Syracuse basketball Final Four-bound, thanks to Joe Lunardi’s comments!

It’s a seemingly annual rite of passage in recent seasons that Syracuse basketball resides on the Big Dance bubble while ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi makes waves about the Orange’s chances to earn a bid to March Madness.

Some ‘Cuse fans have certainly had negative things to say about Lunardi over the years, although I have to admit that I like him. Other bracketologists are more accurate in predicting the field of 68, but Lunardi to me is a bubbly personality (no pun intended).

Of course, as we sit here on Wednesday and Syracuse basketball (15-8, 9-7) prepares for its second-round ACC Tournament clash with N.C. State in Greensboro, N.C., the Orange is yet again on the bubble.

And, appropriately, Lunardi is having some fun with this circumstance, considering that he’s been wrong about the ‘Cuse in the past as it pertains to whether or not Syracuse basketball will gain entry to the NCAA Tournament.

As of Monday evening, Lunardi had the Orange in his first four out department. Other bracketologists are placing the ‘Cuse in the same position for now, however, Syracuse basketball really needs to win two games in the ACC Tournament to feel somewhat comfortable on Selection Sunday.

Joe Lunardi is not overly impressed with the Syracuse basketball resume.

The Orange jumped back into the bubble conversation after home victories versus North Carolina and Clemson last week. Still, the ‘Cuse is lacking in quadrant-one triumphs, as well as wins away from the Carrier Dome.

Syracuse basketball doesn’t have many bad losses, save for getting swept by Pittsburgh. But if the Orange could knock off a few ACC foes on a neutral court at the league’s post-season tournament, that would help to solidify the team’s potential placement in the field of 68.

"Lunardi, in a call with media members, naturally discussed Syracuse basketball. According to a piece by Mike Curtis of Syracuse.com, Lunardi said, “It shouldn’t be that hard to get any team right at least 50 percent of the time. I could get a coin and do better than that. But not with Syracuse. You know we have the ‘curse of the Bambino.’ I have the curse of Boeheim. Can’t help it. Not going away. Just the way it is.”"

Too funny. Like I mentioned earlier, Lunardi is a good-humored person, for sure. He also had this to say. “To me, I don’t think Syracuse really passes the resume or the eye test, which means they’re probably going to the Final Four, because that’s what happened the last time I said this on this same conference call.”

There you have it. The Orange is headed to the Final Four. Thanks, Joe, we appreciate that!