The big news out of college basketball was that two names long-time associated with the old Big East, Jim Boeheim and Patrick Ewing, were let go as head coaches of Syracuse and Georgetown, respectively.
Ewing’s release was expected as he compiled a 75-109 record in his six seasons as the Hoyas’ head basketball coach.
But Jim Boeheim’s name was a bigger shock, mostly because he was Syracuse basketball.
Boeheim built Syracuse, his Alma mater, into a national powerhouse by attracting star players like Dwayne “The Pearl” Washington, Rony Seikaly, Derrick Coleman and Carmelo Anthony to the program.
Through those future NBA stars and many other players, the Orange became a destination for basketball star power, particularly while the program played in the Big East.
Over 47 years, Boeheim amassed an extremely impressive 1,116-441 record (.717 winning percentage). He finished his career second in all-time wins behind former Duke coach, Mike Krzyewski. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that in a career that spanned over five decades, Boeheim only had one losing season, coming in last season when Syracuse finished 16-17.
But the time had come for the program to begin a new era, which meant the university had to part ways with coach Boeheim.
“There is no doubt in my mind that without Jim Boeheim, Syracuse Basketball would not be the powerhouse program it is today,” said Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Jim has invested and dedicated the majority of his life to building this program, cultivating generations of student-athletes and representing his alma mater with pride and distinction. I extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to an alumnus who epitomizes what it means to be ‘Forever Orange.’”
So the post-Boeheim era has begun. Helming the voyage is new head coach and former Orange player, Adrian Autry.
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