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The No. 6-ranked Syracuse Orange will visit the Connecticut Huskies Wednesday night (7 p.m. on ESPN) for the final time as Big East Conference foes. As TNIAAM's Matt McClusky mentioned Monday, the contest marks the Orange's homestretch in the Big East, so it is about time we all started paying attention and start caring a bit more.
If sentimental reasons aren't enough for you to get excited about regular-season contests, as nowadays it seems that March's post-season tournaments is all that matters to college basketball fans, let me point out this.
A victory over UConn (16-6, 6-4 Big East) would help Syracuse (20-3, 8-2) move a full game ahead of the Georgetown Hoyas (18-4, 8-3) and Marquette Golden Eagles (17-6, 8-3) in the Big East standings, and would help create a cushion that could help the Orange collect their third Big East regular season title in four seasons.
You know the last time a Big East team accomplished that feat? Connecticut. Some 14 seasons ago when they collected its fifth regular-season title in six seasons.
That's the only time in the league's 33-year history the feat of three titles in four seasons has been accomplished, and before SU moves onto the Atlantic Coast Conference next season it has a chance to become the second.
The Orange, led by head coach Jim Boeheim, are on the verge of doing something they've never done and, at least in my opinion, it seems nobody cares.
Instead, it is about gearing up for the team's final Big East Tournament and the NCAA Tournament; even though both will be so unpredictable it is possible SU could be eliminated in the first few rounds.
Until post-season play begins, some Syracuse fans have decided to pass the time by speculating about next season, as fans comment about what Jerami Grant could be and if C.J. Fair will turn into a first-round stud.
In Monday's TNIAAM podcast with Syracuse.com's Brent Axe, he said one wouldn't believe the amount of questions he gets and ignores about NEXT SEASON.
Come on all, can we just enjoy this season before we ask questions about what position Michael Gbinije might play next year?
Remember, this is Brandon Triche's final season and the Jamesville native has been a part of the SU's starting lineup for the past four seasons. This will more than likely be the last few times we all get to watch Michael Carter-Williams, so lets enjoy that as well.
I hate playing the old man on the porch, as I am only 26-years-old, but stop and smell the roses. Together, lets shoot for the Big East stars as this will be the last time we get a chance to.
There are eight regular season games left in Syracuse's Big East lifetime and a few big victories against UConn (tonight), Georgetown (Feb. 23, March 9), Marquette (Feb. 25) and Louisville (March 2) could be stepping stones in helping this program accomplish something it has never done and will never get a chance to do again.
I want this Big East regular season title more than a BET crown or a trip to the Elite 8, because you never know what the future holds. Hopefully, you feel the same way as I do.