Nov. 10, 2009

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Syracuse University head coach Jim Boeheim became the eighth Division I coach in NCAA history to record 800 career wins as Syracuse defeated Albany, 75-43, in the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer Monday night at the Carrier Dome. Boeheim joins Bob Knight, Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Phelan, Jim Calhoun and Eddie Sutton as part of the 800-club.

"I'd like to thank all the players and coaches who have been here over the years," Boeheim said while addressing the crowd of 15,707 after the game. "A special thanks to the guy who has been sitting next to me for 800 wins, Bernie Fine. I'd like to thank the fans who have been here and who make this place the best place in the country to play basketball. I guarantee you one thing, we have a little bit of work ahead of us but we're going to give you everything we've got out here now and in the future."

It seems only fitting that Boeheim achieved the 800th win in the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. A past president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, which partners with the American Cancer Society in Coaches vs. Cancer, and a former CvC Champion Award recipient, he has consistently been among the leading advocates and fund raisers for the program.

Boeheim, whose first win as head coach at his alma mater was in November,1976, established an NCAA Division I record in 2008-09 with his 31st season with at least 20 wins. He has 800 in 1,088 games, including a record 356 wins in the Big East.

In Division I, only Phelan at Mount St. Mary's (1,354) and Smith at North Carolina (1,133) have coached more games at one school. And only Smith (879), Kentucky's Rupp (876) and Phelan (830) have more wins at one school.

The Orange return to action at the Carrier Dome on Wednesday, November 11, playing host to Robert Morris in the second game of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer with tip-off set for 7 p.m.