Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game. In this photo, Adrian Kraus.
The Associated Press.
Jay Wright has won two of the last five NCAA titles, but he still had to film his team to prepare them for the Syracuse zone.
Wright said that the zone is not as effective as it should be, and that they are adding a 1-3-1 which is effective. It brings a new challenge to play them.
Jim Boeheim has been the head coach at Syracuse since 1976, but he is still finding new ways to confound and inspire opposing coaches.
Boeheim has not indicated that he will retire anytime soon, even though his older colleagues Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski have retired. Boeheim has no succession plan in place like Coach K did.
While other former Big East schools like Pittsburgh and Boston College have struggled, Boeheim has led the Orange to two Sweet 16s and a Final Four in the last five years. The Orange reached the Sweet 16 last spring. Jim is now coaching both of his sons at the same time, because Jimmy joined his brother as a graduate transfer from Cornell. Jim's mother, Juli, is a fountain of positive energy for the family.
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Do you know how many people would love to go to the Final Four, the Sweet 16 and the Elite Eight? In 10 years, I think that is pretty good, said Buddy Boeheim. He continues to do it. He is one of the best coaches. There is no doubt about it.
Buddy Boeheim, Jimmy Boeheim, and Frank Anselem celebrate after Syracuse defeated Indiana in an NCAA college basketball game in Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse beat Indiana in double overtime. In this photo, Adrian Kraus.
The Associated Press.
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Boeheim's 988 career wins are second to Coach K's 1,00, but he would have had over 1,000 if the NCAA hadn't punished him 101 times. After a home loss to Colgate and a road loss to Florida State, Syracuse is on a two-game winning streak, and will play at Villanova on Saturday.
Wright said that Boeheim does it the way that he does it. I wish people knew how hard he works in recruiting. You can see him at all the events and at the games.
It always motivates me. If he is still doing it like this, we have to keep up with him.
Wright has lived and traveled with Boeheim as part of USA Basketball and said a big key to his longevity is the way he takes care of himself.
Wright has spent enough time with Jim to know his energy. He is a pretty healthy guy. He takes care of himself. I lived with him in USA Basketball and went to Brazil with him.
He works out, eats healthy, and is a really, really competitive guy. He is one of the guys I have learned from the most. I had a lot of experience in USA Basketball because of him. He gave me the opportunities and I joined the National team. He is one of my idols because he has been great to me.
The California Golden Bears play the Syracuse Orange in the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Jim McIsaac is the photographer.
The images are from the same company.
Boeheim still has his trademark grumpy moments with reporters, referees and players, and has a penchant for being brutally honest at times.
He caused a stir by calling out the work ethic of Kadary Richmond, the point guard who transferred from Syracuse to Seton Hall and is now ranked 23rd in the nation.
Boeheim called me to say that he was being honest in his assessment of the player, and that if he works at his game, he will play in the NBA. Absolutely, 100 percent.
Boeheim told me in June that he was not going to leave the program after his sons leave.
Boeheim said he was not thinking about not coaching.
Boeheim said he could coach until he was 80. I will try. If it works, it works. I guess they weren't right when they said I'd be done in two years.
The five-man recruiting class that Boeheim has said is his best ever could be right. He told the recruits he would be here to coach them.
Boeheim will keep on going, and will confound opposing coaches with the zone.
It will be a challenge for our guys because they haven't seen it. It is always a tough game when you play Syracuse.
The coach said that he wouldn't want to coach until he's 77. I know I don't take care of myself as well as he does.
