By Chris
This wasn’t the proper ending for Jim Boeheim. Not even close. It was bizarre and shocking, and quite frankly, it was inappropriate. He had just suffered his 441st career loss, 77-74 to Wake Forest in the ACC Tournament, and yet, little did anyone in the arena know this was the final game – perhaps even Boeheim.
The ensuing press conference led to more questions than answers. Boeheim couldn’t confirm whether he’d return next season or even wanted to. That decision, he said, was up to the university. There were signs, though, that an era was coming to a screeching halt. There was lots of reflection — on how lucky he’s been to live in Syracuse, coach his sons, coach in front of massive Dome crowds, and make deep March runs — and even signs of emotion that came close to tears.
Without Boeheim, Syracuse isn’t the same. If it weren’t for him, the Orange would never have consistently drawn more than 30,000 spectators to the Dome. He turned SU into one of the most well-known programs in college basketball, a fixture on national television even during the team’s lean periods. The 2-3 zone and the team’s orange and white uniforms have been as closely associated with Syracuse basketball as his glasses, his ageless demeanor, and the great players he was able to sign. Instead of leaving for a larger program with a higher salary, he stayed at SU.
47 seasons as head coach. 15 Big East titles. 35 NCAA Tournament appearances. 5 Final Fours. One National Championship. Countless great players and moments and memories. Yeah, Jim Boeheim deserved better and he will be missed.
Photo credit: Syracuse men’s basketball’s Instagram
