Syracuse Basketball: Fathers, sons and daughters – bleeding Orange

On Father’s Day, Syracuse basketball is a poignant topic for Dads, their sons and their daughters.

Syracuse basketball is one of my biggest passions, and I’m not alone in this regard. My son Kethan, who turns four in a few weeks, and my Dad – along with the rest of my family – root on the Orange, but they do so at a less fanatical pace.

Kethan loves to talk about his favorite color, blue, and when I ask him what Daddy’s favorite color is, he always says orange. And when I ask him why, sometimes he’ll retort, “Syracuse.” He doesn’t always pronounce my alma mater correctly, but hearing the word “Syracuse” makes me smile.

Even in just his first few years, Kethan and I have had many fond memories of watching ‘Cuse hoops together, even though he has no clue what it’s all about – for now.

I’ve dressed him up in Orange gear (I’m always rocking Syracuse, duh), and we’ll put the games on in the background, while we play with cars or other toys. My Dad and Mom – his Nana and Poppa – are often with us. Whether the ‘Cuse wins or loses is irrelevant. All of us being together is priceless.

Kethan has heard me rant and rave about Jim Boeheim, the national title in 2003, those five Final Fours, the 2-3 zone (what’s that, Daddy?), and so much more as it relates to Syracuse basketball. One day, when he’s older, he’ll start to realize how much the Orange means to me.

My Dad is certainly a ‘Cuse cheerleader. We’ve watched many SU battles together, including in-person when Syracuse beat Marquette in the 2013 Elite Eight in our nation’s capital to reach the national semi-finals.

Inevitably, in conquests or setbacks, I’ll get a text from my Dad, saying “Go ‘Cuse!” in a win, or “too bad about ‘Cuse” in a loss. We’ll talk about whether the Orange is ranked (not lately), what the team’s record is, and whether it has a shot at dancing in March.

Syracuse basketball is always a fun topic of conversation with my Dad, and it gives me immense joy to speak to Kethan about the ‘Cuse.

Reliving Syracuse basketball on Father’s Day with my son and my Dad is about as good as it gets.

Like many other parents who live far away from their child or children, I haven’t seen Kethan in months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. This Father’s Day represents the first such holiday celebrating Dads and their kids where Kethan and I won’t be together.

Of course, I’m sad, but I keep things in perspective. Some parents haven’t seen their kids in way longer periods of time. And as long as Kethan is happy, healthy and safe, this is all that matters to me. I know in my heart that I will see him soon.

And when I do, I look forward to Kethan, my Dad (my Mom) and I chatting about Jim Boeheim, that vaunted zone and Syracuse basketball. It’s among the most special memories that we are making.