By Danial Morgan, Expert Content Writer Specializing in Sports and Biographies
Jim Boeheim is back! The Syracuse basketball legend joins Boeheim’s Army as Head Coach Emeritus for the 2025 TBT. This news excites Orange fans. Boeheim’s new role keeps his legacy alive. He helps the team named after him chase a $1 million prize. Let’s explore what this means, who’s playing, and why it matters.
This article dives deep. It covers Boeheim’s career, his new job, and Boeheim’s Army’s plans. Written by me, Danial Morgan, a writer with three years of experience in sports, it’s easy to read. I use simple words for all fans. Let’s get started!
What Is Boeheim’s Army and TBT?
Boeheim’s Army is a team of Syracuse basketball alumni. They play in The Basketball Tournament (TBT). TBT is a fun summer event. Teams compete for $1 million. The winner takes all! Syracuse hosts games from July 19 to July 23, 2025, at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena. Fans can buy tickets now.
Boeheim’s Army started in 2015. They won TBT in 2021. This year, they want another title. Jim Boeheim, a Hall of Fame coach, helps them. His new role as Head Coach Emeritus is special. But what does it mean?
What Does Head Coach Emeritus Mean?
Head Coach Emeritus is an honorary title. It shows respect for Boeheim’s long career. He won’t coach games. Instead, he advises the team. He helps pick players and plan practices. Boeheim said, “I’m advising them. I’ll go to practice and give tips, but I’m not coaching.”
This role fits Boeheim perfectly. After 47 years coaching Syracuse, he knows basketball. He guides Boeheim’s Army without being on the bench. Allen Griffin, a Syracuse assistant coach, is the head coach. Boeheim supports him behind the scenes.
Why Is Jim Boeheim a Syracuse Legend?
Jim Boeheim is Syracuse basketball. He coached the Orange from 1976 to 2023. That’s 47 years! He led Syracuse to 35 NCAA Tournaments. They reached five Final Fours. In 2003, they won the NCAA title with star Carmelo Anthony. Boeheim has 1,015 wins, the second-most in college basketball history.
Boeheim started at Syracuse as a player in 1962. He was a walk-on. By his senior year, he was team captain. He played with NBA star Dave Bing. After playing, he became an assistant coach. In 1976, he took over as head coach. His teams were known for their 2-3 zone defense. It confused opponents!
Boeheim’s work made Syracuse a powerhouse. Chancellor Kent Syverud said, “Without Jim Boeheim, Syracuse Basketball would not be what it is today.” Fans call him “Forever Orange” for his loyalty. His legacy inspires players and fans.
Boeheim’s Personal Life
Boeheim’s life off the court is important too. He was married to Elaine Boeheim, his first wife, from 1976 to 1994. They have a daughter, Elizabeth, who loves reading like her dad. Boeheim later married Juli, and they have three children: Buddy, Jimmy, and Jamie. Buddy and Jimmy play for Boeheim’s Army. Boeheim’s family keeps him close to basketball.
Why Did Boeheim Return for TBT 2025?
Boeheim retired in 2023. He was 78. After coaching for so long, he wanted a break. But basketball is his life. He stayed involved with Syracuse as a special assistant. He also joined ACC Network as an analyst. Now, he’s back with Boeheim’s Army. Why?
First, it’s personal. His sons, Buddy and Jimmy Boeheim, play for the team. Boeheim wants to support them. He coached them at Syracuse in 2021–22. Seeing them play in TBT is special. Second, he loves Syracuse. Boeheim’s Army carries his name. Helping them win honors his legacy.
Third, fans want him back. Syracuse loves Boeheim. On Jim Boeheim Day in 2024, 25,000 fans cheered for him. The university named an entrance after him at the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center. His TBT role keeps the excitement alive.
Who Is on Boeheim’s Army’s 2025 Roster?
Boeheim’s Army has a strong team for 2025. Here are the confirmed players so far:
- Buddy Boeheim: Jim’s son. A sharp-shooting guard. He played at Syracuse from 2018–22. Now, he’s in the NBA G League.
- Jimmy Boeheim: Jim’s other son. A versatile forward. He played at Syracuse in 2021–22. He averages 13.7 points per game.
- Elijah Hughes: A talented wing. He starred at Syracuse in 2019–20. He plays in the G League for the Canton Charge.
- Chris McCullough: A big man with power. He played at Syracuse in 2014–15. He brings energy to the court.
- Rakeem Christmas: A strong center. He played at Syracuse from 2011–15. He’s a fan favorite.
- Nick Perkins: A forward from Buffalo. He won TBT in 2022 with Blue Collar U. He’s a non-Syracuse player.
- Jacob Gilyard: A point guard. He’s the NCAA’s all-time steals leader. He played at Richmond, not Syracuse.
- Noah Starkey: A G League center. He played at Southern Nazarene, not Syracuse. He adds size.
The team needs eight players by June 13 for seeding. They can have up to 15 by July 16. More names will be announced soon. General Manager Shaun Belbey said the roster will mostly be Syracuse alumni. This makes fans happy.
Who Leads Boeheim’s Army in 2025?
