It took less than a minute for head coach Quentin Hillsman to reference Syracuse’s depth during the media day press conference on Oct. 16. His starters don’t jog out when their names are announced over the loudspeaker before each game because he says he has seven starters.

With one regular season game left, though, only five Syracuse players average 15 or more minutes. Last season, six players, including forward Taylor Ford, did that.

In her senior year, Ford’s minutes and subsequent production have dropped off while she battles a nagging back injury. When she produces, she can help push No. 18 Syracuse (22-6, 12-3 Atlantic Coast) over the edge against top teams. When she doesn’t, the Orange leans on its typical go-to players. While it hasn’t cost SU, who is riding a program-record eight straight conference wins, Ford’s mercurial play could spark a deep postseason run or help prevent it.

“She’s probably more like six or seven (in the rotation). She’s definitely a player we need in our rotation,” Hillsman said. “It’s one of those unfortunate things. There’s no scheme for injury.”

As a junior, Ford averaged 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 20.7 minutes emerging as a serviceable defensive stopgap and a capable long-range shooter. Without legitimate time off to rest, the forward’s been limited to a secondary role averaging 3.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 11.5 minutes per game. Her field-goal percentage has dropped from 37.2 percent over the past two years to 31 percent this season.

Ford said her injury hasn’t factored in her decreased production, but Hillsman said balancing her playing time has challenged him. Just twice this season, Ford has played more than 20 minutes. Against Coppin State on Dec. 9, she scored 21 points. Three days later, she scored just three.

“Are we going to be able to have a lot of depth,” Hillsman asked at media day while rattling off questions that would determine the season’s outcome.

Hillsman regularly uses six players off the bench, but only a couple of them play significant roles each game. Ford has twice, but has been ineffective in the others.

 

Evan Jenkins | Staff Photographer

 

Against then-No. 10 Florida State on Thursday, Ford poured in 15 points in the 10-point win. The Seminoles were the highest-ranked opponent Syracuse has beat this season and the victory helped clinch a double bye in the ACC tournament.

When Ford plays up to her potential, she gives the Orange another shooter off the bench for a team that wants to take every open shot.

“You have to pick your poison with them,” FSU head coach Sue Semrau said after Ford knocked down five 3-pointers.

Then three days later, Ford picked up three fouls in nine minutes, didn’t record a point against Pittsburgh as her inconsistent play resurfaced. Ford is third on SU in rebounding rate, according to WBBState.com, which measures rebounds per possession. But her overall numbers are low because she hasn’t been on the floor as much as she used to.

Hillsman said the back injury has specifically restricted Ford in shooting, defending and boxing out.

“I’m upset I’m not producing as much and helping the team out,” Ford said.

On Thursday, Syracuse won its third game against a ranked opponent this season, a feat that hasn’t been done since 2001-02. On Monday, Syracuse reached No. 18 in the AP Poll, its highest ranking in program history. A win on Thursday would secure top-three finish in the ACC.

Ford has flashed glimpses of the key player she could be, but she’s still facing a troublesome situation that she has no control over.

“It’s hard to do everything when your back’s hurting,” Hillsman said. “It’s hard to go to the bathroom when your back is hurting. It’s just tough to overcome.”

Published on February 24, 2016 at 1:12 am

Contact Paul: pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds