Syracuse's Desko Continues to Clamor for a Shot Clock and Other Changes

I've already soapboxed my feelings about opening up the collegiate game, so there isn't much use in me trying to settle old scores.

John Desko, head coach of the Syracuse Orange, doesn't seem to have an off switch on the subject, though. His ideas for opening up the game:

1. Shot clock. (I'm still not completely sold on this yet as it may lead to sloppiness and more zone defenses.)
2. Changes to stick specifications. (Intriguing, but we're talking about reframing the entire lacrosse landscape with this -- player performance, coaching methodology, stick manufacturers, etc. There's a huge cost factor with this.)
3. Increased goal size. (Well, now we're just talking crazy talk.)

16 days ago Hoya Suxa 4 comments 0 recs |

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No

Shot Clock

Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano

by AParker on Jan 3, 2026 10:21 AM EST reply actions

Tend to agree with you for the time being.

For me, it’s all turns on the deployment of the shot clock. People need to be really careful about it.

I’d rather see restrictions on substitution patterns and the re-emergence of the two-way middie to try and open up the game.

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by Hoya Suxa on Jan 3, 2026 10:25 AM EST up reply actions

The shot clock will always bug me (until it’s inevitably implemented, in which case I’ll get over it). Goalie sports are fundamentally different than, say, basketball, and a shot clock will never strike me as natural.

by sullivti on Jan 3, 2026 6:36 PM EST reply actions

Has the shot clock been tried?

If not, try it in some scrimamge games and see how it works. Like the original post, the biggest problem is setting the limit. I’d be inclined to go in the 1 minute range, or even longer. It shouldn’t force teams to shoot for the sake of shooting or inspire negative defensive tactics that aim to force shot clock violations. I’ dlike to put an end to teams sitting on the ball and just killing the game because they’re up a goal or two in the third on a more talented team.

Fly, Eagles, fly...down, down the field!

by E Scott on Jan 3, 2026 7:48 PM EST reply actions