The Syracuse Orange opened the 2022-23 basketball season with an impressive 90-72 win versus Lehigh. Although the competition the Orange faced isn’t the same level as in the ACC, the win was important as Syracuse got their season off on the right foot.
The win over Lehigh was also significant for a personal milestone. Head coach Jim Boeheim won his 1,100th game in charge of Syracuse men’s basketball. Boeheim’s win total is unofficial, hence the reason why there was no celebration after the ‘Cuse won the game.
Basketball fans are debating how far Syracuse can go this season and whether they can reach the Final Four once more. Basketball fans and bettors can find the latest sports betting promos in New Jersey to wager on the Orange all season long in the ACC and beyond.
Boeheim had 101 wins stripped from his record as Syracuse Orange head coach due to an NCAA investigation’s findings. The NCAA found several minor violations under Boeheim’s rule at Syracuse, which led to the 101 wins being taken away.
Critics complained at the time that the violations were minor and the punishment was far greater than the crimes. In addition, university basketball programs have seen been found guilty of more serious issues and received far weaker punishments.
Boeheim will turn 78 years old in November. While many men his age are retired and enjoying life on the golf course, Boeheim continues to oversee one of the NCAA’s top basketball programs. The coach entered his 47th year in charge of the Orange, an incredible record that few other coaches achieve. Boeheim could end his career with over half a century as head coach of Syracuse if chooses.
Syracuse won several regular season titles under Boeheim’s leadership. The Orange also lifted multiple conference tournament trophies. In 2002-03, Boeheim led Syracuse to the NCAA National Championship for the first and only time. The Orange finished the season with a 30-5 record. Syracuse defeated the Kansas Jayhawks in the final 81-78. The 2002-03 team included Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony along with current Orange assistant coach Gerry McNamara.
Boeheim led Syracuse to five Final Fours and three National Championship games. The school’s most recent visit to the NCAA tournament National Championship game was in the title-winning campaign. Syracuse’s last Final Four appearance was in 2015-16. Last season, the Orange reached the Sweet 16.
The legendary basketball coach was also a member of the Olympic basketball staff. He helped the United States basketball team win gold at the 2008 Olympics.
Boeheim originally planned to retire from coaching in 2018. However, Buddy Boeheim, Jim Boeheim’s son, joined the Syracuse basketball program as a player. The younger Boeheim went on to a successful career at Syracuse under his father and now plays for the Detroit Pistons organization.
The long-time coach doesn’t appear to be slowing down, and coaching Buddy seems to have rejuvenated him. Syracuse fans can expect more Boeheim ball over the next few years. Although Boeheim’s win against Lehigh is unofficially No 1,100, fans are aware of the head coach’s record and impact on the ‘Cuse.