Syracuse, N.Y. ― Scoop Jardine and Rick Jackson came to Syracuse together 15 years ago out of Philadelphia’s Neumann-Goretti High School.
On Friday, Scoop and Rick were back in Syracuse with Neumann-Goretti stitched across the front of their jerseys in the first round of The Basketball Tournament at OCC’s SRC Arena.
The two former Syracuse stars were part of the NG Saints, a group of players who even if they didn’t attend Neumann-Goretti, at least share Jardine and Jackson’s Philly roots.
The game didn’t go the Saints’ way on Friday. Blue Collar U, a team comprised mainly of players from the University at Buffalo, dominated in a 91-64 win over the NG Saints.
Even though the NG Saints tipped off five hours before Boeheim’s Army would take the court, a host of orange-clad fans showed up at the SRC Arena to cheer on Jackson and Jardine. The fans waited after the game for pictures and autographs.
“It feels good,’' Jackson said. “We’re old men now. Twelve years later, we’re old men. Just to be remembered and feel the love, it’s a great thing.’'
Jackson said he signed autographs for fans on Thursday at the team’s hotel in downtown Syracuse.
Jardine took pleasure in playing in front of his son, Ashton, who turned 9 years old on Friday.
“It’s beautiful,’' Jardine said. “I’m 34 years old. To experience this and play in front of my son, whose birthday is today, it’s a dream come true. It’s a full-circle moment.’'
When Jackson and Jardine came to Syracuse in 2007, they were part of a stellar recruiting class, which also included Jonny Flynn and Donte Greene.
Jackson, a bruising 6-foot-9 big man, finished his Syracuse career with 1,265 points. As a senior in 2011, Jackson posted a rarity, averaging a double-double with 13.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
Jardine, a 6-4 guard, captivated Syracuse fans with his bubbly personality and flashy playing style. He scored 1,295 career points. Due to a knee injury early in his career, Jardine played one year beyond Jackson and was a key component on the 2012 team that advanced to the NCAA’s Elite 8.
Friday’s loss ended the NG Saints’ run in the TBT after just one game. It was the Saints’ second appearance in the TBT and their second loss against zero wins.
But the loss didn’t diminish the distinction of being the only high school alumni team in the TBT for Jardine and Jackson.
“It means a lot being the only high school type of alumni team in this tournament,’' Jackson said. “ We do have a lot of guys that went to good colleges from our high school. It only makes sense. We’re new. We’re starting out. We’re trying to work some kinks out. Hopefully, we’ll continue to get better.’'
“Next year,’' said Jardine, “we’ll have another group of guys and have another opportunity.’'
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