FanHouse John Thompson

In his 34 years as Syracuse's head coach -- even during the years when his face was one of those synonymous with Big East basketball, not even when he won a long-awaited national championship -- never was Jim Boeheim the type to dwell for long on his own accomplishments. On Monday night, when he earned his 800th career victory over Albany at the Carrier Dome, he was quoted in the Syracuse Post Standard this way: "I guess there's a 'wow' factor, winning 800. But then, it's not like playing golf with Tiger Woods. I mean, that's a real 'wow' factor.''

Boeheim playing down his feat was as expected as was his reference to his other favorite sport. But is it really possible to look at 800 victories, all at one school, with that school being his alma mater, and not greet it with at least a 'wow'?

If the fact that only seven other coaches with at least 10 years in Division I have done it doesn't elicit that reaction, then consider some of the legends who either have not gotten there yet, or never got there at all.

It started at Sonny Vaccaro's ABCD Basketball Camp, a camp, yes, but also a meet-and-greet for street agents and young, impressionable kids. Street agents, runners, slimeball AAU coaches all start getting their hands on our kids early, and ...

"The only problem I have is the word 'slime,' '' Vaccaro said. "A lot of what you say is right. But why is that word only connected to AAU? You've got to define what that means and who you're talking about. When you say slime, that envelopes everybody."

Yes, OK. Well, Rodney Guillory met 15-year old basketball phenom O.J Mayo at the camp in 2003.

It's hard to believe it's been 26 years since Dean Smith won his first NCAA championship against the John Thompson-led Georgetown Hoyas, but yep, it's been that long.

Arguably one of UNC's best teams ever -- Sam Perkins, James Worthy and freshman Michael Jordan were all starters -- coached by arguably the best coach ever. Joining Smith on the sidelines: Bill Guthridge, Roy Williams, and Eddie Fogler. Not a bad group of guys to start a basketball program with.

Anyway, courtesy of the YouTubes here are the highlights from that season, culimating in The Shot -- you know, the one the seemingly solidified MJ's career path. Oh, yeah, one more thing: enjoy the Genesis soundtrack. That's so ... 1980-something.