Syracuse Basketball: Big-time thankful for all of my fellow Orange fanatics

On Thanksgiving, it’s time to give thanks to a supremely passionate Syracuse basketball fan base.

My admiration for, and infatuation with, Syracuse basketball spans more than two decades, dating back to when I attended Syracuse University from 1996 to 2000.

Yes, I’m that old. And, crazily, more than 20 years have passed since I said good-bye to the Hill, at least as far as being a student is concerned.

Oddly enough, my zeal for the Orange has actually grown more fanatical since I left Central New York. I had no idea why. In recent years, I’ve watched the ‘Cuse in-person on several occasions, winning at Madison Square Garden, besting Duke in overtime at the Carrier Dome, losing in the ACC Tournament in Washington, D.C., prevailing in the Elite Eight in our nation’s capital, and falling in heart-breaking fashion at the Final Four in Atlanta.

A little more than four years ago, I joined the staff at Inside The Loud House as a contributor, primarily covering the hoops team. It’s so much fun, and I’m eternally grateful for this opportunity.

This past May, I took on a leadership role with Inside The Loud House, and, more recently, I now run this FanSided Web site. I love each and every minute leading Inside The Loud House.

I continue to write a ton on Syracuse basketball, but my coverage universe has expanded to include the football squad, some lacrosse and general ‘Cuse news. I’ve learned a tremendous amount in a short period of time, and I fully acknowledge that I have so much more to learn.

Even though Syracuse football is enduring one of the worst seasons in the team’s recent history, I’m thankful for everyone associated with this squad. They’re working hard, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic as well as a flood of injuries and opt-outs. My fingers are crossed that 2021 is a better year for Orange football.

I’m also thankful for every other ‘Cuse team, and I have the utmost respect for all of Syracuse University’s student-athletes, coaches, staff members and athletics-department personnel. Anyone who knows me knows that I bleed Orange and am a passionate alum.

Naturally, on Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for my family, my friends and my colleagues at Inside The Loud House, among others. My son Kethan, who is four years old, loves to say the word “Syracuse” after I ask him why Daddy’s favorite color is orange. He’s the best.

On Thanksgiving, I’m also extremely thankful for all of my fellow ‘Cuse fans out there. I enjoy our dialogues on social media, and I take every single ounce of feedback to heart. We may not always agree on a particular topic, but we are united in our passion for the Orange.

Stay safe, all of you. Syracuse basketball is back, and that’s something that hopefully will make us all smile.