018, what will that do to US Cuban relations?

A.C.: In itself, I don’t think it will do anything. I don’t think it’s about the person.

It’s not about Fidel and it’s not about Raul.

I think there’s a lot of other factors that will determine what happens in U.S.- Cuban relations. I don’t think there will be any radical changes.

The D.O.: Does Fidel Castro’s death change anything?

A.C.: I think he was a really important historical figure. And I think that his death is important because his life was important.

I don’t think anything changes because of his death but it’s important to mark because of his place in history. mpmoor02@syr.edu

dec. 6, 2016 7

dailyorange.com news@dailyorange.com

from page 3

from page 3

such flyovers would “truly damage and maybe destroy everything that’s been done on the North Side to help make it better.”

Nicoletti encouraged the Syracuse community to become more involved in planning for the viaduct project.

“This is a profound decision and it will have tremendous impact on our future,” he said.

The only other item to prompt extended discussion on Monday was the establishment of a Youth Advisory Council, which would be made up of youth in the city of Syracuse. The council would advise the Common Council on local legislation and its impact on young people.

The item was introduced by Councilor Jean Kessner, who said the city will be unable to address current issues facing youth without seeking a better understanding of their day-to-day experiences and their ideas.

Carni was the only councilor to vote against the item, calling it a sound idea in theory but adding that he didn’t believe it needed to be done at the cost of taxpayers. He suggested having councilors go to local middle schools and high schools to speak to youth about how they can be involved in government.

“I just don’t believe we need to spend additional tax dollars on this,” he said.

Kessner said $5,000 is already budgeted for the project.

The Common Council president, Van Robinson, voiced his support for the item, pointing to what he said is a lack of understanding among many students about government and democracy.

Councilor Helen Hudson also backed the legislation, saying government officials need to listen to youth in the city, rather than telling them what to do.

“We need to hear from them on what they need to move forward,” she said. “That’s why I think it’s a good piece of legislation.”

in Syracuse for more than 20 years.

The mayor said it was fitting that this ceremony was being held on the same day as the memorial for Morris.

SPD Chief Frank Fowler started out his portion of the ceremony with a joke about having the same last name as the namesake for Fowler High School.

Fowler also addressed the parents in the audience, saying that their children have been going through a challenging recruitment process.

“But it’s just the beginning,” Fowler said. “This is one of the toughest times of their lives. They’re going to be challenged in ways they could never imagine and ways that you certainly cannot imagine.”

The police chief also echoed Miner in saying that the recruits will need the support of their family members during this time and in the future.

When addressing the 34 recruits, Fowler said they were coming into a very challenging time in law enforcement.

But he said he knows the recruits are ready to face these challenges because of the extensive application process they went through.

“You’ve set yourself apart from your peers,” Fowler said to the recruits.

He ended his speech by asking the recruits two questions. The first was, by a show of hands, “How many of you are quitters?” No one raised their hand. The second question was “Are you ready?” To which each recruit responded with, “Yes, sir.”

After the ceremony, the recruits and their families gathered in the hallways of Fowler High School to embrace one another and take photos.

In two days, the new recruits will start their six-month long journey through police academy training.

common council

mdburk01@syr.edu | @michaelburke47

police

smswann@syr.edu | @saramswann

8 dec. 6, 2016

dailyorange.com

P

School’s out Humor columnist Ian McCourt gears up for the end of finals with an outdoor winter pool party.

See dailyorange.com

Lit up

Open for all

Lights at the Lake, a drivethrough light display, is celebrating 27 years.

See dailyorange.com

PULP

Syracuse Stage will put up CNY’s first sensory-friendly theater show with “Mary Poppins.”

