Syracuse, N.Y. - Syracuse women’s basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack is more than ready to stop making the annual trek to Storrs, Connecticut for the NCAA Tournament. Her frustration was palpable after SU's tough 98-45 loss to UConn, marking the worst NCAA Tournament defeat in the program's history.
“For us to continue to come to Connecticut, year after year after year, is to me, it’s a personal attack because I just think we’re way better than what we performed today,” Legette-Jack expressed.
Coach Jack's frustration is understandable, but let's focus on what Syracuse can do to change its postseason fate. To avoid future clashes with UConn on their home turf, Syracuse needs to continue its upward trajectory and secure a better tournament seed.
Under Coach Jack's leadership, the team doubled its overall win total to 24, notched 12 ACC victories, and achieved its third 20-win season. This success was fueled by strategic moves in the transfer portal, bringing in talents like Laila Phelia (Texas/Michigan) and Dominique Darius (USC/UCLA), forming a dynamic backcourt duo in the ACC.
The standout of this class was Uche Izoje, who claimed the ACC Rookie of the Year title and emerged as a breakout star. UConn's head coach Geno Auriemma even called her “the best player we’ve seen this year.”
Amidst discussions about resources and fundraising under new AD Bryan Blair, the focus is on strengthening Syracuse’s position in the ACC. The appointment of Gerry McNamara as the men’s basketball coach is partly to galvanize donor support for essential NIL funding.
Coach Jack will need significant backing to ensure Izoje stays in Syracuse and becomes a cornerstone of the team’s future success. “We have a new everything at Syracuse,” Legette-Jack noted, highlighting the fresh leadership at the university.
Auriemma hinted at another path for Izoje, who will soon be eligible for the WNBA draft. “I don’t know when her birthday is,” he quipped, “but mine is tomorrow, and I wish hers was tomorrow so she could get drafted and not play against us [Monday] night.”
While Izoje's departure for the pros isn't expected, it remains a possibility. Syracuse fans remember the sting of losing Kamilla Cardoso to South Carolina, and they certainly don't want a repeat with Izoje.
Coach Jack discovered Izoje playing professional basketball in Japan and now faces the challenge of keeping her in Syracuse. Securing her presence for another year is crucial for the team to avoid future encounters with UConn in the NCAA Tournament.
For more insights, check out our full discussion on Syracuse Sports, available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.