Syracuse Basketball: What Jim Boeheim has done is ‘unmatched,’ Carmelo Anthony says

SU Athletics will honor Hall of Famer and former long-time Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim this Saturday, and I can’t wait.

While I’m excited about what’s to come for the Orange under first-year head coach Adrian Autry now and into the future, it was definitely bittersweet for me when Boeheim retired last March.

We can all agree that the past two seasons for the ‘Cuse were disappointing, but what Boeheim did for the Syracuse basketball program, the Central New York community and the sport of basketball is nothing short of remarkable.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, the Orange will host Notre Dame beginning at noon in what is described by SU Athletics as “Coach Jim Boeheim Day.”

To me, this Saturday will prove an emotional day, as ‘Cuse Nation salutes Boeheim for his long list of accomplishments on the Hill in a head-coaching career that spanned 47 years and included more than 1,000 victories, one national championship, five Final Fours, 20 trips to the Sweet 16, 35 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, and just one losing season.

Former Syracuse basketball players discuss the legendary Jim Boeheim.

In recent days, Syracuse basketball put out a post on its X page where several former Orange players shared some thoughts on Boeheim.

‘Cuse legend Carmelo Anthony, a long-time NBA star who was an All-American for the Orange in his one term on the Hill, when Syracuse basketball captured the 2003 national title, said what Boeheim brought to the game and to Syracuse in particular, both on the court and in the community, “it’s unmatched.”

Melo praised Boeheim for his undeniable success and his longevity. You don’t see that all too often these days, Anthony says.

Matt Gorman, who was also on that 2003 championship squad, said that Boeheim was both a stern man and a fair man.

Josh Pace, a key reserve during the Orange’s 2002-03 season, said that spending time with Boeheim on the court, it’s going to affect you in a positive way.

Hakim Warrick, whose block at the end of the 2003 NCAA Tournament final game against Kansas is one of the most important moments in the history of SU Athletics, said Boeheim is going to go down as one of the best coaches in the history of all college sports, not just basketball.

Kueth Duany, in that magical 2002-03 stanza, was the captain of the Syracuse basketball team and its lone senior. He says that the Orange brand, which over the years grew into a national presence, “owes a lot” to what Jim Boeheim built in Central New York over nearly five decades leading the ’Cuse.

I 144 percent agree with what Kueth said. I’m glad that Autry is leading Syracuse basketball these days, but what Boeheim did for Orange hoops, the SU community and the sport of basketball – both at the collegiate and professional levels through his work with USA Basketball – is one of a kind and will never be duplicated.

A heart-felt thank you from ‘Cuse Nation to Jim Boeheim. Saturday will be special.