See Wednesday’s paper

dailyorange.com @dailyorange dec. 6, 2016

•

PAG E 9

LEATHERS TO SANTA

JOHN WHEELER got his start playing Santa Claus after a child spotted him in a store and asked if he was Santa. He went home and told his wife, who bought him his first Santa suit. Now, he makes trips to friends’ houses, foster care centers and schools to ask what kids want for Christmas. jessica sheldon photo editor

CNY man balances playing Santa Claus with running motorcycle gear shop, embodies Christmas spirit year round

By Kathryn Krawczyk copy chief

J

ohn Wheeler glanced around the restaurant before digging into his breakfast.

“The kids know Santa eats cookies and milk, but normally you don’t see a Santa out in public eating a meal,” he explained.

Even when he’s not playing Santa Claus, Wheeler is always careful to fit the image. He doesn’t drink or smoke, and keeps a smile on his face even when he’s just driving.

Because even without his suit on, it’s hard not to see Wheeler as the mythical man. Glasses frame his grey-blue eyes. His handlebar moustache is twisted into a curl on either end. And, of course, he has a long white beard to match.

But Wheeler doesn’t fit every Santa stereotype.

Over his red T-shirt, Wheeler wears a black leather motorcycle vest decked out with American flag patches. Playing Santa isn’t Wheeler’s only love — he also owns Santa’s Leathers, a motorcycle clothing and custom embroidery shop in North Syracuse.

The business got its start at flea market in Pulaski, about 45 minutes north of Syracuse, where Wheeler brought leather jackets and other motorcycle gear to re-sell.

That’s where Wheeler met Barbara Rogers, who

was running an embroidery shop. When someone came to Wheeler looking to sew a patch onto a vest, he sent the customer to Rogers. Soon, they realized how compatible their businesses were.

“And after that, we just became like brother and sister,” Rogers said.

She fought it for 12 years, she was tough lady, she really fought it hard. And she was my inspiration for everything.

John Wheeler santa/owner of santa’s leathers

As rent at the flea market went up and business slowed down, Wheeler and Rogers decided to open a merged shop in Rogers’ garage.

Wheeler stocks leather goods and bike gear, from vests to helmets to boots. Rogers embroiders those jackets and creates custom patches. She made one of the patches on Wheeler’s vest — the silhouette of a motorcycle with an American flag behind it.

Balancing the shop’s upkeep with playing Santa and working double shifts at Syracuse’s Pepsi plant is hard, especially as the holidays approach. Wheeler’s “I’ll rest when I’m dead” mentality keeps him going.

But that determination really stems from elsewhere.

More so than Christmas, Thanksgiving has always been Wheeler’s specialty. He used to love getting up early, preparing dishes so the whole house smelled like turkey when everyone else got up.

Christmas was his wife’s favorite holiday.

“My wife had breast cancer,” Wheeler said, pausing. “She was with me til 2012. She fought it for 12 years, she was tough lady, she really fought it hard. And she was my inspiration for everything.”

Jean supported his shop wholeheartedly, Wheeler said. And she’s the reason he starting playing Santa Claus.

Wheeler used to wear his beard all different ways — a goatee, just a moustache. About 10 years ago, he was in a store with his current style, a full beard.

“A little boy approached me and his eyes were as big as saucers,” Wheeler recalled. “And he said ‘Santa?’”

He went home and told his wife and daughter, see santa page 10

THE FIRST NOEL When he first got started portraying Santa, John Wheeler studied up on the history of Santa Claus and St. Nicholas, learning facts like these:

St. Nicholas was a rich nobleman from 4th-century Turkey. To save three girls from slavery, he gave their father money for a dowry so they could get married instead.

Santa Claus first hit the U.S. toward the end of the 1700s, when Dutch families started celebrating the anniversary of St. Nicholas’ death.

Mall Santas started with the Salvation Army, who sent out unemployed men dressed as Santa to collect donations.

Santa first got his iconic red suit and white beard in 1881 with Thomas Nast’s cartoon. It’s the first time we saw a modern Santa.

