I've always thought it was really important for the program to be on a high note when Boeheim leaves, especially given that we're relatively new in the ACC and we're always going to be behind Duke and UNC in terms of power/pecking order (just as they would have been if the ACC fell apart and they landed in the Big East). Getting as close as we can to their level of power and respect in the conference is key when it comes to things like trying to get the ACC tournament in NYC, for impacting future conference plans/scheduling, etc. It's also really important for recruiting.
If we win today, and everyone comes back (so far, they should), we have a very good shot at having a Final Four team next year... That means we could very well have three Final Fours in five years and four Elite 8s in six years.
Imagine what that does for recruiting when Boeheim is gone. You lose "Come play for JB," but you gain, "Virtually every player who's been recruited here in the last X years has played in a Final Four/Elite 8."
It would also do a lot for the perception of the program. Duke hasn't gone to three Final Fours in a five year span since the early 90s, though Carolina has done it more frequently.
A win today can set the table for this program next year to really take a step toward blue blood territory. Obviously a lot has to go right today and next year, but it's fun to think about.
If we win today, and everyone comes back (so far, they should), we have a very good shot at having a Final Four team next year... That means we could very well have three Final Fours in five years and four Elite 8s in six years.
Imagine what that does for recruiting when Boeheim is gone. You lose "Come play for JB," but you gain, "Virtually every player who's been recruited here in the last X years has played in a Final Four/Elite 8."
It would also do a lot for the perception of the program. Duke hasn't gone to three Final Fours in a five year span since the early 90s, though Carolina has done it more frequently.
A win today can set the table for this program next year to really take a step toward blue blood territory. Obviously a lot has to go right today and next year, but it's fun to think about.
