When the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team takes the floor tonight at Madison Square Garden in the Jimmy V Classic, the program will renew a longstanding series with old Big East rival Villanova. The matchup marks the first time the two storied programs have met since the 2014.
Syracuse owns the all-time series 39-33 but Wright has beaten Boeheim head-to-head 12 times in 21 games. Wright, who roomed with Boeheim during his stint with USA Basketball, spoke at length on Monday night about the rivalry and Boeheim, who is still coaching at age 77.
“I tell you what,” Wright began, “Jim is amazing to me and I have spent enough time with him to know his energy.