Boeheim’s Army has a great leadership team. Here’s who’s in charge:
- Head Coach: Allen Griffin. A Syracuse assistant coach since 2017. He played for Syracuse from 1997–2001. Griffin is excited to lead. He said, “It’s an honor to coach this team.”
- Assistant Coach: Eric Devendorf. A Syracuse legend. He played from 2005–09. He’s a fan favorite and helps motivate players.
- Chairman: Adam Weitsman. A businessman and Syracuse supporter. He was chairman in 2021 when Boeheim’s Army won TBT. He helps recruit players.
- General Manager: Shaun Belbey. He runs the team. He works with Boeheim and Weitsman to build the roster.
This group knows Syracuse basketball. They trust Boeheim’s advice. Together, they aim for the $1 million prize.
How Does Boeheim’s Role Help Boeheim’s Army?
Boeheim’s experience is a big advantage. He knows how to win. His 2-3 zone defense could shape the team’s strategy. He helps pick players who fit the team. For example, he suggested younger players like Elijah Hughes.
Boeheim also boosts team spirit. Players respect him. Buddy and Jimmy play harder with their dad involved. Boeheim attends practices to share tips. His presence makes Boeheim’s Army feel special. Fans love seeing him back, too. It draws more ticket sales, which helps the team get home-court advantage.
What Is TBT’s Syracuse Regional?
Syracuse is one of eight TBT host cities. Games happen at SRC Arena from July 19–23, 2025. The winner moves to the quarterfinals on July 29. Semifinals are on July 31. The championship is August 3. The winning team gets $1 million.
Syracuse has hosted TBT before (2019, 2022, 2023). Boeheim’s Army has a home-court edge. If fans buy 4,000 tickets, the team keeps playing at home as long as they win. This rule makes ticket sales important. Fans can support Boeheim’s Army by buying tickets early.
How Can Boeheim’s Army Win TBT 2025?
Boeheim’s Army won TBT in 2021. They beat Team 23 in the final. Jeremy Pope was the coach then. Now, with Griffin and Boeheim, they want another title. Here’s why they could win:
- Strong Roster: Buddy and Jimmy Boeheim bring scoring. Hughes, McCullough, and Christmas add size and skill. Gilyard and Starkey bring fresh talent.
- Great Coaching: Griffin knows Syracuse players. Boeheim’s advice adds wisdom. Devendorf keeps the team fired up.
- Home Support: Syracuse fans pack SRC Arena. Their energy helps the team play better.
- Strategy: Boeheim’s 2-3 zone could return. It’s hard for opponents to beat.
Boeheim said, “It’s a really good, solid team.” He believes they can go far.
How Does This Role Expand Boeheim’s Legacy?
Boeheim’s TBT role keeps him in basketball. After retiring, he could have left the game. Instead, he stays with Syracuse. This shows his love for the Orange. His work with Boeheim’s Army inspires young players. It reminds fans of his greatness.
Boeheim also helps the community. He and his wife, Juli, run the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation. It supports kids and fights cancer. TBT games in Syracuse raise money for local causes. Boeheim’s involvement makes these events bigger.
His legacy grows through his sons. Buddy and Jimmy carry the Boeheim name. By advising them, Boeheim passes his knowledge to the next generation. Fans see this as a family story. It makes Syracuse proud.
Why Should Fans Care About Boeheim’s Return?
Fans love Boeheim. He made Syracuse a basketball giant. His return for TBT 2025 is exciting. Here’s why you should care:
- See a Legend: Boeheim is a Hall of Famer. Watching him help Boeheim’s Army is special.
- Support Syracuse: Cheering for Boeheim’s Army shows Orange pride. Buy tickets to help the team stay home.
- Family Story: Buddy and Jimmy play for their dad. It’s a heartwarming moment for fans.
- Big Prize: TBT’s $1 million is on the line. Boeheim’s Army could win it all!
Boeheim’s return brings fans together. It’s a chance to celebrate Syracuse basketball.
What’s Next for Boeheim’s Army?
Boeheim’s Army will announce more players soon. They need a full roster by July 16. Practices start before the tournament. Boeheim will join to share ideas. Griffin and Devendorf will prepare the team. Fans can follow updates on X or the TBT website.
The team hopes to win the Syracuse Regional. Their first game is against the Herkimer Originals on July 19. If they win, they’ll play in the quarterfinals. A deep run could lead to the $1 million prize. Boeheim’s advice gives them a better chance.
Final Thoughts
Jim Boeheim’s return as Head Coach Emeritus is big news. It keeps his legacy alive. Boeheim’s Army has a strong team for TBT 2025. With Boeheim’s help, they could win $1 million. Syracuse fans should be excited. Buy tickets, cheer loud, and support the Orange!
This article was written to be clear and fun. It uses simple words for all readers. I hope it helps you understand Boeheim’s new role. Let’s root for Boeheim’s Army in July 2025!
Sources: All information is based on trusted websites like syracuse.com, nunesmagician.com, tbthoops.com, and The Athletic. Facts were checked for accuracy.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It is based on public news and trusted websites. We tried to make sure everything is correct, but we can’t promise it’s perfect. We are not part of Boeheim’s Army, Syracuse University, or TBT. This story is just to help fans learn and enjoy.