Dave Siock was shocked when he learned of the allegations against men’s basketball associate head coach Bernie Fine.

Siock, a Syracuse center from 1988-93, has known Fine since he was a young kid attending basketball camps. He worked with him closely every day at practice, and went to him whenever he needed advice.

‘When I was at school, I considered him my father away from home basically,’ Siock said. ‘He was awesome to be with, he was a great guy, a great teacher, a great leader, great role model. And I respect him like nobody else.’

Siock said he can’t believe the allegations that Fine molested a team ball boy for more than 12 years. Siock said he remembered the ball boy, Bobby Davis, as soon as he heard his name in reports. The former center recalled seeing him at practices and home games and talked with him at practices. He said Fine was a mentor to Davis, who seemed like a nice and happy kid.

Fine served as a mentor to Siock, too. Siock said he was frustrated throughout his career as he struggled to earn playing time. Fine was always there for him to talk to and calmed him down multiple times.

‘He kept me positive, he kept me focused on what I was trying to do to help me become a better person because of it,’ Siock said. ‘So I can’t speak anything negative about Bernie Fine at all.’

Siock said he still talks to Fine, and calls him whenever he needs some advice. Siock said his wife, who was a Syracuse cheerleader, knew Fine as well and was also shocked. He said he has no reason to believe the allegations from his experience with Fine.

‘No, not at all, I’m 100 percent sure of that,’ Siock said. ‘I’d stake my life on it.’

The former center said he feels bad his coach has to go through this in a public way. But Siock feels his coach will be cleared once all the facts are known.

‘I think when it’s all said and done, I’m quite sure that everyone will realize it’s just bogus, bogus information,’ Siock said.

rjgery@syr.edu

Published on November 17, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Ryne: rjgery@syr.edu