A Reunion of Legends
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) will culminate in a high‑stakes championship between July 21 and 24, pitting Syracuse's alumni squad, known as Boeheim's Army, against Hall In. The matchup represents more than a contest of skill; it is a celebration of a program that has produced a steady stream of NBA‑caliber talent.
Boeheim's Army is composed of six former Syracuse players who each contributed significantly to the Orange's legacy. Their experiences range from ACC tournament heroics to deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, and each brings a distinct skill set that could tip the balance in the championship game.
Buddy Boeheim, the son of longtime head coach Jim Boeheim, capped his college career with a senior season that saw him average 19.2 points per game. He previously erupted for 30 points against San Diego State in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, steering the Orange to the Sweet 16.
Jimmy Boeheim made headlines with a 28‑point outing in the 2022 ACC Tournament, a performance that earned him All‑ACC Tournament honors and underscored his ability to thrive on the biggest stages.
Cole Swider’s name resonates with a 36‑point explosion against North Carolina, a game that, despite ending in overtime defeat, highlighted his scoring prowess and capacity to challenge elite defenses.
Elijah Hughes, who averaged 19 points in his second season with Syracuse, demonstrated his clutch gene by scoring 20 points against the Blue Devils, a moment that added to his reputation as a reliable scorer in high‑pressure games.
Wes Johnson’s collegiate excellence was recognized when he was named Big East Player of the Year and drafted fourth overall in the 2010 NBA Draft. He later delivered a 31‑point, 14‑rebound effort against Gonzaga in the round of 32, a performance that still fuels memories of his Syracuse tenure.
Eric Devendorf played a pivotal role in a historic six‑overtime battle against UConn, contributing 22 points and narrowly missing a buzzer‑beater that would have sealed victory. Over 116 games for the Orange, he averaged 14.5 points, cementing his status as a consistent offensive threat.
The upcoming championship will also feature a backdrop of familiar collegiate battlegrounds. Opponents have faced Syracuse alumni in venues ranging from the hallowed halls of Seton Hall University in South Orange to the historic arenas of Cornell, Villanova, East Carolina, and Iowa State, each stop adding a chapter to the team's narrative.
Beyond individual feats, Boeheim's Army embodies a continuity of culture that traces back to Syracuse University's basketball tradition. The team's chemistry, forged through shared experiences at the university and sustained by alumni networks, aims to translate past triumphs into a collective championship pursuit.