SU To Honor Hall Of Fame Coach On Jim Boeheim Day

Syracuse University Athletics to Honor Jim Boeheim at Notre Dame Game

Syracuse University Athletics is excited to announce that it will be honoring Jim Boeheim, a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and Syracuse alumni, at the upcoming Notre Dame game on Saturday, Feb. 24, in the JMA Wireless Dome. This special ceremony, known as “Coach Jim Boeheim Day,” will celebrate and recognize his many accomplishments as the most successful coach in Syracuse basketball history.

A Tribute to the Legendary Coach

“Coach Jim Boeheim Day” is a tribute to Boeheim’s 47-year tenure as the head coach of Syracuse University’s basketball program. His retirement announcement at the end of last season marked the end of an era for Orange fans and alumni worldwide. Syracuse Director of Athletics, John Wildhack, acknowledges Coach Boeheim as an iconic figure in Central New York and emphasizes his remarkable career and commitment to Syracuse University and the community.

Boeheim’s Unparalleled Achievements

Jim Boeheim’s coaching career is highlighted by numerous, record-breaking accomplishments, many of which are unparalleled:

• Ranked second among Division I coaches in wins and games coached, second only to former Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski.
• Ensured winning records in 46 of his 47 seasons as head coach.
• Took Syracuse to the postseason in all but five seasons.
• Led Syracuse to 35 NCAA Tournament appearances.
• Reached the Final Four five times: 1987, 1996, 2003, 2013, and 2016.
• Coached the 2003 NCAA Championship team.
• The only Division I coach to lead a team into the NCAA Tournament in six different decades.
• The only Division I coach with over 1,000 victories at his alma mater.
• Second-longest tenure as head coach at one institution, just behind Jim Phalen’s 49 years.
• Ranked second among Division I coaches in 20-win seasons and fourth in NCAA Tournament victories.

Boeheim’s Journey Begins at Syracuse

Boeheim’s basketball journey began at Syracuse University, where he not only earned a roster spot but also became a starter and co-captain. Alongside teammate Dave Bing, Boeheim helped lead the Orange to an impressive overall record of 22-6 and a coveted NCAA Tournament visit.

An Accomplished Player and Professional

After his successful collegiate career, Boeheim pursued a professional basketball career with Scranton in the Eastern League. He played for four years, contributing to two championship teams and earning second-team all-star honors.

The Start of a Coaching Career

Following his retirement from playing, Boeheim transitioned to coaching and experienced immediate success. As a graduate assistant coach in 1969, he led Syracuse’s freshman team to a 16-2 record. Boeheim’s coaching career continued to thrive as he helped guide the Orange to numerous NCAA Tournament appearances, including their first Final Four in 1975.

Boeheim Takes the Helm of Syracuse Basketball

On April 3, 1976, Boeheim was named the head coach at his alma mater. In his first four years, Boeheim achieved an extraordinary record of 100-18 (.847), including four NCAA Tournament invitations. The formation of the BIG EAST Conference in 1979 further elevated the Syracuse basketball program, with Boeheim leading the team to 10 conference titles, five tournament crowns, and 15 trips to the BIG EAST title game.

An Honorable Career

Throughout his career, Boeheim received several prestigious accolades and honors, including:

• 2010 Associated Press Coach of the Year
• 2010 Henry Iba National Coach of the Year (United States Basketball Writers Association)
• 2010 Naismith Coach of the Year
• 2010 Sporting News Coach of the Year
• 2010 Yahoo Sports Coach of the Year
• 1984, 1991, 2000, 2010 BIG EAST Conference Coach of the Year
• 2005 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction
• 2006 Wooden Legends of Coaching Award

Contributions to USA Basketball

Boeheim played a crucial role in the development of USA Basketball. He began his involvement as a coach for national teams and eventually became the chair of the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Committee. Boeheim also served as an assistant coach for the Senior Men’s Team, contributing to their numerous achievements and gold medal wins.

Developing NBA Talent

Boeheim’s influence extends beyond college basketball, as 23 of his players were drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft. Notably, seven of them were top-10 picks, including Derrick Coleman, the first overall selection in 1990. Boeheim’s commitment to player development is evident in the success of his former players in the professional basketball realm.

Get Your Tickets

Tickets for the upcoming Syracuse basketball games, including the Notre Dame game honoring Jim Boeheim, are available for purchase. Season and individual tickets can be bought online at cuse.com/tickets, by phone at 1-888-DOMETIX, or at the JMA Wireless Dome Box Office at Gate B.