Basketball’s #1 Despite Circus: 3 Reasons Syracuse Has Weathered the Storm

Amid a relentless media storm of molestation allegations, Jim Boeheim’s job security, and ESPN’s questionable reporting standards, Syracuse¬†has put its nose to the grindstone, ignored the distractions, and played stellar basketball for 10 straight games. With a likely #1 ranking on the way, the Orange has proven what its made of. SU’s success in the middle of all these distractions means one thing:¬†the foundation is strong.¬†Here’s why:

• Jim Boeheim has heart.¬†

Even though his emotion hurt him in the¬†initial comments to the press, he still came around to apologizing in an¬†unusually diplomatic way for Boeheim.¬†What the Per’fesser has proven is that he’s genuine – and players want that in a coach. As for his “too harsh” comments firing back at Bernie Fine’s accusers, how many of us wouldn’t stand up for a longtime friend after such horrible allegations? Sexual abuse is a very serious matter, and when you trust a friend there’s going to be confusion, if not anger, when that person is accused of a felony. Jim has been able to shield the distractions from his team, and pour his attention into just basketball when away from the media glare. This could be his finest coaching job yet.

• Player’s attitudes¬†have reflected well on the SU athlete.¬†

One blessing in disguise that comes with this adversity is it creates a time when more than just a player’s dribble or jump shot is tested. It offers a window into their character. Kris Joseph and¬†a matured Scoop Jardine¬†¬†have represented their teammates well when asked about the Fine scandal. If the numbers don’t speak for themselves, Brandon Triche answered whether it’s hard to play through the distractions.¬†“It’s not hard at all, you know, we’re just trying to do what we’ve been doing all season, which is play basketball.” Talent also helps. This is one of the deepest teams in all the nation, with players capable of carrying the load at every position. The question was not whether they were good enough, but instead if they could play well enough together. So far, so good.

• SU stellar PR job.¬†

In stark contrast to the way PSU dealt with the Sandusky sex scandal, Chancellor Nancy Cantor lead the way in reaffirming the goal of the university to create a safe environment for all, and a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. In constant e-mail communication with faculty, staff and students, SU kept everyone up to date with the latest position of the school. Appearing seemingly transparent in its inner workings, SU has done a solid job battling negative perception.

While Syracuse is not left unscathed, the program was not dealt the death blow some had predicted. In fact, the basketball team has thrived on the court, and the biggest damage seems to be focused on the Fine household and the media reporting the story. There may be many more plot twists, but the criticism has spread to a¬†DA who’s all over the place, a third accuser who’s been dismissed from major courts but is still pursuing civil court, and ESPN’s shoddy reporting standards. SU is going to be #1 in the country, and that speaks to the bedrock that is Syracuse basketball.