It’s been known for over a year that the match made in heaven that is Syracuse basketball and Jim Boeheim is coming to an end in 2018.
Not so fast.
Enter newly hired athletic director John Wildhack and there’s a fresh wrinkle in the situation. Wildhack, the program’s third AD in as many years, has a great relationship with Boeheim due to his 36 year tenure at ESPN and their Central New York roots. To illustrate how far back the two’s connection goes, Boeheim used to buy soda at Wildhack’s grandfather’s drug store in Lyons. The two have been golf partners and Wildhack describes their games as having declined from “pretty good” to “mediocre.”
With the friendship in the balance, it leaves SU fans thinking that Boeheim’s time on the Hill may not have the expiration date that was previously anticipated. There’s been a lot of speculation whirling about social media that believes Boeheim will still be roaming the Carrier Dome sidelines in 2019 and beyond.
Syracuse basketball is at a very high point in its storied history with two Final Four appearances in the last four seasons. This year’s team is looking to crack the preseason top 15 with a strong recruiting class, including the late addition of four star recruit Taurean Thompson. The team could even receive top 10 consideration if it lands Nebraska transfer Andrew White III. Needless to say, the Orange is going to compete not only in the ACC, but on the national level for an NCAA Championship for the next couple of years. Is there anyone better equipped to guide the future of the Orange than Boeheim? The legend has a chance to capture a couple more National Titles before his tenure ends and if there is any knock on Boeheim’s resume, it’s that he only has one title in his 40 years of coaching. With Wildhack running the show and a chance for two or three more rings, Boeheim staying longer than two more seasons seems like a real possibility.
