Syracuse, N.Y. – For the first time in his Syracuse career, Judah Mintz wasn’t in the starting lineup when the Orange hosted Boston College at the JMA Wireless Dome on Wednesday.
The sophomore point guard was benched for the start of Wednesday’s game for what Syracuse coach Adrian Autry termed, “just a little violation of team rules.’’
Mintz, SU’s leading scorer for the season, wound up playing 30 minutes in Syracuse’s 69-59 win over Boston College. He finished with 10 points, three assists and three steals.
“Nothing serious,’’ Autry said after the game. “We have moved on. I expect him to be ready to go on Saturday.’’
Asked if that meant Mintz would be back in the starting lineup for Syracuse’s game at North Carolina on Saturday, Autry responded, “I expect him to be. Yes.’’
Mintz said Autry told him that he would not be starting earlier in the day on Wednesday.
Mintz seemed to be engaged in the game from the beginning. He smiled and clapped during the introduction of the starting lineup. He cheered from the bench as Syracuse took an early 14-7 lead.
“No matter what, whether I’m on the court or off the court,’’ he said, “I’ve got to be here for my team.’’
Mintz finally entered the game with 10:39 left in the first half. Although he finished with 10 points, he struggled to finish on his familiar drives to the basket. He went 1-for-7 from the field; his only made shot coming on a 3-pointer.
He said accepting his punishment was part of being one of the team’s leaders.
“Whether I’m off the court, whether I messed up off the court or I’m on the court playing with my team, I’ve got to be the leader,’’ Mintz said. “I was here last year. We’ve got a lot of new faces. I’ve got to stay consistent no matter what’s happening with me personally.’’
He added that he’s looking forward to returning to the starting lineup when the Orange faces the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Saturday.
“I’ll be ready to…
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