Paul Harris News

Following last season's impressive postseason run, including the legendary six-overtime win against UConn in the Big East Tournament and a Sweet 16 finish, many had Syracuse at the top of their early 2009-2010 polls, with point guard Jonny Flynn at the helm.

Andy Rautins, left, Scoop Jardine, center, and Wes Johnson have the Syracuse Orange playing well and are ready to contend in the Big East this year, despite losing several key players from last year's squad.

Last week's SEC/Big East Invitational, even in its absurdity that it has to exist just so every BCS league has a non-conference sparring partner, served to confirm my perceptions about a team from each conference that won a game in the "event." So here comes a column about the profound effect Mississippi State and St.

As the clock winds down to 3:41 at Madison Square Garden, the droves of delighted Orange fans and awestruck Carolina faithful are greeted with a very familiar sight.

Bobby Knight gives them a thumbs up as the best team in the country right now. ESPN colleague Jay Bilas concurs.

A television station in Portland, Maine filmed a piece a few weeks back with a reporter playing H.O.R.S.E against the local NBA Development League team's inaugural draft pick.

John Kekis / Associated Press sports writer SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Jim Boeheim has a luxury he hasn't had for a while - a deep bench that can only help as the season wears on.

Sabine River Authority of Texas Assistant Manager David Montagne will serve as the guest speaker at the LSC-O fall 2009 commencement on Friday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the Lutcher Theater.

Syracuse forward Wes Johnson celebrates after a dunk during the game against Colgate on Monday night at the Carrier Dome.

Division I college basketball coaches take their jobs very seriously. The key to their success is knowing which teenagers will develop into successful players for them.

Against UNC, Johnson led the Orange in points , boards and 3-pointers . Now a graduate assistant on the Syracuse bench, McNamara offered simple advice.

Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy analyzes what Friday's buzz means to college basketball.

Wesley Johnson has transformed from a lightly regarded recruit who went to prep school and then Iowa State to a star at Syracuse and possible lottery pick who spent Friday dropping 25 points and eight rebounds on North Carolina.

When Syracuse was at Madison Square Garden in March winning its unforgettable six-overtime marathon against Connecticut in the Big East tournament quarterfinals, the Orange's big three announced their presence loudly.

Long Island Lutheran's Tobias Harris shoots against Jamesville-DeWitt's Dajaun Coleman in the New York State Federation Basketball Tournament of Champions boys' Class A final game in Glens Falls March 28.

Roy Williams believes North Carolina has the tools to be among the best teams in the country, but it hasn't always looked one in winning its first four games.

Jim Boeheim walked into the postgame interview room and settled into a chair, hunching over with his chin tucked into his hand.

With this year's Syracuse University basketball team, you can't expect much but the fluctuating unexpected.

The only Maine-native on the NBA D-League's Maine Red Claws, Matt Clement, a graduate of Lawrence High School in Fairfield, films a video spot during the team's media day Monday in Portland.

The Maine Red Claws play the Springfield Armor on Monday, Nov. 23, at the Augusta Civic Center.