Sportsbook handicappers noted that Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim was selected as the Associated Press coach of the year. Syracuse had a dominating regular season but they were upset in the NCAA Tournament. The Orange had an excellent season both straight up and against the online sportsbook odds.
Sportsbook statistics indicated that Syracuse finished 30-5 straight up and 21-10 against the spread. Syracuse looked to be rolling to a Final Four appearance but they were upset by Butler. The regular season was still a very good one for the Orange vs. the sportsbook college basketball odds and Boeheim was recognized. He received 39 votes from the panel, far outdistancing Kansas State’s Frank Martin who finished second with 8 votes. Also receiving votes from the AP panel of voters were New Mexico’s Steve Alford, Kansas’ Bill Self, Kentucky’s John Calipari, Temple’s Fran Dunphy, Notre Dame’s Mike Brey, Pittsburgh’s Jamie Dixon, Baylor’s Scott Drew, Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, Saint Louis’ Rick Majerus, Purdue’s Matt Painter and Marquette’s Buzz Williams.
Syracuse began the college basketball season unranked but they quickly rose in the polls and reached number one at one point during the sportsbook college basketball season. They were the top seed in the West region in the NCAA Tournament. Boeheim has 829 wins, sixth-best all-time. “We had a great team this year, and that’s how you win these awards,” said Boeheim, “We led the nation in assists and were one of the top defensive teams all season. And we had low expectations, which help you win these awards. We had no falloffs all season, and we had great senior leadership.” This is the first time in Boeheim’s storied career that he has ever won the Coach of the Year award. “My first year I won a semi-national Eastern coaching award. It just took 34 years to get the next one,” he said. “I hope it doesn’t take 34 more to get the next one.”
Sportsbook statistics indicate that Syracuse was 7th best this past season in points per game. They had a great season led by Wesley Johnson who was one of the best players in the country. It ended against Butler though in the NCAA Tourney and Boheim was denied a trip to the Final Four. Syracuse was 9-6 at home and 7-2 on the road this season vs. the college basketball odds at the online sportsbook.