Is It Too Early To Name Us National Champs?

NEW YORK -- To better understand what it's like to play in Madison Square Garden, Wesley Johnson went to the perfect source. He asked Gerry McNamara for a little insight. The same McNamara who turned the famed arena into a Scranton high school pep rally during the Orange's unforgettable sprint to a 2006 Big East tournament title. Now a graduate assistant on the Syracuse bench, McNamara offered simple advice. "He told me, 'When the lights go up, you'll know it,'" Johnson said. And now everyone else will know Johnson. The Syracuse junior lived a dream as old as the city itself: the unknown talent stepping into the Big Apple spotlight and becoming an overnight sensation. Johnson scored 25 points and tacked on eight rebounds, carrying Syracuse to an 87-71 win over No. 4 North Carolina that was as stunning as it was dominant. Rumors of the Orange's demise after losing three guys to the NBA early are apparently greatly exaggerated, as was the hand-wringing over the loss to Division II Le Moyne in a preseason game.

When the lights go up, you'll know it. Leave it to Gerry Mcnamara to come up with one of the top 10 greatest quotes of all time. This team just looks scary and I'm not saying that because I'm a life long fan. The 2-3 zone has never looked so long and athletic. That's really all that matters on a Jimmy B coached squad.