dec. 9-10, 2016 3
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FOLLOW THROUGH
ANDREW WHITE didn’t have a polished 3-point shot in middle school to show off to recruiters, but he had a consistent midrange jumper. As he’s gotten stronger, he’s managed to push out behind the arc. He puts great detail into every aspect of his shot, one that’s arguably the most important for Syracuse. jessica sheldon photo editor
The evolution of Syracuse’s most critical shooter, Andrew White By Connor Grossman senior staff writer
A
ndrew White understands the baggage that comes in tow with the “shooter” label. It’s a zero-sum game. He’s a winner if his shot falls in, a loser if it doesn’t. Many people don’t care to parse anything else about White’s offensive game other than makes and misses. Many people, that is, except White. For years White’s father, Andy White, has instilled in his son the difference between a “good miss” and a bad one. A good miss bounces four to five inches above the rim, and a foot or two outside of it. That gives big men ample opportunity for second-chance points.
DEAD SHOT
Percentage of White’s field goal attempts are from 3
Bad misses typically stem from low-angle shots, so when the ball hits the rim or backboard, it jets out and can jumpstart transition offense the other way. The key, both Whites said, is to blend a perfect amount of arc and rotation on every shot. If nothing else, it ensures a good miss, not to mention another line of calculus in White’s shooting process. “Good misses are important,” White said. “One of the worst shots in basketball is when you shoot a 3 and it bounces long for the other team to get a lay-up. “That’s what we call a pick six.” Syracuse (5-3) will certainly take good misses from the fifth-year senior, but there’s no doubt
how badly the team needs his makes. Eight games into his SU career, White’s unquestionably the focal point of his team’s offense. As the Orange’s leader in minutes played, he’s pacing his teammates by averaging 16.6 points, 3.5 3-pointers and nearly 13 field-goal attempts per game. If it wasn’t clear before, it is now: White’s shot is the most important of any player on Syracuse. His release is the most reliable of anyone else, and that’s no surprise given the meticulous attention he’s long devoted toward his shot. Most every part about it is measured: The distance between White’s feet, the position of his elbow and even his finger placement on the ball. Nothing goes unattended. see white page 4
Andrew White has taken a majority of his and Syracuse’s shots from 3
68.9
39.4
Percentage of Syracuse’s three-point attempts White has taken