Boeheim’s Army kicked off The Basketball Tournament (TBT) with a decisive 97-71 win over the Herkimer Originals on Saturday night. This year’s TBT features 64 teams competing for a million-dollar prize, making it a high-stakes event that draws attention from basketball fans nationwide.
From the start, Syracuse established control, scoring the first points and maintaining their lead throughout the match. This victory marked Boeheim’s Army’s return to TBT after a one-year hiatus, having previously won the tournament in 2021. Buddy Boeheim, making his debut in the tournament alongside teammates Elijah Hughes, Chris McCullough, Jacob Gilyard, and Rakeem Christmas, emerged as the top scorer with an impressive 24 points. Hughes and Boeheim collectively contributed 45 points, hitting twelve three-pointers.
The game showcased the excitement and energy of Syracuse basketball, with Boeheim expressing his joy post-game, stating, “Nothing better… that was the most fun I’ve had in a long time playing basketball, just because of the environment, the fans, and how much Syracuse means to me and Jimmy.” His brother, Jimmy Boeheim, who has participated in TBT every year since graduating, added ten points to the effort.
Boeheim’s Army demonstrated their sharp shooting throughout the night, successfully sinking eighteen three-point shots. The game concluded in Elam Ending style, a unique format that eliminates the last-minute fouling by setting a target score—Boeheim’s Army reached this with a final corner three from Hughes.
Looking ahead, Boeheim’s Army is set to face We Are D3 on Monday night at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena. We Are D3, who advanced by defeating Layne’s Hope 75-71, will be a formidable opponent. The last time these teams met in TBT 2019, Syracuse narrowly won 68-65, which sets the stage for another competitive showdown.
This promising start not only highlights the skills of the former Syracuse players but also revitalizes the community’s spirit around Syracuse basketball, reminding fans of the glory days and camaraderie that the sport fosters.