Reliving Syracuse Basketball's Golden Era: The Unforgettable 1987 Season, Pearl Washington’s Legacy, and NCAA Highlights

Ready to step back in time and relive one of the most thrilling eras of Syracuse Basketball? This episode transports you to 1987, a time when Syracuse Orange reverberated their fiery coach's spirit in the bruising Big East basketball scene. As your tour guide, we have Joe Combe, part of the legendary runner-up team, revealing riveting tales of the team's astonishing start to the season, the memorable Big East tournament, and the NCAA tournament that still sparks debates over its controversial rule changes.

We take a detour to pay homage to William 'Pearl' Washington, the dynamo who redefined Syracuse basketball. Pearl's innovative playstyle and unparalleled talent not only propelled the team to new heights but cemented its place as a national program. This episode explores how Pearl's infectious spirit influenced the mindset of the 1987 Syracuse team and how his legacy continues to inspire the program. 

Hold onto your seats as we revisit the electrifying rivalry between Syracuse and Georgetown that played a pivotal role in shaping Syracuse's basketball legacy. We dissect the strategic implications of the Big East's six-foul rule and how it added another layer of intrigue to the intense face-offs. Finally, we reflect on the heart-stopping 1987 National Championship game, the team's pre-game rituals, Coach Bayheim's game plan, and the nerve-twisting final seconds that left an indelible mark on NCAA basketball history.

Chapters

• 0:00 Tempo: 120.0