Jim Boeheim coached his final game Wednesday, as the Syracuse Orange lost to Wake Forest on a late three from Wake’s Daivien Williamson.
A legendary coaching tenure that turned this program into a perennial national power comes to a close after 47 years.
📰 https://t.co/sI3xKt44N7 pic.twitter.com/NHn9Z47Uw8
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) March 8, 2023
Boeheim retires as the second-winningest coach in college basketball history, behind only Mike Krzyzewski. He spent 58 years of his life with Syracuse basketball. Boeheim spent four years as a player, seven years as an assistant coach, and an illustrious forty-seven years as the head coach. His tenure featured a national title in 2003 and two other trips to the national championship.
In a statement released by Syracuse, Chancellor Kent Syverud says, “There is no doubt in my mind that without Jim Boeheim, Syracuse Basketball would not be the powerhouse program it is today. Jim has invested and dedicated the majority of his life to building this program, cultivating generations of student-athletes and representing his alma mater with pride and distinction. I extend my deep appreciation and gratitude to an alumnus who epitomizes what it means to be ‘Forever Orange.”
After the game, Boeheim was asked about retirement and said, “I gave my retirement speech on the court last Saturday, and I gave it to the press conference afterward.”
“This is up to the university… “I said it’s up to the university. They have to make their decision, and it’s up to them. I hope to come to a good agreement. That remains to be seen.”
Former Assistant Autry Replaces Boeheim
Assistant Adrian Autry will take over as head coach of the Orange. He has been on the Syracuse bench for 12 seasons. Autry played for Boeheim at Syracuse and graduated in 1994. While an assistant, Syracuse played in seven NCAA Tournaments. Autry coached the forwards, notably Jerami Grant, Tyler Ennis, and Oshae Brissett, among others.
Looking ahead, Autry will have to hit the transfer portal hard. There is only one committed player, unranked 7’2″ center William Patterson, in the Syracuse 2023 recruiting class. Additionally, three key players will have questions about whether to leave. Guard Judah Mintz will test the NBA draft waters, and seniors Jesse Edwards and Joseph Girard have their extra COVID seasons available.
A new era of Syracuse basketball begins today.
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