SU To Name Carrier Dome Court in Honor of Jim Boeheim
12/21/2001 4:07:49 PM | Men's Basketball
"I am delighted for Jim and I am delighted that literally thousands of people have helped show their appreciation for his achievements," said Syracuse University Chancellor Kenneth Shaw. "It is a well-deserved honor."
The recognition is in honor of Boeheim's 30 years as a full-time member of the Syracuse University coaching staff, dating back to 1972, and his four years as a student-athlete (1962-66). Boeheim also served as a graduate assistant coach at the University. A committee to name the court, led by Joe Lampe, Syracuse University Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Joyce Hergenhan, a member of the Board of Trustees, has been hard at work on this campaign since September, 2000.
"Naming the basketball court at the Carrier Dome in honor of Jim Boeheim reflects the University's and the Athletics Department's appreciation for someone whose contributions to Syracuse University are immeasurable," said SU Director of Athletics Jake Crouthamel. "Jim's 26 year tenure as head coach is remarkable. In this era of collegiate athletics it is very rare for a major college head coach in any sport to begin and end his career at the same school. Jim Boeheim will have done that, and Syracuse University, his alma mater, will have been the beneficiary of yet another legendary coach."
When it comes to assessing Jim Boeheim's tenure as men's basketball coach at Syracuse University, the numbers speak for themselves (the following list includes achievements through December 20, 2001): * A 610-210 (.744) overall record in his 26th season at the helm. * A string of 10 consecutive NCAA tournament berths (1983-1992), the fourth-longest streak of all-time. * Postseason invitations (NCAA or NIT) for his club in 24 of 25 seasons. * NCAA tournament appearances in 21 campaigns. * Eleven teams in the NCAA "Sweet 16" and two clubs in the championship tilt. * Twenty-three years of 20-win seasons and 12 campaigns with at least 26 victories.
Boeheim's totals stack up against some of the most prominent names in college basketball history: * He ranks fifth among active Division I coaches in winning percentage (.744). * He is the only Division I coach to win 100 games in his first four years. * Boeheim is 15th all-time in Division I winning percentage. * He is tied for 8th among Division I coaches in NCAA Tournament victories (32). * He won both his 350th and 400th game faster than any coach in college basketball history. * Boeheim became the eighth-fastest Division I coach to reach 600 wins.
An Honorable Career Boeheim has been on the receiving end of numerous accolades in his career. This past season he was a finalist for the Naismith College Men's Basketball Coach of the Year Award. While the 2000 Final Four weekend was taking place, Boeheim was presented with the Claire Bee Award. The recognition goes to an active Division I basketball coach who has made the most significant positive contributions to his sport during the preceding year. Boeheim has been honored as District II Coach of the Year seven times by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) in 1980, 1984, 1987, 1989, 1992 and 1994, and three times by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) in 1979, 1980 and 1991. He was The BIG EAST Conference Coach of the Year in 1984, 1991 and 2000. In 1988 Boeheim was selected as a Syracuse University Letterwinner of Distinction and in 1991 he was inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame. On October 20, 2000, he was presented with the Arents Award, Syracuse University's most prestigious alumni honor. He joined an exclusive group that already included former teammate and NBA Hall of Fame member David Bing '66, television producer Dick Clark '51, broadcasting legend Marty Glickman '39, New York Times columnist William Safire '49 and actress-singer Vanessa Williams '85.
Charity Champion Boeheim has shunned the spotlight when it comes to his charitable work, but the list of causes he is devoted to is substantial. He has been a guiding force behind "Coaches vs. Cancer", a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that has raised money for cancer research. His local campaign has led the nation in total money raised each of the last five seasons. For the past two springs, Boeheim and his wife, Juli, have hosted the "Basket Ball" in Syracuse. The formal affair immediately became one of the marque events in the community. ESPN and ABC Sports commentator Mike Tirico (Syracuse '88) has joined the cause by serving as the event's master of ceremonies. The American Cancer Society presented him with its Distiguished Service Award in 2000. He has been honorary chairman and president of the Kidney Foundation and has also worked with the organizations for Multiple Sclerosis, Cystic Fibrosis, Children's Miracle Network, Make-A-Wish, Pioneer Center for the Blind and Disabled, Lighthouse, People in Wheelchairs, Easter Seals, Special Olympics, the Rescue Mission and the Jack Bruen Fund. In 1980, he was honored by the Syracuse community as recipient of the Mayor's Achievement Award.
Boeheim Away From Basketball Boeheim married Juli Greene in the fall of 1997. The couple has three children: James III, and twins Jack and Jamie. Jim also is the father of a daughter, Elizabeth.
