As you might expect, Jim Boeheim isn’t about to bet against a team cut and named in his own image.
Competing in the second annual The Basketball Tournament, Boeheim’s Army has thus far proven itself to be aptly named in honor of the spirited, take-no-prisoners legendary Syracuse coach.
Comprised of mostly former Syracuse players, many of whom played under Boeheim, the team reigns as the top seed in the Northeast Region and won back-to-back games in Philadelphia last week to earn a trip to Chicago this week for Super 17 play in the $1 million, winner-take-all, single elimination tourney.
Next up for Boeheim’s Army is a Friday night showdown against the Liberty Ballers at DePaul’s McGrath Hall, where tickets will be $20 for adults and $10 for children under age 12. Many of this weekend’s games will be televised live on ESPN leading up to next weekend’s semifinals and championship game on the campus of Fordham University in New York City.
“Very gutsy effort in Philadelphia,” Boeheim said of the team’s showing in the City of Brotherly Love. The Army averaged 92 points over their two wins, the second coming in a dramatic 92-91 overtime victory on the strength of a Baye Moussa Keita blocked shot and two free throws by Olu Famutimi.
Indeed, for many of the Syracuse ballers it was just like old times, particularly for the likes of the ever pesky Eric Devendorf, who was tossed from one game for engaging in incessant trash talking that nearly led to a live-game brawl.
“I think it’s a great thing,” Boeheim said of all the testiness. “Somebody came up with a great idea and they’re getting everybody to play as hard as they can. It’s a good event.”
Overall, Boeheim’s disciples shot 52 percent from the field and a more-than-respectable 40 percent from behind the arc. Demetris Nichols netted a game-high 28 points in the overtime win and Schenectady native and former Purdue point guard Willie Deane chipped in with 13 points.
A team from the Philadelphia area boasting former Villanova ballers Reggie Redding, Anthony Pena and James Bell, The Liberty Ballers are loaded and also feature former Siena star Ryan Rossiter. But, Boeheim leaves little doubt who he has his money on.
“They’ve got a nice team,” he said of The Army. “It’s a tough tournament, but they’ve got a chance.”