10 dec. 6, 2016

dailyorange.com pulp@dailyorange.com

from page 9

santa

JOHN WHEELER works alongside embroiderer Barbara Rogers, who crafted the American flag patch on his vest and other custom patches. jessica sheldon photo editor

and they ordered him an early Christmas present — his first Santa suit.

That first year, Wheeler only played Santa for his grandson Marcus, who was born just four days before Christmas.

“It’s just snowballed from there,” Wheeler said. “This year, I’ve got every available minute taken up doing different people’s houses I get to go to.”

When Wheeler first got started in the role, he learned the Santa basics from a man who lives in northern New York state.

He studied the history of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus, and always tries to be someone children can look up to.

A lot of it comes naturally. He has a prepared answer for when kids ask how Santa can deliver all the presents in one night: Only 30 percent of the world is land, and with different time zones, Santa has 24 hours to cover it all.

He’s since dropped the act for Marcus.

Wheeler’s daughter didn’t want him getting confused — and it doesn’t seem like he is.

“Last year, we were out in a store and people were calling me Santa, and he goes ‘Grandad, why are they calling you Santa Claus?’” Wheeler recalled. “And I said ‘Well, some people think I look like him, do you?’

And he says ‘No, no.’”

Marcus saw another Santa this year, while other kids got to appreciate Wheeler’s act. He just made a stop to visit his friend Eric Pollack and listen to what Pollack’s two boys wanted for Christmas. Pollack met Wheeler because of his Santa persona — Pollack’s son spotted Wheeler at a flea market about six years ago.

“We were just going through the flea market and we stumbled on Santa’s booth and my son kept looking at me going ‘Look, it’s Santa, it’s Santa!’” Pollack said. “Right before we walked away from the booth, John actually pulled out a sack of toys and gave my son a toy dragon.”

That giving spirit is something Wheeler reflects year round, Pollack said. And while he usually just plays Santa for friends, he’s taken on bigger assignments too.

santa’s workshop John Wheeler balances playing Santa with a full-time job and running his motorcycle gear shop, Santa’s Leathers.

Here are a few things he stocks: • Custom patches • Memorial patches • Riding jackets and vests • Gloves • Helmets • Chaps • Boots

He once visited a school in a low-income community and he was struck by what each child asked for.

One little girl asked for just a ball for Christmas. Another asked for a set of sheets for her bed. A third asked if he could bring her mom home from Iraq.

“Some of those are really heart tugging, and it’s hard to keep the smile on your face when you tell them ‘Santa will do the best he can,’” Wheeler said.

Experiences like these help Wheeler appreciate what he has, he said.

Wheeler’s wife gave birth to their daughter in the first year of their marriage. 16 years later, they had their son. Since his wife died, he visits his daughter and grandson in Austin, Texas every year.

His family, and especially his wife, made every holiday season special.

She would get a special ornament to commemorate each year. And she was a fanatic about decorating the tree, supervising as every decoration was hung on the branches.

“The last year she was alive we had 4,000 lights on the house and the garage,” Wheeler said.

“Christmas really was her holiday.” kjkrawcz@syr.edu | @KathrynKrawczyk

From the

runway every tuesday in p u l p

dailyorange.com @dailyorange dec. 6, 2016

SWEATER WEATHER Spice up the holidays with chic Christmas sweaters Text by Adelaide Zoller staff writer

Photos by Connor Bahng staff photographer

H

olidays bring cold-weather clothing, and of course, cute holiday sweaters.

Lucky for us, there are various styles of holiday sweaters that fit almost any occasion, whether it be class or a seasonal party, and are easy to tailor to your personal style. Whether you’re rocking an old-school fair isle pattern, gaudy appliques or a classic knit, there are countless ways to style this seasonal staple.

The classic holiday fashion staple is a glaringly bad cult favorite: the ugly Christmas sweater.

If you’re attending one of these themed parties, never fear, there are many ways to make chic outfits out of these not-so-chic garments.

