Syracuse finally did the right thing and announced that assistant coach Mike Hopkins is the head coach-designate and will succeed Coach Jim Boeheim following the 2017-18 men’s basketball season. In March, Boeheim announced that he will retire in three years.
“For more than 25 years, Mike Hopkins has demonstrated the true meaning of Orange pride and loyalty,” said Chancellor Kent Syverud. “He has contributed so much to the success of the Syracuse basketball program. I know Mike is ready to lead the program into the future and carry forward the success that has occurred under Coach Boeheim.”
Hopkins has been on staff for 19 years, helping Syracuse advance to 14 NCAA tournaments and four NIT berths. The Orange won the NCAA Championship in 2003.
“I’m honored, humbled and grateful for this special opportunity,” says Hopkins. “Very few people are afforded the privilege to coach at their alma mater. I want to thank Chancellor Syverud, the Board of Trustees and Jim Boeheim for entrusting me with this great program. Coach Boeheim has created one of the most preeminent college basketball programs in the country, one that is committed to a standard of excellence and consistency.”
Incoming Director of Athletics Mark Coyle added: “During the search process I was fully briefed on all of the athletic programs, including men’s basketball. I am impressed by the accomplishments of the entire coaching staff and fully support the Chancellor’s decision.”
Born in San Mateo, Calif., where he played on the 1987 California state championship team at Mater Dei High School, Hopkins enrolled in Syracuse in 1989. Hopkins led the 1991-92 team to the Big East Championship. He was a two-year starter at shooting guard and a team captain as a senior. Hopkins played professional basketball in the Continental Basketball Association with the Rochester (Minn.) Renegades and in Europe with teams in Turkey and Holland following his graduation from Syracuse.
