PHILADELPHIA – A little over a year ago, it never would’ve seemed possible. Billy Edelin had left the Syracuse men’s basketball team and virtually disappeared from civilization. No one knew where he was or why he suddenly left the Orange.

He’d given up the starting guard position for the defending National Champions. Most wondered if he’d ever rejoin Syracuse. But starting again?

Slowly he’s worked his way back. It all culminated Saturday afternoon. Edelin earned his first start since Jan. 24, 2004 against Pittsburgh. Though he scored just six points and committed seven turnovers, Edelin’s ball-handling presence still added another dimension in SU’s 90-75 victory over Villanova at the Wachovia Center.

‘It’s a confidence builder for him,’ SU guard Gerry McNamara said. ‘It says a lot about what type of person he is and what he’s battled through. He’s battled to get back into the position he was in. You have to respect that.’

SU head coach Jim Boeheim held Edelin out of SU’s first five games this season so the guard could catch up on his academics. Since then, Edelin’s taken small steps toward regaining his old form.

On Saturday, Edelin led an offense that ran smoother and more efficiently than it had over the past few weeks. Instead of relying exclusively on McNamara or senior forward Hakim Warrick, SU moved the ball and found openings for other players.

Edelin played a large part, slicing through the lane. His two early first-half baskets jump-started the offense. With 18:23 remaining, Edelin blew by his defender for an easy lay-up. Two minutes later, Edelin again entered the lane, hitting a 3-foot jump shot.

‘Billy’s always been a good player,’ assistant coach Mike Hopkins said. ‘Coach thought he’d be able to start. Him making those shots really got the offense started.’

While Edelin cracked the starting lineup, guard Louie McCroskey exited. Sophomore Demetris Nichols started Syracuse’s first eight games this season before Boeheim replaced him with McCroskey, who started 16 games since the Orange’s Dec. 11 win over Binghamton.

McCroskey, who said he was told he’d come off the bench two days ago, had been particularly ineffective of late. While his 3-point shot falls with ease in practice, he’s been unable to knock it down in games. He scored two points on 0-for-5 shooting in his first appearance off the bench.

With his recent struggles, he’s appeared hesitant to shoot, often opting to drive. On Saturday, after his first 3-point attempt went way long, barely hitting the rim, McCroskey again appeared less willing to shoot.

‘I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team,’ McCroskey said. As far as playing time goes, coach is giving us opportunities so I got my opportunity and if he wants to try something new I’m up for it. I felt comfortable. It’s not about that. It’s just about winning.’

Having Edelin on the court appeared to be best for SU. Though Edelin had played at least 15 minutes in five straight games, having him in the starting lineup appeared to give SU a spark. Villanova pressed the Orange for most of the game, and the 6-foot-4 junior’s ball-handling skills avoided unnecessary turnovers.

With Edelin, McNamara and senior Josh Pace handling the press effectively, it never took Syracuse out of its rhythm.

Offensively, with Edelin at the point, SU had its best offensive showing in Big East play. Syracuse’s 90 points were the second most the Orange has scored this season, topped only by a 91-67 victory over St. Bonaventure on Dec. 1.

‘We can run a lot more (with Edelin)’ McNamara said. ‘We can expand our offense because he creates for people. That’s the key; that he creates so much.’

While his return to the starting lineup brought him that much closer to the point he was last year, Boeheim still believes Edelin has a ways to go. He hasn’t reached the consistency of last season, and his seven turnovers were uncharacteristic.

Still, starting was a huge step for a player who hasn’t completed a full season with the Orange. During his freshman year, the NCAA suspended Edelin for 12 games for playing in an unsanctioned recreation league. Last year, he missed games against Virginia Tech and Connecticut before returning on Feb. 7 against Providence. He left the team for the season before SU’s Feb. 10 game against Rutgers.

And now, after being told just before the game he’d start, Edelin’s journey back into the lineup is complete.

‘He played about as well as he’s been playing,’ Boeheim said. ‘He’s still not where he needs to be. Hopefully down the stretch, he’ll get better.’

Published on February 13, 2005 at 12:00 pm