Nate Kingz unleashed in Syracuse basketball’s win over Tennessee

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Nate Kingz was shot out of a cannon in the first half of Syracuse’s win over No. 13 Tennessee. The senior guard was unleashed for a season-high 19 points, all in the first half. But he and his head coach were much more pleased with his defensive performance. Kingz drew the assignment of Tennessee’s top scorer Ja’Kobi Gillespie.

“Nate Kingz, I know offensively he was phenomenal in the first half, but the defensive job he did on Gillespie — who I think is, you know, one of the best point guards in the country — to be able to make him work for everything he had today was also exceptional,” Autry said.

Coming into the night Gillespie was averaging 18.5 points per game. The Cousy Award candidate scored ten points against Syracuse, a second low on the season only to his eight point low in the season-opener. A career 37% outside shooter, Gillespie was 0-3 from outside on Tuesday night. Kingz said he paid extra attention to Syracuse assistant Brendan Straughn’s scouting report.

“I just really keyed in on the scout and the personnel that Coach B had brought up for us with him [Gillespie],” Kingz said. “Knowing he’s a star player, he’s a three-level scorer. (You) gotta make sure he can’t get to his right hand driving. It happened a few times but other than that, just keying in on the scout and making sure I didn’t have any lapses in my mind.”

Kingz, who played a team-high 36 minutes against Tennessee, came to Syracuse as a 44% three point shooter from Oregon State. He’s fit the mold of a three-and-D player and he’s been the best rebounder on the team from the guard group. Although a skilled shooter, Kingz suggests he’s in the game more so for defensive purposes.

“I feel like that’s why I’m on the floor a lot of the times,” Kingz said, “to bring that defensive energy.”

While Kingz’ defense was critical, unlocking his offense can be instrumental to the success of this Syracuse squad. He’s the best shooter on the team. He’s struggled to find rhythm early in the season from range but he’s settled in during Syracuse’s last two home games, shooting 5-13 from outside. He was 5-6 from the free throw line Tuesday for a team that has had its struggles at the line this season.

“He opened the doors for us,” Kiyan Anthony said of Kingz. “He gave us confidence as a team, he was the only one hitting shots in the first half. For us, we see what Nate Kingz (does) every day in practice. He’s really a sniper. I rarely see him miss in practice.

“I do feel like he’s the best shooter in the country.”

Kingz carried Syracuse offensively in the first half with 19 points. He started with a left-wing three off a skip pass from JJ Starling. He then beat the shotclock with a tough left-handed floater that found the bottom of the net.

“I was just able to get to my left hand and get through the lane,” Kingz said. “My bigs did a great job of sealing so I could have an easy layup. Akir [Souare] had a big one for me. Will [Kyle], every time, it’s little things you don’t see that makes it easier for me to score.”

Kingz had another strong left-handed drive after his floater. He’s experienced and knows how to be physical, use his body to create angles, especially going to his strong hand. On that instance, he gained position and went off of two feet from the dunker’s spot and finished over the defense with his left. On another instance, he converted on a side-step three over Felix Okpara.

“We don’t expect that out of anybody,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said of Kingz’ 19 points.

Kingz nearly broke 20 points before the half as a three fell short of the rim. A second look on the possession — from much deeper — resulted in an airball, but Tyler Betsey was there to lay it in before the halftime buzzer. Kingz laughed when asked if it was secretly a pass to Betsey.

Tennessee, one of the top defensive teams in the country under Barnes, was somehow caught off guard by Kingz’ offense. It was an all-around game for the 6-foot-5 guard, who finished with a season-high in points to go with seven rebounds. But he played defense for Syracuse the way it’s usually played for Tennessee under Barnes.

“Again, two-way guys. That’s what we talk about,” Autry said. “We want two-way guys. He did a phenomenal job tonight.”