Syracuse, N.Y. -- Frank Howard grew up near Washington, D.C., as a Redskins fan. And because he's a Redskins fan, he has felt compelled over the years to "cuss at the TV" when a botched play or a boneheaded decision disturbed him.
Howard, Syracuse's senior point guard, shares that anecdote to illustrate his knowledge of the way sports and passion intersect. His in-person interactions with Orange fans over the years have been "nothing but love," he said. But Howard has heard the rebukes, too, and has read what he calls the "dark hole" of online vitriol. So fluent is Howard in fickle fanspeak that he has addressed young teammates over the years about what awaits.