A Few More Years With Jim Boeheim At The Helm Is Just Dandy

Just when we thought we knew how this Jim Boeheim story was going to end, it changes. This new update seems to be a good thing for the Orange.

The Syracuse basketball squad had ended its slightly disappointing 2016-17 campaign with a more-than-slightly disappointing home loss to Ole Miss on Saturday afternoon in the NIT’s second round.

Alas, I did not look forward to penning a column that pointed to the season’s conclusion. Particularly since a final 19-15 mark, which included missing the Big Dance, left me feeling a bit bitter, and a bit bummed.

This term brought with it such promise, but it didn’t pan out as every ‘Cuse fan had hoped. What’s more, despite his snarky demeanor, I truly hated the fact that the next stanza would prove the swan song for James Arthur Boeheim as the Orange’s esteemed, legendary curmudgeon. Oh, and its head coach, too.

Nothing against Mike Hopkins, a classy, loyal guy in his own right. I just knew, before his tenure even ended, that I would miss Boeheim. Terribly.

For bleeding Orange with us since the moment you arrived on campus in 1989, we say thank you @Coach_Hopkins
🍊🏀 #ForeverOrange #CuseFamily pic.twitter.com/uYWhLFvG9k
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) March 19, 2017

His whining, his complaining to referees, arms flailed up to the sky. The occasional nose-pick caught on TV. Occasionally chewing out his own players and the media, particularly reporters in Central New York, as well as any national journalist who had the audacity to ask him when he would step down. His hilarious, often terse press conferences.

I love all of it.

For everyone out there who despises Boeheim, I – on the other hand – absolutely adore him. He’s a gem, in my opinion. Maybe because I’m a fanatical alum who loves Syracuse basketball. Or perhaps simply because I’m a little weird, and nostalgic.

Regardless, I just couldn’t stand the thought of having to write about JB’s impending retirement.

Now, I don’t have to – for the foreseeable future.

That’s due to Hopkins, Boeheim’s key lieutenant for what seems like forever, and SU’s head-coach-in-waiting, revealing on Sunday that he has accepted the top gig at Washington.

The news floored me. It’s no secret that Hopkins has considered other head-coaching offers in recent years. And he’s a West Coast dude. But Hopkins only had one more stretch to go before he would take the reins at Syracuse.

Or did he?

Boeheim stressed at a press conference on Monday afternoon that he fully planned to call it quits after 2017-18. However, an abundance of speculation has swirled around SU in recent days, and months, that suggested Boeheim may like to stay past the previously announced timetable for his departure.

The 72-year-old adamantly rejects such conjecture. As do ‘Cuse officials. I’m sure Hopkins would as well. But there’s no getting around that JB is fiercely competitive. He has said he’s in terrific physical condition. I haven’t seen any tell-tale signs that he doesn’t enjoy coaching any longer.

Sure, the last three seasons have proven challenging. Going to the NIT stinks, although Boeheim quipped at his presser that getting invited to the NIT is better than, well, not getting invited.

Still, the Orange has advanced to two Final Fours and one Elite Eight since 2012. That isn’t too shabby. As I’ve said on a handful of occasions, I think Syracuse fans have become spoiled – at least, the fair-weather ones.

SU remains one of the premier college-basketball brands in the country, which is why I jumped out of my seat when I found out that Hopkins has fled.

He could have grown tired of waiting. He could have sensed that his boss might not have wanted to ride off into the sunset after next year. Hopkins says it’s an opportunity to build up a program from scratch, while allowing him and his family to go back west. Boeheim echoed those sentiments in his press conference.

"“I was so happy cause he was happy,” Boeheim said. “That was my only thought. Mike Hopkins is like a son to me.”"

I genuinely believe JB, and I passionately wish MH nothing but the best. I hope he kills it at Washington.

For Boeheim, newly promoted associate head coach Adrian Autry, fellow assistant Gerry

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McNamara and the rest of the ‘Cuse staff, the work begins to steer SU in the right direction without Hopkins, who for a while has served as the school’s primary recruiter.

Syracuse only said in its press release that the university has extended Boeheim’s contract beyond 2017-18, with no further details, although media reports indicate it could go until 2021-22. That’s a ways from now.

The 2017-18 campaign, which will represent JB’s 42nd as the Orange’s head coach, may not include sophomore Tyler Lydon, who reportedly will declare for the upcoming NBA Draft. Others out of eligibility are seniors Dajuan Coleman and Tyler Roberson, as well as graduate transfers John Gillon and Andrew White III.

The ‘Cuse has three solid recruits committed, and Boeheim says that SU likely will add others to its cupboard. Among those coming back are the extremely promising Tyus Battle and Taurean Thompson, both freshmen, along with sophomore Frank Howard.

"“I’ve never been more excited by a season than I am next year,” Boeheim said, noting that his crew went to the NIT in 2002, then won the whole darn thing in 2003."

“Anything can happen” in college basketball, he says.

It’s not entirely clear how Hopkins’ decision to lead the Huskies may affect recruiting for Boeheim & Co. As a positive, prospects in the next class or two will get to suit up for JB. On the flip side, Hopkins put in a lot of hours on the recruiting trail.

Next: Syracuse Basketball: Player Grades for the 2016-2017 Season

What I do know is this: Boeheim will get to go out on his own terms, and that’s totally fine with me. Hopefully, he’ll have the chance to claim a second national championship.

And, secure his 1,000th career victory. For a second time, that is.

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