Rather than the signature oversized green and red patterned sweater that everyone chooses to opt for, don a black or white one so it can be used more as a staple piece, as opposed to being the main focus of the outfit. Try pairing it with a black leather skirt and opaque black tights for a dressed-up grunge look. You could even opt for a pair of patterned black tights or fishnet stockings instead to take it up another level. Wear this with pair of solidcolored lace-up suede booties and a black felt beret to create a grunge style, ensuring you are both stylish and fulfilling the dress code.

Girls who want to embrace the ugly Christ-

mas sweater look can do so without looking ugly. Find a basic colored sweater and pair it with either leather pants or black slacks and black oxfords for a more dressed-up approach.

If you want a more street-style look, opt for distressed black or faded jeans and Chuck Taylors for an edgier yet casual outfit. To up the edge in this outfit even more, pair it with a moto jacket.

If you’re aiming for a more 1970’s vibe with your sweater-style, try pairing a bright patterned sweater with some distressed denim and bold silver or gold jewelry. The bright colored pattern will be a welcome alternative to the dark hues that winter trends usually embrace. If you want to dress this look down, opt for distressed boyfriend jeans or a denim skirt paired with patterned tights and boots.

For a more dressed-up approach, a washeddenim jumper instantly increases the cool factor of your outfit while also making it more formal. Dress it up for a formal holiday party by adding a pair of black booties with a gold heel and a jacket. If you want to go casual, try a pair of lace-up burgundy booties. For the ultimate 1970’s street style, a camel-colored faux fur vest is a statement piece that is both ontrend and yet conducive to the winter weather.

For girls who are are not into the bold Christmas sweater look, try a toned-down fair isle sweater or a solid colored turtleneck a la Tom Ford. Embrace corduroy, a major menswear trend that was all over the runways this season. Wear a pair of dark or camel-colored corduroy pants for a look that is current yet classic and winter appropriate. You can also

try mixing different patterns and colors to create different looks. Materials like corduroy or denim can instantly change up your look to make it more formal or casual, depending on the occasion.

Scarves are a huge trend this winter season — small accessories can make a huge difference in an outfit. Try a solid colored sweater with a toned down, patterned scarf for a coldweather look that is still holiday-appropriate.

Rather than tying it, simply let it hang around your neck for a casual yet stylish look.

If bright patterns and Santa-themed clothing are not really your thing, you are definitely not alone and there are many ways to achieve the holiday look without a tacky sweater. Find a basic winter-colored sweater like burgundy or emerald green, and pair it with a pair of harem pants for a versatile and boho-chic holiday look. If you are not into harem pants, try a pair of black velvet or leather leggings. The best way to keep this look chic and not baggy is to buy a cropped sweater and pants that are high-waisted. You can go casual by pairing this with a pair of combat boots and a leather jacket, or dress it up with some black booties and boho jewelry.

The holidays are the perfect opportunity for you to try your hand at mixing different styles and garments for any holiday-related occasion. Mixing just a few staple pieces together can instantly change your look, from boho-chic to edgy or from formal to casual, making you the best dressed at any function. arzoller@syr.edu

•

PAGE 11

12 dec. 6, 2016

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

women’s basketball

Bria Day is the only veteran player left on SU’s bench

By Tomer Langer asst. copy editor

When Bria Day checked in just one minute into the game against Central Connecticut, she stepped on to the court with sophomore Julia Chandler. The minute she got in, Day was yelling and directing the Orange’s 2-3 zone from her center position.

In general, her teammates constituting Syracuse’s second unit are different from before. Teammates such as Chandler, along with Abby Grant, Jade Phillips and Desiree Elmore, are all a major part of Syracuse’s rotation and are all underclassmen. It’s a stark difference from last year’s team for Day. The Orange had nine players averaging double-digit minutes last year. Four were bench players, including Day, to go along with the other starters. The other bench players —Cornelia Fondren, Maggie Morrison and Taylor Ford — are all gone this year.

It leaves Day as the lone veteran presence for No. 20 Syracuse’s (6-3) reserves.

