The practice popped with words of encouragement. Captain Andy Rautins shouted, "Nice shot Tex!" He was referring to All-American candidate Wesley Johnson. Rautins yelled, "You got ball ‘B’." Making sure Brandon Triche was in the right spot on defense. Coach Boeheim's whistle stopped play. The Hall of Famer quietly, but firmly instructed his players what to expect from the Louisville Cardinals.
The top ranked Syracuse Orange basketball team whipped through a sharp practice regimen before boarding a late afternoon flight to Kentucky. They appeared focused and energetic. Assistant Coach Mike Hopkins told me they were looking forward to the tournament atmosphere they expect to see in Freedom Hall Saturday afternoon. He made it clear the Orange wants to get Rick Pitino's Cardinals back for the loss they handed the Orange in the Dome.
Soaking in the basketball was a side benefit for my real purpose for venturing into the Carmelo Anthony Center. I was there to pick up an autographed collectible basketball signed by Coach Boeheim and the entire team. They signed the ball so it can be auctioned during Shamrock's Celebration on March 20th to benefit The Shamrock Animal Fund.
My gratitude goes to Juli Boeheim and the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation for donating the autographed ball. I also appreciate the encouragement she gave Jamie and me to work together on this fund raising effort. Graduate Assistant and Syracuse legend Gerry McNamara also deserves our thanks. Gerry delivered on his promise to get the entire team to sign the ball. He graciously offered to help The Shamrock Animal Fund in anyway he could.
We will cheer the team on again tomorrow, then at the Big East next week. We've purposely scheduled Shamrock's Celebration to fit between their games in the NCAA tournament. So come join us to benefit the Fund and take a shot at going home with the collectible basketball.
The top ranked Syracuse Orange basketball team whipped through a sharp practice regimen before boarding a late afternoon flight to Kentucky. They appeared focused and energetic. Assistant Coach Mike Hopkins told me they were looking forward to the tournament atmosphere they expect to see in Freedom Hall Saturday afternoon. He made it clear the Orange wants to get Rick Pitino's Cardinals back for the loss they handed the Orange in the Dome.
Soaking in the basketball was a side benefit for my real purpose for venturing into the Carmelo Anthony Center. I was there to pick up an autographed collectible basketball signed by Coach Boeheim and the entire team. They signed the ball so it can be auctioned during Shamrock's Celebration on March 20th to benefit The Shamrock Animal Fund.
My gratitude goes to Juli Boeheim and the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation for donating the autographed ball. I also appreciate the encouragement she gave Jamie and me to work together on this fund raising effort. Graduate Assistant and Syracuse legend Gerry McNamara also deserves our thanks. Gerry delivered on his promise to get the entire team to sign the ball. He graciously offered to help The Shamrock Animal Fund in anyway he could.
We will cheer the team on again tomorrow, then at the Big East next week. We've purposely scheduled Shamrock's Celebration to fit between their games in the NCAA tournament. So come join us to benefit the Fund and take a shot at going home with the collectible basketball.
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