by Mike Held
The Syracuse football team appears to be on its usual track to a losing season, this is around the time that most Orange fans start asking “When does basketball season begin?”, “What is Jim Boeheim thinking about?” and “Would we really not have won 10 games without Gerry McNamara in 2006-2007?” Well, here’s a quick overview of what you may have missed in the past few weeks in Syracuse basketball.
The Honorable Doctor of Basketball James Arthur Boeheim said this past week to a magazine when asked if he’ll start preparing for the ACC this season that “Next year is a long way away. A long way away. A lot could happen between now and next year.” Jimmy’s statement sent some Syracuse fans into a mass frenzy about the possibility of retirement. The points these fans made were valid: the Orange are off the ACC after this season. Boeheim’s long time friend Jim Calhoun just retired from UConn. He’s old. He’ll never catch Coach K in wins, so what does it matter?
Well, Jim Boeheim proved you all wrong. When asked why he was saying that by a Syracuse Post Standard reporter, Boeheim quipped “I just like saying those things.” Boeheim will stay around at Syracuse for a long, long time. No need to fret. We’re in the final countdown on #Boeheim900 (10 wins away). There’s no need for him to stop.
Other things you may have missed in Syracuse Basketball news: Freshman Jeremi Grant has grown. He’s been measured (shoes off) at 6’ 8”, which is a solid 2 to 3 inches taller than his recruiting profile said. This is huge for the Orange. It gives them much more depth behind CJ Fair. Also on the freshman front: DaJuan Coleman has cut down on his body fat. He’s in the best shape of his life according to several sources. He’s gained muscle, lost fat and looks good.
Rakeem is looking very, very good according to early reports. His summer weight training has really payed off. Reports are also saying he is much more comfortable playing in the four spot than he was last year.
And for those of you wondering: Syracuse will again be a part of ESPN’s Midnight Madness program. The Orange will be having an open practice to the public on October 12. It’s a real good time.
