Syracuse Newest No.1 in College Basketball

Sports News - March 1st, 2010 - Written By Bryan Cross

For the first time in two decades, the Syracuse Orange sit atop the college basketball landscape by virtue of a week of upsets.

Considering the fact that Syracuse was not even in the pre-season top-25 poll, the Orange have led an interesting journey to their current spot. Following the release of the poll before the start of the season, Syracuse was the victim of an exhibition game upset to LeMonye University, a Division II school.

Two weeks following the defeat, the Orange climbed their way into the top-10 after wins over both California and North Carolina.

Since their induction in the top-10, Syracuse has remained a consistent member throughout the course of the season. Following losses by No. 1 Kansas and No. 2 Kentucky, the Orange were supplanted as the top team in the land.

"It's a great honor, a great testament for these players, these kids, to be number one," remarked Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim. "We all know it doesn't matter that much in the big picture, it's where you are at the end of the year. These kids have worked hard, been unselfish. They deserve it. They really do."

Under Boeheim's tenure, the Orange have received the No.1 ranking three times, with the last coming in 1990.

"It's been a long time and we're happy to be there," remarked Boeheim.

The head coach has tabbed 826 wins throughout his 34 seasons with the team and university he attended.

The team received 59 of the 65 votes. Kansas earned the other six.

Analysts credit the team's stout defensive play this season to their new ranking.

"The biggest thing is that we've been the biggest we've been inside in a long time and we just cover better. These guys have worked a little harder at it," Boeheim stated. "We're also still leading the nation in field goal percentage (52.2) so we've also been a very good offensive team. They really move the ball and pass the ball extremely well. We've been good on both ends of the court. It's not one thing really."

The Orange are the sixth team in history to start the season outside of the top-25 poll, and work their way up to No. 1.

"We made an unbelievable move this year and we have really played pretty consistently all year. Based on the whole year we deserve it," Boeheim remarked. "We may not be the best team in the country but I'm not sure who else is."

Following Syracuse and Kansas is Kentucky, Duke and Kansas State rounding out the top-five.

Prior to the top-five shake up, Kansas was the top contender to take the 2010 NCAA Basketball championship according to the College Basketball betting lines at Bodog Sportsbook. Their odds were 2/1.