For Jim Boeheim, the only real barometer for a conference’s success is its record in the NCAA.
Based on that criterion, the longevity of Syracuse The coach said the Big Ten, which finished 9-9 in last year’s NCAA tournament, trailed the ACC, finishing 14-5 and sending three teams to the Elite Eight.
“At the end of the day, you play for [NCAA] tournament,” Boeheim said Friday at team media day. You can say what you want about the Big Ten. They have smoked in the tournament. For me, that’s what they did. All of their wins are in their league. If you can’t play in [NCAA] tournament, then you’re not good. “
Last season, the Big Ten won nine spots in the NCAA selection Sunday but only Michigan and Purdue to the end of the second week. Both teams were eliminated in the round of 16, prolonging the drought of a league that hasn’t won a national championship since 2000.
Last year, the ACC only had five bids – the lowest number since it sent four teams to the NCAA in 2013 – but North Carolina and Duke go head-to-head in the Final Four of Mike Krzyzewski and Miami made a surprise run to the Elite Eight.
Although Syracuse missed last season’s NCAA tournament for the first time since 2017, Boeheim said the ACC’s success in the post-season period demonstrated its strength.
“I’ll take Sweet 16 if we finish [sixth in the ACC] in general,” Boeheim said. Do I want to do better in the regular season and [reach the Sweet 16]? Sure. But I will take it every year. We did very well in the tournament. “
Boeheim, who led Syracuse to the national championship 20 years ago, is entering his 47th season amid speculation that he may soon retire. During the summer, he told ESPN that he was “close to” retiring. His 2022-23 roster returns many veterans, including Joe Girardwho averaged 13.8 PPG and connected 40.3% of his effort from the 3-point line last season.
While Boeheim expects an improvement from last year, the first failed season of his career, he says his team – and all teams – should be judged by its results. in the NCAA, not the regular season.
“Kansas is the best team [last year], ” said Boeheim. But the best league? Which tournament won 14 matches and lost only 5 matches [in the NCAA tournament]? ACC. For me, it’s the best tournament. “
