Jerami Grant missed No. 8 Syracuse’s season-opening 82-60 win over Cornell on Friday.

Grant sat on the bench in salmon-colored pants and a black sweater during the game. Jim Boeheim said Grant had to miss one game, but he wouldn’t elaborate on the reason.

“He’ll be back,” Boeheim said.

Grant warmed up during Syracuse’s first warmup period, but he stood next to redshirt freshman Chinonso Obokoh and assistant coach Adrian Autry during Syracuse’s second warmup.

The Post-Standard reported before the game that Grant must sit out a game for violating NCAA rules regarding summer league play. Boeheim said he will definitely return for the Fordham game on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Syracuse players were instructed to not comment on the matter. Rakeem Christmas, C.J. Fair and Michael Gbinije all beat around the bush on why Grant missed the game.

Christmas just shook his head and looked away when asked when he found out that Grant wasn’t playing. And when asked what Grant’s loss did for Syracuse from a basketball standpoint, his answer was vague.

“Just got to come out here and have fun,” he said, “and whatever happens happens.”

Said Gbinije: “I came into the locker room today and he didn’t get dressed.”

SU Athletics spokesperson Pete Moore did not specify on why Grant was sidelined.

Published on November 8, 2013 at 7:13 pm

Contact Trevor: tbhass@syr.edu | @TrevorHass