“When you think about Bria you think about just this constant communication,” Brittney Sykes said. “… If you don’t hear anybody, you hear Bria.”

Day missed the first two games of the season recovering from shoulder surgery and has slowly worked her way back. She, along with the rest of the Orange’s bench, is trying to find its role in this year’s team.

Head coach Quentin Hillsman prided his from page 16

uconn healthy enough to dress, Syracuse didn’t pick up any of the wake-up calls it received.

The loudest came with more than 6:18 left in the game, when UConn’s Rodney Purvis sunk a go-ahead 3 to cap off his team’s furious second-half comeback. After SU led by as many as 11 in the second stanza, Connecticut trimmed the entirety of that lead in about six minutes. And once it was gone, the Orange never got it back. SU made just two field goals after Purvis sent Madison Square Garden into delirium as UConn went ahead, 45-44.

“If we were at least average on offense,” White said, “we would’ve had a chance.”

But from the start of the game, Syracuse never was. It couldn’t have looked much worse in a 20-minute stretch than it did in the first half Monday night. The Orange shot 6-of-26 (23 percent) from the field and made only one of its 12 3-point attempts, a Tyus Battle 3 for his team’s first points of the game.

The narrative never really flipped in the second half, when Syracuse shot 28.6 percent but managed to make 5-of-13 3-point attempts.

The last 3 to go in was the one that gave Syracuse its last fibers of life. With nine seconds left and SU staring at a 3-point deficit, the ball was in the hands of the team’s best — and arguably only — deep

BRIA DAY is the only senior on a bench made up underclassmen. Head coach Quentin Hillsman expects her to be a leader of the unit. colin davy staff photographer

team last year on the fact that it had “nine starters,” referring to the five starters and four bench players in the rotation. But this year’s unit has suffered. The Orange scored just 12 bench points last Wednesday against Michigan State, and it didn’t get its first points against Central Connecticut State until most of the game had passed.

Hillsman said even though he has some sophomores in the rotation, he basically considers them freshman now because they threat. White found a brief window behind the arc to throw up a shot, and the fifth-year transfer converted on the biggest moment of his fleeting career with the Orange.

But it took no more than seven seconds to negate White’s heroics. Battle fouled UConn’s Christian Vital with 2.2 seconds left to leave the game hanging in the balance on the free-throw line. With the Connecticut student section rumbling behind the basket, the freshman guard hit both foul shots to seal the final script. UConn’s comeback was done, Syracuse’s freefall was complete.

“You don’t want to go in and have a loss like this,” Howard said. “It hurts.”

White said after the game that he yearned badly not for a win, but just another chance in overtime. It would be a fresh start, he said, one that could possibly recalibrate his teammates. But SU was out of opportunities.

It was left to wonder how the offense essentially shut down in the game’s most crucial minutes. How its best scorer came up with one big shot, but missed a handful more. How after going down with 6:18 to go, it proceeded to miss a layup, get dinged on a 3-second violation and miss an open 3 in successive possessions.

How this team, one ranked No. 19 before the season started, is staring at three losses before encroaching on conference play.

It’s still trying to find the answer. cgrossma@syr.edu | @connorgrossman

barely got any playing time last year with SU’s stacked, experienced bench.

“Obviously you want to have balance,” Hillsman said. “At the end of the day, we’ve got to do a good job of getting these players in the game and getting those players more minutes.”

Day improved near the end of last season.

Two of her biggest rebounding performances on the year — 15 against Washington and 13 against South Carolina — came in the Final Four and the Elite Eight, respectively. from page 16

lydon more than half of his seven points, and Jim Boeheim felt that Lydon passed up 10 shots, as his star sophomore extended a slump that carries a 7-for-25 mark from the field over the past three games.

“I’d like him to shoot 17 shots and if he only makes two or three of them, that’s fine,” Boeheim said. “He’s gotta take those shots. I don’t think he’s quite ready to do that for whatever reason. He’s been told to take them. We want him to take them.”

