Syracuse is known throughout the college basketball world as one of the most successful teams ever, and the biggest reason why is Jim Boeheim.
Syracuse has been extraordinary over the last 50 years
He has almost been in charge of the team for almost 50 years; a feat that is unheard of in every sport, but it goes to show how important he has been to the team’s program. However, there is no denying that SU has always had a taste for success ever since it was formed.
One of the most remarkable facts is Boeheim has never had a losing season, and that helps highlight just how incredibly successful they have been throughout the years.
Legendary NBA players recognize Syracuse’s impact
To further highlight how successful the Orange program has been, you would only need to take a look at some of the players to have entered the NBA. Carmelo Anthony is the greatest player of the modern era. Dave Bing – a former teammate of Boeheim – was named in the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team along with Carmelo, thus highlighting the significance of the college program in the pros.
Even current NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo revealed that he would have committed to Syracuse if given the opportunity, instead of opting for a recognizable blueblood program like Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, and others. It was a revelation that had surprised many, although it perhaps should not.
This season has been a real struggle
This campaign has been somewhat rather disappointing for the Orange, though, with the team really struggling to close out games it’s at serious risk of having to look from the outside in for the tourney.
Those who enjoy placing a sports bet or perhaps are looking forward to doing so as New York has recently allowed mobile sports betting to go live within its state’s borders might be considering whether Syracuse is for them for the remainder of the season. Sports betting for NY basketball fans is now available for those who reside in the state and wish to place a wager on the action, however confidence in SU might be shaky this year.
Admittedly, there are still a number of big games that are available to play which will certainly be interesting betting propositions. However there is no denying that the Orange are very hit-and-miss at the moment.
Could a new era begin at the end of the season?
Indeed, what is happening at the moment is something that has been so rare, especially under Boeheim’s 46 years as head coach.
The Orange have been enjoying an incredible 51 consecutive years of winning, but that’s in jeopardy as they have their worst sports year.
If that happens, it could usher in a new era if Boeheim actually decided to take up retirement. Of course, he had initially intended to retire in March 2018, however he remained coaching on the sidelines as his long-time assistant coach and expected successor Mike Hopkins decided to leave, which led the head coach to stay on for an indefinite amount of time.
Naturally, it would be a huge loss to Syracuse, although this is something that is to be expected when an individual has been able to lead the team for almost half a century.
During his time at the school, he has managed to go on and win 10 Big East regular-season championships, and 5 Big East Tournament championships while also making 35 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 3 appearances in the national title game.
However, with a handful of games still to be played, Boeheim‚Äôs future is probably going to continue into next season. He wouldn’t want to retire after a tough season like this, and no one can force him out.
One thing is for certain, though, there is no denying the legacy that Boeheim has had on the Orange, and what he has managed to achieve in the near-50 years he has been at the team is nothing short of incredible and remarkable.
