Syracuse Basketball: Orange can change the history of Jim Boeheim

In conclusion

History tells us the ultimate black mark is a horrible loss. A nearly unforgivable sin. The 2016-17 season is a perfect example, Syracuse got absolutely hosed by St. Johns at home and despite Syracuse “making up for it” with three top-10 wins, the committee banished Syracuse to the NIT shadow realm.

That loss could’ve been Cornell who Syracuse has dominated over the last couple of decades. But the Orange barely survived: 63-55. Bullet dodged.

Luckily for Syracuse, they don’t have anything even close to that on their nonconference schedule. Let’s take a look at those losses:

• UConn (9-4)
  • Madison Square Garden against an old rival, the Orange lost a back and forth affair.
• Oregon (9-4)
  • After losing to UConn in the opening round of the tournament, Syracuse got what many thought was a golden opportunity in the consolation bracket. Syracuse and Oregon were both favored in their initial matchups but were upset by Iowa and UConn respectively. Sadly Bol Bol was too much and Syracuse got run out of the building.
• Old Dominion (10-3)
  • By the name you would think this team isn’t very good, but just because you don’t know the name doesn’t mean the team isn’t very good. Old Dominion is on track to make some noise so far this season.
• Buffalo (12-1)
  • There’s nothing shameful about this loss, Buffalo came in undefeated and one of the best teams in the entire country. Syracuse lost 71-59.

It’d be one thing if Syracuse got upset by one of these teams and then they self destructed, that would look bad on the Orange, but that didn’t happen.

A weird commonality that exists with the prior three Boeheim teams that missed the tournament is the blustery cold ends to to those seasons:

• (1981-82, lost three of final four)
• (2014-15, lost four of final five)
• (2016-17, lost six of final nine)

Those who don’t learn history are doomed to repeat it. Finishing strong is that touchy-feely intangible aspect that is considered by the committee and it certainly doomed other Syracuse teams before.

Although it won’t be easy for Syracuse to finish strong this season. In a span of nine days, Syracuse will play four of their final five games (three of which are against top-15 teams in the country: No. 1 Duke, No. 15 UNC, and No. 4 Virginia).

Let’s recap what Syracuse has to do based on history:

• Syracuse will need at least four top-25 conquests
• At least 10-11 ACC wins
• Be above .500 on the road
• Finish strong

If they’re able to check at least a few things off this list, Syracuse should be able to re-write history and make the tournament and as we saw last season, all you need is a ticket to the dance to have a chance of making something happen.