Syracuse Basketball Self-Imposes Postseason Ban Due to NCAA Investigation

Syracuse, which has been to the last six NCAA tournaments, won't return to the postseason in 2014-15. 

According to a release from the university, via Syracuse.com's John O'Brien, the school has banned its men's basketball team from any postseason play this season, including the NCAA tournament, ACC tournament and National Invitational Tournament. 

Head coach Jim Boeheim commented on the decision, which is a response to the ongoing NCAA investigation surrounding the school: 

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I am very disappointed that our basketball team will miss the opportunity to play in the post-season this year. However, I supported this decision and I believe the University is doing the right thing by acknowledging that past mistakes occurred. Our players have faced adversity and challenges before. I know they will rise to this challenge by keeping our program strong and continuing to make our University proud.

"

The NCAA has kept mum about the nature of its investigation, although in October, ESPN.com's Brett McMurphy reported the allegations focused on "extra benefits and academic issues, that date back at least 10 years."  

Boeheim believes the sanctions will be announced in "a week or two" per Matt Schneidman of dailyorange.com. 

Syracuse, a loser of three of its last five, was starting to look like a long shot to make the Big Dance, so this doesn't really have a major effect on college basketball as a whole. ESPN's Fran Fraschilla wonders if the school would have made the same decision if it was on the other side of the tourney bubble: 

That's something we will never know, but it's clear the Orange are currently in a rebuilding stage, and with with this pre-emptive move, they are likely avoiding any potential penalties for next year's team, which figures to have more experience and talent. 

It's just unfortunate it has to come at the expense of someone like Rakeem Christmas, a senior who now gets no opportunity to extend his career past March 7.