To an outsider, Syracuse’s pregame introductions in the Carrier Dome could be confusing. When the public address announcer calls for the center, Darryl Watkins, the student section serenades the introduction with a ‘moo,’ in reference to Watkins’ nickname, Mookie. But for someone who didn’t know better, it could sound like ‘boo.’

Considering Watkins’ recent performances, one could suggest booing is appropriate. For parts of Sunday’s 68-61 matinee loss to Seton Hall, Watkins looked like the same player who totaled a miserable six points and 15 fouls against Connecticut, Villanova and Pittsburgh. He had five turnovers in the first half and missed two dunks when the ball bounced off the back iron.

But there were also glimpses of a different Watkins, the one who aggressively blocks shots – he entered the game as one of only four players in the Big East averaging more than three blocks – and single-handedly improved Syracuse’s defense. He also runs the floor well for a big man. He finished with five points, eight rebounds, three blocks and four steals. He also committed six turnovers.

It’s an enigma that’s perplexed Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim, who’s criticized the lack of frontcourt production throughout the season. Considering that Watkins is the only full-time center on the team, the comments can be perceived as a shot at Watkins, who’s only averaging 3.6 points and 7.3 rebounds.

‘We have no offense inside,’ Boeheim said. ‘None. Zero. We literally can’t get anything.’

Watkins said he’s trying to turn around his offense and alluded to making alterations mentally rather than physically. He said it’s as simple as taking his time and not thinking about it as much. The dunks serve as an example: Watkins was wide open, but he said he was trying too hard. The misses were four points that Syracuse could have used.

‘Every time Darryl Watkins missed a lay-up, I just said ‘thank you,” Seton Hall guard Jamar Nutter said. ‘That’s supposed to be an easy two.’

On the other end of the court, though, Watkins’ production is even more important. In SU’s last three losses, he fouled out each time. As Boeheim and Watkins know, the Orange needs its center when SU’s guarding the basket.

‘Mookie helps us tremendously on defense,’ Boeheim said. ‘He’s got to be out there on the defensive end of the court. We’re very ineffective on defense when he’s not in the game.’

While Watkins admitted he played a little more passive – he said fouling out the last three games forced him to tone down his aggressiveness defending lay-ups against Seton Hall – his presence was still felt. The Pirates did much of their damage from beyond the arc, where they hit nine 3-pointers.

‘I come out with a defensive presence and change a lot of shots,’ Watkins said. ‘It gives us a good outcome because the guards can’t penetrate and the guys inside can’t make a lot of shots.’

As the Orange continues through the Big East, it knows it can rely on Watkins on defense. But it’s still waiting for the center to come around on offense.

‘You have to get the ball inside,’ Boeheim said. ‘If you can’t score inside, it’s going to hurt your offense. It’ll put the pressure on the perimeter guys. When they don’t shoot well, we have no chance.’

Published on January 29, 2006 at 12:00 pm