That's right, Orange friends: Cuse bball is back.
I AM SO EXCITED (and Brad is, too)!!!!
It has been a very long seven months without Syracuse Basketball in our lives, and by long, I mean that it's felt like an eternity. I've missed the Carrier Dome's atmosphere and hanging out with upwards of 35,000 of my closest friends (blows Duke's 9314 seats out of the water), and I know you have, too.
After a mediocre 18-13 season last year, our self-imposed postseason ban, and the beginning of the NCAA's punishments for us (basically a season of terror), we're hoping, praying, and pleading that this year is better. I don't want to cry this year (I seriously cried when the punishments came out).
Orange Madness was our first glance at the team's talent this year and they looked impressive. Once again, we're overlooked in all of the ESPN polls; we'll prove everyone wrong, though. Even with the absence of Rak (keep doing your thing with the Pacers!!!), we have some great incoming freshmen (Tyler Lydon, Malachi Richardson, and Frank Howard) and amazing returning players who are ready to tear it up on the court ... looking at you, Cooney and Gbinije.
The basketball season makes the brutally awful winters here a little more bearable. It may be 0 degrees out with a -40 degree windchill, but that won't stop us from tailgating hours before the game, camping out days in advance for front row seats, and going to every game at the Dome. We're the real deal here at Cuse.
Weirdly enough, I miss the 300 anxiety attacks that I had each game due to the good and bad passes/shots, terrible referees, buzzer beaters, and overtimes. I CRAVE THEM!! I WANT THEM BACK. My body has time to recuperate; I am ready (but I'd prefer to have them very minimally please and thanks!).
There is truly nothing better than the school spirit at Cuse. It intensifies by an immeasurable amount at basketball games and during the season in general. Everyone is decked out in orange gear, signs taunting the other team fly high in the student section, and the Dome is rocking. I've bonded with so many people that I don't even know which is the coolest thing ever. We scream at the refs together, high-five when Cooney makes a three, and have panic attacks when bad things happen. New best friends!!
The season is right around the corner and I could not be more excited. I get to put my profile picture back up of me and Trevor Cooney (racking up the likes and jealousy from friends!!!), get to be obnoxious on Twitter about every play, and get to have the time of my life cheering on a team and school I love.
What could be better?
As always, go Orange.
