Former Syracuse guard Matt Roe and walk-on Andrew Kouwe responded to the university’s announcement that SU head coach Jim Boeheim will retire in three seasons. Both players relayed expressed excitement about the future of the program under current assistant coach Mike Hopkins.

Matt Roe, Syracuse guard from 1986-89 (in an email) 

“It’s a win-win for the university and the coaching staff. Shows Coach is energized to put this team and the program past the NCAA sanctions and handing the baton off to Mike Hopkins after 3 years when the school  has overcome the obstacles it was presented and the program is back on firm ground and national prominence.”

Andrew Kouwe, Syracuse walk-on guard from 2000-04

“I think obviously, some people are taken back. They weren’t expecting that to come from Boeheim. I think it’s a good thing it’s out there because especially from a recruiting standpoint. I’m sure a lot of recruits when they recruited by Syracuse, they say, ‘How long do you think Boehiem is going to be there?’ There was just a little bit of uncertainty. Now its out there, you know who the coach-in-waiting is. Considering that there are a loss of scholarships for the next four years, recruiting needs to be better, everyone needs to be better at recruiting… Now there’s less unknown.

“… Some people think that Boehiem will never retire because he loves basketball so much and it’s just in his blood. It’s a passion and it’s a great thing to see. I think with the timing everyone’s going to say, ‘Oh, the sanctions caused this.’ Maybe he just thought the time was right. I think at some point, it’s going to be interesting if he comments further on it. It’s just more of a timing of it’s time to go, it’s time to hand over the reins to Coach (Mike) Hopkins.

“… They’ve got to start recruiting freshmen in high school right now so they can say ‘Hey, Coach Hopkins in three years is going to be next coach.’ The unknown is always the worst, especially when you’re a big-time recruit with schools coming after you. The last thing you want is a school you’re not sure about.

“… He is the Syracuse basketball program. You hate to see him leave but everything eventually comes to an end. But the most important part is how you leave your program, and I think he’s leaving it in great hands with Coach Hopkins. I think it’s only going to continue to remain strong.

“… Mistakes get made, sometimes out of his control. And it’s unfortunate and the best thing is to look toward the future and make sure those mistakes are corrected and keep the program at a high level.”

 

Published on March 18, 2015 at 2:51 pm

Contact Sam: sblum@syr.edu | @SamBlum3