Jim Boeheim cutting down the nets in 2003. (Creative Commons)

Oh, how far they've come.

After cutting down the nets in 2003 with Carmelo Anthony and Hakim Warrick, both of whom have moved on to bigger and better things, Syracuse has had trouble with consistency.

In 2004, the Orange lost in the Big Dance in the Sweet 16. Their showing in 2005 was no better; they got beat by 13th-seeded Vermont in overtime thanks to a lucky three.

In 2006, Syracuse fell even further, losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament after an incredible run in the Big East tournament where they won four games in a row to clinch the conference title.

Syracuse struggled with injuries in 2007. Even though they finished the regular season well, the Orange didn't earn an invite to the Big Dance. Coach Jim Boeheim was heard 'round the sports world wondering how on Earth his team could have missed the NCAA tournament.

Losing the first round of the Big East tournament was a tough blow in 2008. And while there were glimpses of greatness during the 2009 season, it wasn't until late November of the 2009-2010 campaign that the Orange jumped on anyone's radar -- with the exception of those who bleed orange, of course.

Going from unranked to 10th in the nation to a No. 1 ranking in just 12 short weeks gives 'Cuse momentum heading into the Big East tourney, especially after they locked up the conference with a win over St. John's Tuesday night.

"We made an unbelievable move this year and we have really played pretty consistently all year. Based on the whole year we deserve it," Boeheim told the Associated Press.

Heading into postseason play, 'Cuse fans know they have something special, possibly even more special than what they had in 2003.

This team takes the floor with balance and a solid sense of chemistry, making them potentially even more dangerous than the team led by 'Melo and the one-and-dones, and two-and-dones, who followed him. 

Junior transfer Wesley Johnson has brought a spark to the Orange that they desperately needed, and the departures of Paul Harris, Eric Devendorf and my personal favorite Jonny Flynn created space for others to become stars.

Seniors Arinze Onuaku and Andy Rautins, both of whom struggled with injuries last year, have returned to lead the team to new heights; Onuaku with his strong play on the interior and Rautins with his red-hot shooting.

The balanced attack, the 2-3 defense and the terrific team chemistry -- not to mention an NCAA-leading 52.2 field goal percentage -- are all reasons why 'Cuse will be cutting down the nets in April.

The last four out of five national champions have led the country in field goal percentage entering March. That statistic, coupled with Syracuse's rout of then No. 8 Villanova, help the Orange make their case for the number one overall seed in the Big Dance.

As Boeheim says: "We may not be the best team in the country, but I'm not sure who else is."