To diversify his game, Lydon has needed to add the ability to create his own shot by putting the ball on the floor. He did that Monday night, often passing up a 3-pointer by pump-faking and dribbling toward the rim in search of a more desirable shot, even if it wasn’t his to take.

The first two times Lydon attacked the hoop, he drew a foul and made both foul shots each time. But on a drive later in the game, Lydon lost control of the ball on his way to the bucket before regaining control, missing a turnaround floater and committing a pushoff foul on the ensuing possession.

“I just gotta be aggressive in general and just play my game. And I’m not really doing that right now, so I just gotta get back on track,” Lydon said. “My shot feels good, it’s just they’re

But she hasn’t yet played too many minutes this season as she works her way back.

Still, Hillsman called Day one of the leader of this year’s team.

“I feel like sometimes roles change every night,” Day said. “It just depends on what’s going on in the game.”

And Day has seen that in the last two games. Against a far inferior Central Connecticut team, she played only seven minutes — the least of anyone on the bench — as a lot of the younger players got looks.

Against Michigan State’s tall frontcourt, she played 11 minutes, second-most among the second unit.

At one point in her brief stint against CCSU, Day stepped up to contest a layup and grabbed a rebound even though she was sandwiched between two opponents.

On SU’s next offensive possession, the ball slowly trickled out of bounds. Day ran it down and threw it over her head, running into one of the advertisement displays right in front of the first row.

When Hillsman talked about what his team missed with Day out, along with the veteran bench leadership, he said they missed “straight toughness.” In just her sixth game back, Hillsman was happy to see that return.

“I’d be worried if she didn’t go,” Hillsman said. “I’m really happy she understands how we play, what we expect.” tdlanger@syr.edu | @tomer_langer

not falling right now. That’s basketball. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it again.”

The one time Lydon was able to put the ball in the hoop was a crucial one in the moment, stretching Syracuse’s lead back to 10 with 11:41 left in the game right after a Rodney Purvis bucket cut it to seven. But like two Saturdays ago in a loss to South Carolina, when Lydon went on a 6-0 run by himself with more than 16 minutes left in the game, what could’ve sparked a strong finish gave way to a disappointing end.

Since remaining stuck on 18 points for the final 16:19 in SU’s first loss, the sophomore has been mired in a funk. He’s only made one 3-pointer each against Wisconsin, North Florida and now Connecticut, averaging a mere 7.3 points over that span.

Last season, Syracuse could afford to have a lackluster Lydon, with three more proven scorers on the floor with him. This year, with an offense in a state of despair, that’s not the case.

“This year, he’s in a new role and new expectations. Obviously everybody wants perfection from Tyler right now, he’s still kinda figuring things out with all the new personnel we have,” fifth-year senior Andrew White said. “…We need to instill more confidence in him and make sure he’s taking those shots.” mschneid@syr.edu | @matt_schneidman

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dec. 6, 2016 13

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14 dec. 6, 2016

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

POSTGAME PLAYBOOK key players

superlatives

FRANK HOWARD

RODNEY PURVIS

PLAYER OF THE GAME

21

0

RODNEY PURVIS The UConn guard scored a game-high 21 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the field and a 5-for-12 clip from deep. Purvis hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 6:18 left in the game to give UConn a 45-44 lead, one the Huskies held on to for good.

Rodney Purvis scored a game-high 21 points in UConn’s two-point win

Frank Howard made none of his nine field-goal attempts against Connecticut on Monday

DUD OF THE GAME

3

TYLER LYDON Aside from a 3-pointer from the top of the key that gave Syracuse a 40-30 lead, Lydon struggled mightily from the field as his recent woes continued. He was unable to hit a wide-open 3-pointer from the same spot as his only make with SU trailing, 46-44, and 4:22 left in the game. The sophomore has now shot 7-of-25 in the last three games.

