SYRACUSE — After nearly a half century with Jim Boeheim as head coach, the Syracuse University men’s basketball program moves forward with Adrian Autry at the helm.

Syracuse on March 10 formally introduced Autry as the eighth head coach in the history of the men’s basketball program at a press event at the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center on the university’s South campus.

Boeheim also offered some final remarks as part of the introduction press event for Autry, who played for Boeheim in the early 1990s. 

Autry “honored and humbled”

Autry, 51, who has been serving as associate head coach, succeeds Boeheim, who he played for between 1990 and 1994. 

“I am truly honored and humbled to stand up here as the next head coach of the Syracuse University men’s basketball program,” Autry said to open his remarks. 

He thanked former players, teammates, and current assistant coaches for their friendship and support. He also had a message for current members of the men’s basketball team.

“Throughout the recruiting process, I know you always heard about Syracuse as a family and we take care of our own,” Autry said. “Today is a testament [to] that.”

When questioned by reporters during the press event’s question-and-answer session, Autry said he wants Syracuse basketball to be “versatile.” He used the word when asked about his program vision and if the Orange would switch to a man-to-man defense or continue with use of the 2-3 zone next season. He indicated the team would play a variety of defenses, whatever would best help win games, and expressed a preference for an up-tempo style on offense. On March 14, Syracuse basketball took its first step in that direction with news of the transfer of Notre Dame guard JJ Starling, a Baldwinsville native, to Syracuse. The 6’4 guard plays a fast-paced game and attacks the basket. He will have three years of college eligibility left.

In introducing Autry at the March 10 press event, John Wildhack, director of athletics at Syracuse University, commented on the current basketball coaching staff.

“Adrian, along with Gerry McNamara and Allen Griffin, have formed one of the best staffs in the sport, Period,” Wildhack said. “All three are here not because they’re alums. They’re here because they’re outstanding coaches.”

A few days later, on March 15, Wildhack announced that Syracuse has promoted McNamara to associate head coach, the position Autry had held before being named head coach.

Boeheim clarified, reflected

Saying he’s “thrilled to be retired,” Boeheim said at the March 10 event, he’d “felt better the last two days than I’ve felt in 47 years.”

In his remarks prior to Autry’s introduction, Boeheim said he wanted to clarify some details about his departure that may have been misunderstood in the preceding few days following the initial March 8 announcement, which included comments from Syverud, Wildhack, and Autry, but not Boeheim. 

The long-time coach said he was thankful for the “unwavering” support over the last few years, acknowledging that the time period included both “good” and “not great” moments. 

“After coaching my sons [Buddy and Jimmy] last year, I felt that I should coach this group … of young players,” he said, referring to this season’s Syracuse men’s team that featured six freshmen.

Both Syverud and Wildhack agreed, Boeheim noted.

The now-former coach went on to say that, for most of this year, he really didn’t think about retirement. But then added, “I thought about it this year, and, obviously when we hit the stretch [four game losing streak to end February]… I didn’t coach very good. We didn’t play very good and we lost those four games, I felt that this was the time.” 

Boeheim said he spoke to Wildhack about it on March 3. He also noted that the timing of the post-game press conference following the Syracuse’s season-ending loss to Wake Forest in the ACC tournament was “unfortunate.” At the time, Boeheim said, that he, Syverud, and Wildhack hadn’t had a chance to discuss a “solution,” or what was next for Boeheim at Syracuse beyond coaching. 

During the post-game press conference, Boeheim repeatedly told reporters that his future was up to Syracuse.

“We had nothing to say other than this has to be worked out,” Boeheim added. “We met for 45 minutes [on March 9]. Everything was worked out. Most everything … I will work with John [Wildhack]. I’ll work with the Chancellor.” 

He went on to say, “I’m so thrilled to be at this university and continue. I wouldn’t know what else to do anyway.” 

Boeheim thanked all the players and coaches he’s worked with in his 47 years. He also thanked his family and said the last 26 years wouldn’t have been possible without his wife, Juli, and choked up as he made the comment, calling her “the best wife a coach could ever have” and applause followed.

He also thanked the fans, who Boeheim noted came to the games no matter the weather conditions. 

“That’s what Syracuse basketball is. It’s not me. It won’t be Adrian,” Boeheim said. “It’s the fans. They made our program.”

In introducing Boeheim, Wildhack began his remarks by saying, “Coach Boeheim, congratulations on a remarkable career.” 

Wildhack’s comment was greeted with applause from those gathered in the Melo Center. 

“It’s the end of an amazing era that has helped define not only Syracuse athletics but this whole university and this whole region,” Syverud said. “Few people can say these days that they began and finished their career in one place. And even fewer can claim to have had the transformative effect and success that we celebrate today.” 

Wildhack indicated that Boeheim’s future role would include participating in Syracuse Athletics’ fundraising efforts. The former coach has proven to be a prodigious fundraiser on the charity front, including helping raise millions of dollars for cancer research.

Boeheim, 78, said he never left the school and is most happy that he “will never leave here.”

“I’ll never leave Syracuse, and I’ll never leave Syracuse University,” Boeheim said.