Michael Gbinije is still getting accustomed to playing point guard.

He didn’t run the point in high school or at Duke. Now, while Tyler Ennis sits, Gbinije will bring the ball up.

Gbinije struggled in his new role Friday in No. 8 Syracuse’s 79-41 exhibition win over Division II Holy Family at the Carrier Dome. The scrimmage showcased that while Syracuse is deep at nearly every position, it’s not deep at point guard. Gbinije turned the ball over five times and looked uncomfortable breaking the press.

“When they pressured us,” Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim said, “he showed that’s where he struggles a little bit as a point guard.”

Gbinije said playing point is difficult. He likes having the ball in his hands more often and facilitating for his teammates, but said the switch in positions has been tough.

C.J. Fair said he tries to stay back with the guards to help them break the press. Holy Family pressed in spurts Friday and disrupted Gbinije’s flow at times.

“It’s hard to break a press by yourself,” Fair said. “There’s a lot of new guys out there and they’re running around. It kind of puts you in a bad position.”

Four of Gbinije’s turnovers came in the final 9:06, when Syracuse surrendered the ball eight times in total against Holy Family.

Gbinije played 24 minutes on Friday, which tied with Fair for most on the team. He showcased his skill and multi-dimensionality, yet it was evident he simply isn’t used to playing point guard.

“I think in the second half, things got a little messy,” Gbinije said, “but it’s only the first game and I think it’ll get better as the season goes on.”

With one minute left in the game, Turhan Griffin deflected Gbinije’s pass and raced the other way for a layup.

“He had some sloppy moments,” Boeheim said. “He’ll get through it.”

Published on November 1, 2013 at 11:30 pm

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