40

The Syracuse point guard mustered just three points against the Huskies

Purvis went 6-of-15 (40 percent) from the field

HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME

2

5

Howard turned the ball over twice. He’s done that in half of Syracuse’s games this season.

Purvis scored 15 points from behind the arc, going 5-12 from 3

6-FOR-15

C’MON MAN!

FRANK HOWARD

RODNEY PURVIS

0-FOR-9 on the glass 29 25.9%

helping out 9

uconn su uconn defensive rebounds

Syracuse and UConn shot 25.9 percent and 31.4 percent from the floor, respectively

6

Syracuse managed only six made 3-point field goals on 27 attempts

12

32

31.4%

by the numbers

FRANK HOWARD FOULS JALEN ADAMS ON 3-POINT ATTEMPT With Syracuse leading by 11 in the second half, Adams received a pass on the right wing at the tail end of the shot clock. He double-clutched and Howard flew into his body before both hit the ground and Adams was awarded three shots. Adams hit 2-of-3 from the line and cut the Orange’s lead back to single digits when it looked, for a moment, like SU was pulling away. Connecticut stormed back to reclaim the lead in the next minutes, as Howard’s gaffe shifted momentum in the Huskies favor.

X-FACTOR

bricklayers

su

ANDREW WHITE HITS GAME-TYING 3-POINTER With Syracuse trailing 50-47 and under 10 seconds left, White hit a 3 in front of the Orange’s bench to tie the game. Until that point, the fifth-year senior was 2-for-10 from deep. For a matter of seconds, it gave Syracuse hope in a game it played poorly in, but that hope disappeared when UConn intercepted Lydon’s full-court heave as time expired.

5

The Huskies outrebounded the Orange by three on the defensive glass

The Huskies recorded five blocks against Syracuse on Monday. UConn averages 5.6 blocks per game.

11

su uconn assists UConn outpaced Syracuse in assists 12-to-9. SU is averaging 11.2 assists per game.

SU saw an 11-point lead — its largest of the night — evaporate in the second half as the Huskies came back to win

JALEN ADAMS The sophomore guard poured in 16 points on 4-of-12 shooting, no bucket more important than his 3 to put the Huskies up five. Adams also hit 6-of-9 free throws, and chipped in seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals in the win.

tweet it out @Billion_Ayres Very questionable call at the end, but Cuse blew it hardd :( #uconnistrash @ishighonlife Cuse have lost lost to UConn, Wisconsin and South Carolina!

They need to beat a good team! @CoreyMancini This team can’t throw the ball in the ocean...offense is tough to watch #Cuse #OrangeNation

dailyorange.com

dec. 6, 2016 15

S

SPORTS

CONNECTICUT 52, SYRACUSE 50 dailyorange.com @dailyorange dec. 6, 2016 • PAG E 16

su sports news Check out news and notes about Syracuse men’s basketball and women’s basketball from Monday: MEN’S BASKETBALL SYRACUSE FALLS OUT OF ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25 POLL FOR FIRST TIME ALL YEAR Syracuse (5-3) dropped out of the Top 25, from the No. 22 spot, for the first time this season after a 17-point loss to Wisconsin on Tuesday night and a narrow six-point win over North Florida on Saturday.

The Badgers, who were ranked No. 17 last week, stayed at No. 17 following its blowout wins over Syracuse and Oklahoma.

1

‘HORRENDOUS’

Five Atlantic Coast Conference teams are ranked: No. 5 Duke, No. 7 North Carolina, No. 11 Louisville, No. 14 Virginia and No. 23 Notre Dame. The top five features No. 1 Villanova, No. 2 UCLA, No. 3 Kansas, No. 4 Baylor and the Blue Devils.

