BLEEDING ORA Paperback – October 22, 2015

For anyone with close enough ties to the Syracuse community to know that S. Salina St. isn't pronounced "Saleena St.," this book is a must read. Arising from the cradle of Central NY basketball--Syracuse Nats, War Memorial, Rochester Royals, etc., Boeheim teamed with the legendary Dave Bing in the SU backcourt in the early 60's. He was an integral assistant coach during the Roy's Runts/Manley Fieldhouse era. He had the self confidence to tell the powers that be that it was either head coach or the highway when Danforth left, and to hire a strong subordinate in Rick Pitino as a newly-minted 31-year-old head coach. If you are relatively new to the SU community (like maybe you started undergraduate school in 2002), this book will give you a good sense of history. In my case--arriving in '68 and thinking that I was hooking up with a football power--only to be won over by the spirited and gritty basketball team, this book fills you in on the next 40 years. This is a great book, and Jim Boeheim deserves all the recognition that has finally come his way.

I'm from Syracuse and Jim Boeheim took over as head coach shortly after I was born. I went to his basketball camp. I am well aware of what he means to the city and the university, and all the good he's done for those entities and my own former high school, where his kids go to school. I am a fan. Having said that, I would say that even if I wasn't a fan, even if I didn't know of all the things he has done, I would still say this is one of the most interesting and entertaining books I've read in a long time. The Boeheim recall and wit is present on every page. He tells great stories and gives great insight into his coaching philosophy. I highly recommend this book.

I couldn't wait for Jim Boeheim to release this memoir. Finally, basketball in his own words. Jim is not only an amazing coach, but a former player and a man. who lives and breathes the sport. Coaches always say that every moment he is not coaching, Jim Boeheim is watching a game. He loves the sport, and it shows in this book. I loved reading his stories about his former players, the rivalry between SU and Georgetown, and the dedication of Jim Boeheim Court. The only thing I felt was left out were details pertaining to his personal life. Of course, this book was meant to be about basketball, but I still wish there were more personal details. I would have loved to have read more about his children, as well as his relationships with the other coaches. There were a few stories, but I wish that there were more. However, overall the book was a great read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The only sad part is knowing that retirement may be looming. Like so many fans, I don't want to think about Syracuse Basketball without Jim Boeheim...

To read the behind the scenes stories of games and seasons you have watched and digested with complete fervor is a real treat. Coach Boeheim has emotionally and effectively pulled back the curtain just enough to give the armchair coach/lunatic Syracuse fans a look at all of the blood, sweat, and fears (that one's for you, coach) that a top tier College basketball program endures from season to season. The Big East stories were riveting, and the comparison to the ACC 'Gentleman's Club' seemed spot on. I am Syracuse class of '82, and my wife and I have been die hard SU fans before we met, and ever since. We watch every game, and read every story if it involves the Orange. We BLEED Orange, and always will. We wish the Coach continued amazing success, and will shed more than a tear when his final game is coached. Syracuse will be in excellent hands if Hop is selected next.

Jim Boeheim has been telling it like it is for 40 or so years and he continues to do so in this book. His unique perspective as perhaps one of the most, if not the most, loyal guys in sports, is not only entertaining but informative as well. The coach provides a very interesting look at not only his life as a player and coach at SU, but the his insights into sports, particularly college sports, the Olympics, education and teaching kids. If you're a fan of SU, a fan of college basketball, a fan of college sports, a fan of sports, or just a fan of a guy who, for all his life, has not only talked the talk but more importantly walked the walk you'll enjoy this book.

I was more than pleased with this book, and it went well beyond my expectations. Coach Boeheim is quite a good writer. He tells a very engaging story, and tells it with humorous asides too. I highly recommend this for any Orange basketball fan! If you just like college basketball, you'll enjoy it too!

My wife bought it for me and we both read it. We both went to college w/Jim Boeheim and watch every Syracuse basketball game together, "bleeding Orange" all the way. I'm sure I'll read it again within a year. This year Nancy also bought me AMERICAN SNIPER (Memorial Edition), and last year I AM SPARTACUS - Making a film and breaking the blacklist, By Kirk Douglas, which I read twice, and may read again someday.

I have followed Jim Boeheim for many years. My brother had a friend who was a teammate of Jim at Syracuse. The book was well written and I finished it in about 2 days.