25 Years in 25 Days: Day I
It is count down to the college basketball season. The Orangemen play host to Manhattan in the first round of the preseason NIT on Monday, November 12. For the next 25 days SUathletics.com will pay tribute to Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim's 25 years of service and winning basketball. SUathletics.com will review one season of Boeheim's coaching career each day for the next 25 days.
Jim Boeheim, April 3, 1976
Taking the Reigns
Appointed as the head coach of Syracuse University men's basketball just six hours after the resignation of Roy Danforth. Jim Boeheim began his winning ways in the 1976-77 season. That year SU finished sixth in the AP poll with 26-4 record. The 26-4 mark was the winningest season in school history. Prior to Boeheim's inaugural year Syracuse's winningest season was the 1972-73 campaign when the Orange posted 24 wins. SU went to its seventh straight post-season tournament, fifth straight NCAA tournament. For his efforts, Boeheim earned East Coach of the Year from the Philadelphia Writers and Broadcasters.
Boeheim Factoid
SU's use of its 2-3 zone defense was implemented by Boeheim while he was an assistant coach under Roy Danforth.
BIG GAMES
Syracuse defeated Old Dominion 67-64 for the Upstate- Southern Division Championship. The Orangemen went on to defeat Tennessee 93-88 in overtime in the NCAA Mideast Regionals, played at the LSU Assembly Center. Senior guard Larry Kelley scored 22 points, leading the Orange past the Volunteers.
"Old Dominion and Tennessee were crucial tests. They made the season. Up until that point, we hadn't really done anything not expected, other than maybe beating Louisville at their place" Boeheim said.
The Coaching Staff
Jim Boeheim, Head Coach
Rick Pitino, Assistant
Bernie Fine, Assistant