Syracuse lost for the third time in its last four games against Connecticut on Monday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

SYRACUSE MAINTAINS SPOT AS NO. 20 IN ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 25 POLL Back-to-back victories last week helped Syracuse stay inside the Associated Press Top 25 poll for the fifth straight week of the season. The No. 20 Orange beat previously-ranked Michigan State last Wednesday before cruising past Central Connecticut State, 95-63, on Sunday afternoon.

2

3

1. Syracuse players were disappointed after a loss to Connecticut in which it only managed to score 50 points. 2. CHRISTIAN VITAL celebrates. He hit the game-winning free throws with two seconds left. They were his only points in the game. 3. JOHN GILLON tussles for a ball on the Madison Square Garden court on Monday night.

jessica sheldon photo editor

SU’s offense flounders against UConn at MSG

Tyler Lydon’s offensive struggles persist in loss

By Connor Grossman

By Matt Schneidman

senior staff writer

senior staff writer

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EW YORK — Tucked away in the bowels of Madison Square Garden, desolate Syracuse players filled the lavish home locker room typically occupied by the New York Knicks. As reporters hurled questions about the team’s third loss in four games, SU scrounged for any possible explanation to how Monday night unfolded the way it did.

Andrew White honed in on the number of open shots that didn’t fall through. Frank Howard noted how tricky it was to navigate UConn’s zone. Taurean Thompson agreed with head coach Jim Boeheim that Tyler Lydon needs to shoot more.

The common thread was clear: Syracuse’s offense isn’t where it needs to be.

“Our offense is horrendous,” Boeheim said. “… (It) has not been good enough to win any games. Literally any games.”

The veteran head coach discounted his team’s harrowing six-point win over North Florida on Saturday, but his sentiment still held true. Plagued by a dismal 25.9 percent shooting night, Syracuse (5-3) fell to Connecticut (4-4), 52-50, in a game it nearly squeaked out. The Orange has done it before this season against teams perceived much weaker than itself. But on Monday night, despite only eight Huskies see uconn page 12

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EW YORK – Tyler Lydon’s most recent lackluster shooting performance, against Connecticut, was almost déjà vu from a season ago.

Then, he seemed hesitant to shoot despite proving he could. Then, he was coming off the bench and not considered a primary scorer while sharing the floor with Michael Gbinije, Trevor Cooney and Malachi Richardson. Now, he’s one of the focal points of Syracuse’s offense, still hesitant, still searching for the right play to make and when.

“I gotta be more aggressive, there’s no doubt about that,” Lydon said. “I need to take more shots, but at the end of the day I try and make the right plays and some of the times I thought I could get a better look for another guy on the court and try and get them a better shot than what I had. And it just wasn’t that way.”

In Syracuse’s (5-3) 52-50 loss to Connecticut (4-4) at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, Lydon went 1-of7 from the field and 1-of-4 from deep. With Syracuse trailing by two late in the game, Lydon missed a wide open 3 from the top of the key after nailing his only make from the same spot earlier in the half. His four free throws accounted for see lydon page 12

Seven ACC teams placed in the Top 25. Notre Dame lost the top spot it held for four weeks to four-time defending national champion Connecticut. No. 7 Florida State, No. 8 Louisville, No. 14 Miami, No. 20 Syracuse, No. 21 Duke and No. 25 Virginia Tech round out the ranking.

ALEXIS PETERSON NAMED ACC PLAYER OF THE WEEK; FIRST SU PLAYER SINCE 2013 Syracuse point guard Alexis Peterson has earned Atlantic Coast Conference co-Player of the Week honors, the league announced Monday afternoon.

Peterson is the first SU (6-3) player to win the honor since Brianna Butler did so in December 2013.

Peterson picked up her third career double-double against CCSU, tallying 26 points and 10 assists. She knocked down a personal best six 3-pointers in SU’s blowout win.

She has already received Preseason All-ACC honors and been named to the watch lists for the Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the country’s best point guard, and 3, college basketball’s top individual honor.

Peterson, a senior, is averaging 23.1 points per game as well as 6.2 assists per game and 3.7 boards per game.