'I love what we are building' in all Syracuse Orange sports, Felisha Legette-Jack says

It was only a few short months ago - March to be exact - when Syracuse University and its athletics department underwent some seismic changes.

J. Michael Haynie was named SU's next chancellor. Then Toledo's Bryan Blair was hired as Syracuse's new athletics director, replacing long-time AD John Wildhack. If that weren't enough, later on in March, legendary former SU point guard Gerry McNamara was named the head coach of Syracuse men's basketball, replacing another 'Cuse alum, Adrian Autry.

Oh, and in April, word came out regarding a new name, image and likeness ("NIL") entity, One Orange Alliance, that would support athletes in all 20 varsity sports at SU. Given financial considerations these days in collegiate athletics, having One Orange Alliance in place, following last fall's closure of Orange United, was critical.

A lot has gone on with Syracuse - the university as a whole, and the athletics department - dating back to the spring. Fast-forward to the end of July, and SU women's basketball head coach Felisha Legette-Jack is excited for the future, but not just in her sport.

I love what we are building" with all SU sports, Legette-Jack, a former Syracuse All-American, said in a radio interview this week. "I think it's percolating, Syracuse. It's percolating, Orange Nation."

The fan base welcomes such thoughts with open arms, Coach.

Syracuse women's basketball head coach Felisha Legette-Jack is pumped for the future on the Hill.

With a new chancellor, athletics director and men's basketball head coach all coming on board, so to speak, in the spring, that's a lot for Syracuse University and SU Athletics to digest. Blair has made comments in several instances of late where he acknowledges the dramatically changing landscape in college sports, recognizes the steep competition that Orange sports teams face, and will not be afraid to make bold decisions, from my perspective.

"One thing that I love about our new administration ... there's no more silos," Legette-Jack said. "It's just a oneness from the chancellor on down."

The Syracuse women's basketball head coach mentioned the words "cohesion" and "community." That resonated with me. Haynie and McNamara have longstanding ties to SU. While Blair doesn't have those connections, he seems to be fitting in just fine. On a personal note, I've enjoyed Blair's recent posts on X, as he's been checking out different things in Syracuse and Central New York.

Legette-Jack said that with these new leaders, she believes the "trajectory" is going back up for Orange sports. She asked fans to "stay with us" through the good times and the tougher times.

I'm there with you, Coach. So are many, many other 'Cuse fans.

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