Boeheim, "Jim" (James A. Jr.)

Basketball

b. Nov. 17, 1944, Lyons, NY

After playing basketball at Syracuse University, graduating in 1966, Boeheim became the school's golf coach and a graduate assistant in basketball. He was named a full-time assistant basketball coach in 1972 and took over as head coach four years later.

Boeheim had a 26-4 record in 1976-77, the fifth best ever for a coach in his first year. A believer in the fast break, Boeheim has consistently produced high-scoring, crowd-pleasing teams.

When the university decided to build the Carrier Dome, Boeheim didn't want his basketball teams to play there, because he feared they would be playing in front of too many empty seats. Since the dome opened in September of 1980, though, Syracuse has led colleges in basketball attendance nearly every year.

In 30 seasons, Boeheim's teams have won 20 or more games 26 times and they've never been under .500. He's taken Syracuse to a post-season tournament, either the NCAA or the NIT, 29 times. His teams have reached the NCAA finals three times, finally winning the championship in 2003.

Boeheim's record is 703-241, for a .745 winning percentage. He ranks 18th all-time in victories and 16th in winning percentage.