Syracuse, N.Y. -- Mike Hopkins' departure to the University of Washington will have a major impact on the Syracuse University basketball program and the ramifications might be felt for years.
Hopkins was the acknowledged heir to Jim Boeheim's head coaching seat at Syracuse.
For the past few years, Hopkins had worked under the title "Head Coach Designate.'' It was he who both Boeheim and SU chancellor Kent Syverud had publicly tabbed as Boeheim's eventual successor.
The transfer of power was targeted for the end of the 2017-18 season. In March of 2015, Boeheim said he intended to coach for three more years.