The moment Jonny Flynn announced his decision to leave Syracuse and enter the NBA Draft, Scoop Jardine finally saw the opportunity he feared would never arrive. He felt helpless for much of last year, barely a part of the Orange’s Sweet 16 squad, doubting the fate of his career. At the time, his SU future looked bleak.

Watching from the sidelines, injured and overweight, Jardine wondered if the program still considered him part of the plan. The guard positions seemed clogged with veteran talent Jardine could never surpass. Meanwhile, Syracuse spent its time and resources wooing Brandon Triche, a hotshot local prospect primed to take over for Flynn.

Flynn and Triche, two dynamite point guards holding the adulation of a city. Jardine became an afterthought – a blip on the SU radar whose presence on the roster was a bonus, not a necessity.

But then Flynn left, leaving the position up-for-grabs. This was the break Jardine had been waiting for. This was the chance he desperately needed.

‘After sitting out a year, he saw an opportunity with Jonny gone,’ center Arinze Onuaku said at Big East media day. ‘To see Jonny Flynn leave, you see there’s a spot there for you to take. Ever since, then he’s been working harder than I have ever seen to take the spot and slide in there. He has earned that spot.’

Jardine deserves a shot to become the Orange’s primary point guard this season. Though he may not be the trendy pick, Jardine is the man SU needs, at least for right now. His experience starting Big East games is valuable and vital, especially since Syracuse does not have the star power of Flynn or Eric Devendorf. Triche can benefit from a year in a more limited role, growing acclimated the college game from a gritty player who has learned things the hard way.

During his redshirt year, Jardine temporarily lost his dedication and commitment, as he questioned his role and standing in the program. His weight ballooned to an unmanageable 200 pounds – a side effect from not being able to practice regularly. Head coach Jim Boeheim gave him an ultimatum: Slim down, or don’t ever expect to play much.

The message held water, but Flynn’s departure sparked the final motivation he needed. Jardine withdrew and became introspective, trying to understand what he truly wanted and cared about. That’s when the light bulb popped.

Jardine overhauled his diet, counting calories and avoiding the late-night Kimmel runs that plagued him last season. He realized the difference between starting crucial games and sitting at the end of bench with the walk-ons could be a few pounds.

A different Jardine sauntered into the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center last month for Syracuse media day. He lost about 15 pounds from last season, yet somehow looked stronger and more muscular. His attitude was different than in years past. He sounded like a leader, ready to guide an offense and help develop Triche into the star he has the potential to become. Even Boeheim, who inspired Jardine’s newfound dedication, complimented his improved maturity and work ethic.

‘It changed the way I look at life,’ Jardine said of the time off. ‘I’ve changed my diet. I’ve changed everything about what I want to do and where I want to be. The first thing I had to do is change my life before I can change basketball.’

What sets Jardine apart is his experience. As a true freshman two years ago, he played in 33 of 35 games, and started 10. He played key minutes against the Big East elite and held his own, scoring double-digit points six times that year. It’s easy to forget that Jardine is not new to this.

And Jardine is a better player now. He spent the summer retooling and tweaking the form of his shot. Gone is the clunky, forced jumper from two years ago. His shot resembles that of sharpshooter Andy Rautins – the type of shooter Jardine said he expects to become this season.

Watching him shoot around with Wesley Johnson and Kris Joseph at media day, there was no denying his shot appeared smoother and more fluid than the last time he played for the Orange. In SU’s first scrimmage game, Jardine recorded a double-double, compiling 10 points and 11 assists.

Boeheim said this team is relying on its experienced veterans for success. Jardine belongs in that group.

‘At the end of the day, Scoop has the most experience,’ Onuaku said. ‘I know Brandon’s here, but Scoop’s been here three years. He has the experience from playing and sitting out a year.’

Both point guards will play substantial minutes this season. Boeheim has made that point clear on numerous occasions. In fact, Triche may wind up starting opening day.

But Jardine’s newfound commitment deserves respect and applause. This is a different Jardine. A better, smarter, more mature Jardine.

Triche will have his moment. This season is Jardine’s big chance to finally show what he can do.

‘I took the whole year to see what I really wanted from myself,’ Jardine said. ‘That’s the most important thing. And now I see what I really want, and I’m going to go get it.

Jared Diamond is the sports editor for The Daily Orange, where his column appears occasionally. He can be reached at jediamon@syr.edu.

Published on November 3, 2009 at 12:00 pm