Georgetown won the game, but the Hoyas couldn't spoil the day.
Syracuse basketball put on an incredibly uplifting and powerful event on Saturday. Prior to the Orange's irritating 78-71 loss at the hands of their longtime, hated rival, love filled the Carrier Dome and emanated in the city surrounding.
In April, Syracuse lost a legend. Pearl Washington succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 52. The school appropriately waited until Georgetown came to central New York to have its Pearl Washington Day. There were tributes aplenty. Pins, shoes, shirts, all of it highlighted by a halftime ceremony that culminated with what I think is a terrific idea: a midcourt "31" decal.
Washington wore No. 31, and the spot is approximately where he hit a half-court winner vs. Boston College in the 1980s -- probably the seminal moment of his basketball career.
Syracuse unveiled a brand-new court design in general. The Pearl addition married perfectly with the new touches.
It wasn't just the halftime ceremony, though. I've got the video that was shown in the Dome at the bottom of the post, but before we get to that, let's check a few photos of the Pearl love that was on display. Here's Andrew White rocking Syracuse's throwback uniforms. Damn, these are gorgeous. WEAR THESE ALL THE TIME, PLEASE. You'll notice the Pearl patch on the right shoulder loop as well.
Here are the basketball team's warmup shirts, which Syracuse debuted last season and are now available for anyone to purchase. Simple and tremendous.
The tributes went beyond the obvious. Syracuse players wore special shoes with Washington's number on the tongue.
For fans in attendance, a commemorative pin and something to be framed. Though it will bring some bittersweet memories now, what with Georgetown spoiling the game and all.
It wasn't just staff and players. Everyone had a chance to rock some Pearl gear on Saturday, and you're likely to see this kind of garb at Cuse games from here on out. His legend runs deep within the program.
And finally, here's the video Syracuse showed during its halftime dedication ceremony. It's sobering that Washington died at the too-young age of 52, but Jim Boeheim, Syracuse and everyone affiliated with Saturday's basketball eulogy did him and the program right.