The “perfect” Syracuse basketball league – but with or without the Hoyas?
By Neil Adler
A lot of imaginative chatter has surfaced about conference realignments, so we’ve crafted an impeccable league for Syracuse basketball.
For better or worse, Syracuse basketball competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference, one of the premier leagues across the collegiate hoops landscape. The old Big East Conference, at least for the Orange, is gone, and we might as well get on board with the ACC.
However, because of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the state of college athletics in general, a lot of creative discussions are found online of late about hypothetical conference realignments. Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated, for example, has a terrific one here.
Since Syracuse basketball is my thing, I thought that I would put forth my own ideal league for the team. Naturally, most everyone out there who reads this column will disagree with me, and feel free to share your own thoughts.
This is purely for fun, I should point out, because of course what I’m proposing is outlandish, ridiculous and unrealistic. Because the ACC has 15 members for basketball, what follows are the 14 squads that should join the ‘Cuse to form the most-amazing conference ever.
Tennessee
The Volunteers, out of the Southeastern Conference, are up on the upswing, led by excellent head coach Rick Barnes. Mainly, though, we just want to see Syracuse and Tennessee play one another with both of them wearing their orange uniforms, so that no one has a clue which crew is which.
Connecticut
The Huskies, a few days ago, officially rejoined the Big East. Nothing says hoops like the ‘Cuse and UConn suiting up for a six-overtime contest that took three days to complete. I’ve never felt so tired watching basketball.
Washington
Not only would this give our super conference a pair of Huskies, but long-time Syracuse assistant Mike Hopkins is at the helm of Washington. UW had a down 2019-20, but Hopkins has proven a tremendous hire, and he’s secured multiple highly rated recruits in recent stanzas. Plus, having Washington in the league will enable the Orange to hone in on the recruiting hotbed of Seattle.
Iona
The Gaels are a solid group now coached by Rick Pitino. Yes, he’s made some mistakes over the years, but it’s not like the ‘Cuse program is altogether perfect. Plus, our flawless conference should have a minimum of two Empire State squads in it. You’re telling me that you don’t want to continue seeing Pitino give ‘Cuse head coach Jim Boeheim fits?
Indiana
Basically, I want Syracuse to crush the Hoosiers as many times as humanly possible to somewhat avenge the Orange’s heart-breaking 1987 NCAA Tournament title-game loss. Sure, the No. 4 seed ‘Cuse upset No. 1 seed Indiana in the 2013 Sweet 16, but that’s not enough.
Kansas
The Jayhawks are consistently one of the premier units around the country, and we should simply replicate the outcome from the 2003 Big Dance as far as I’m concerned.
Maryland
The Terrapins are my hometown team, and Syracuse’s recruiting efforts in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas remain plentiful. Hi, Benny Williams.
Villanova
Another old-time Big East rival, and the Wildcats have done remarkably well of late, capturing NCAA championships in 2016 and 2018. We need to get JB a second title.
Duke
Of all the opponents that the Orange has faced since the ‘Cuse entered the ACC in 2013-14, the Blue Devils have provided some of the most-exciting encounters.
West Virginia
Look, I just really dig Bob Huggins and his trademark attire. Plus, his nickname is “Huggy Bear” – how can you not like that?
Vanderbilt
My little boy primarily lives in Nashville, Tenn., so this would give us more opportunities to watch Daddy’s alma mater together.
Gonzaga
You have to admire what Mark Few has achieved with the Bulldogs over the past 20-plus years. More West Coast recruiting exposure for Syracuse, too.
Pittsburgh
While the Panthers would often beat the Orange during Jamie Dixon’s tenure, these two squads have had plenty of great games against each other in their series history. They boast old Big East and current ACC ties.
Georgetown
Really, the Hoyas? Okay, fine.
Now that we’ve got our 15 teams, the next question becomes, what do we call this exquisite league? Hmmm. I’ll get back to you shortly on that.