Orange Seniors - Finishing Big in the Dome

Story, Photos and Video by Bridget Chavez

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- They went out with a bang.

The Syracuse Men's Basketball team hosted Georgia Tech Saturday afternoon in front of  30,448 fans at the Carrier Dome for Senior Day, which was the largest on-campus crowd in college basketball this season. For the players and fans alike, it was a game to remember.

The pre-game ceremony began by honoring the seniors and graduate students who will not be returning next year. Each player was escorted by family members onto the court and greeted by head coach Jim Boeheim. They were also presented with individually framed jerseys to commemorate their time with the Orange. For two of them, graduate transfers Andrew White III and John Gillon, that time is just one season. 

The New Guys

Emotions ran high throughout the game as White put up a whopping 40 points for the Orange, his career high . Gillon, who scored 43 points against North Carolina State in an overtime road win, chipped in ten points and ten assists. White said he's proud to be part of this team and all they have accomplished together.

"We've imposed our will on the ACC and we put ourselves in a position to make it to the postseason and get whatever we want out of it," White said.

And while the regular season is over, Gillon noted there is more to come, starting with the ACC Tournament on Wednesday.

"It's sad but I'm ready for the next chapter and the season's still going so I'm focused on

that but, man, this school it's a special place."

Orange Veterans

Tyler Roberson had four points and three rebounds in 24 minutes and even walk-on Doyin Akintobi-Adeyeye had a put-back bucket to give him ten points on the season.

Graduate student, DaJuan Coleman, the McDonald's All-American from nearby Jamesville-DeWitt High School whose career has been severely curtailed by injury was able to get in on the action and played for the final minutes of the game. He said the moment was very special to him.

"This whole journey has just been a grind," Coleman said. "But my teammates and coaches, they always have my back and it means a lot to finish it out."

Link to video package here

Link to raw interview of DaJuan Coleman

Scene from Senior Day. Click on any picture to start slide show,