Jim Boeheim Retires: The New Era of Syracuse Basketball Begins
As they say… Nothing lasts forever, all things must end. Yes, Jim Boeheim retires and a new dawn is quietly coming up over the horizon of college basketball. Not a surprise to many, but a decision that instantly strikes a nerve in the sports world and community.
After 40 plus years, the Syracuse basketball program is getting a new head coach. Without a farewell tour. Just an university confirmation and very on brand cryptic press conference from Boeheim.
Nevertheless, with Jim Boeheim entering retirement there is only one question regarding the head coach that needs attention. A success or nah? Welp, it’s all in how you choose to dice up an over 4 decade career. Which is why Boeheim’s legacy is a hot topic.
First, the good. Jim is going out into the realm of retirement with the following accomplishments, numbers and stats:
- A 47 year Syracuse tenure and career
- .717 Win Pct.
- 5 Final Four Appearances
- 3 Olympic Gold Medals
- 2003 National Champion
- Over 1100 Wins
- 35 NCAA Tournament Appearances
- 4x Big East Coach of the Year Honors
Yes, the above makes him worthy of the Hall of Fame. He is whether you like or care for the man or not. Whether his defense strategies had you gritting your teeth, chanting positive mantras; or throwing your salsa bowl across the room. He retires a HOFer head coach.
However, what most people agree on in this situation, is that the last several years for Syracuse basketball have not been the best. That’s the bad. And it’s these not so great years that make many feel that Jim’s retirement is long overdue.
Long gone are the good old days of Carmelo Anthony. Even though the man literally only played ONE season for Syracuse; he put that team on his back and did the darn thing! Averaging an impressive 10 rebounds and 22 points a game, Melo leads the Orange to the programs very FIRST and ONLY national championship. Wow.
Jim Boeheim Retires: The New Era of Syracuse Basketball Begins
Fast forward 20 years later, well… things are quiet on the home front. There’s no more Melo’s. No more championships. Therefore, a change needs to occur.
That change is happening. However, it came about oddly. Jim Boeheim in many interviews for some time; makes it clear his retirement will happen when the university is ready.
Nonetheless, Syracuse’s readiness to move on is now very apparent. The school announces that Boeheim is out and lead assistant, Adrian Autry is in and taking over head coach duties. Jim backs this news up in true ‘Boeheim fashion.’
When speaking of his retirement, Jim states:
“I’ve been very lucky to coach this long. I think everyone missed my retirement speech last week. Nobody picked up on it.
I gave my retirement speech on the court last Saturday and I gave it to the press conference afterwards.”
Okay, Jim. Furthermore, to put a period even more on things; Boeheim’s words occur after Syracuse’s 77-74 ACC Tournament loss to Wake Forest. However, with Autry coming into the picture will things change? They could.
However, at times, assistant coaches seem to pick up the ways of the previous Jedi master and continue to implicate such systems/concepts moving forward. Nevertheless, a clean slate, is a new slate. A new beginning, will always be a new start.
With a new head coach, Syracuse can embark on a new era. Take a hard look at what’s working and what is not. Transform and build. Every team in sports has its ups and downs; in time we will all see if Syracuse can ascend back to being champions.
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