11 Reasons Why Jim Boeheim Is The Real Life Frank Underwood

They’re both bad for the greater good.

—co-author Jeffrey Saunders.

1. Anyone with two eyes can tell they look alike.

(Rich Barnes / Getty Images)

Jim Boeheim, head coach of the Syracuse Orange, just looks like he has a few more years on Frank Underwood, protagonist of the Netflix series House of Cards, played by Kevin Spacey.

They’re also both referred to by their nicknames. James Arthur Boeheim is known as “Jim” and Francis Joseph Underwood is known as “Frank.”

2. They’re both from small towns and worshipped like heroes.

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Boeheim is from Lyons, NY, located in Central New York where he previously attended Syracuse University and now coaches the men’s basketball team.

Underwood is from Gaffney, SC. While acting as the majority whip in the House of Representatives, he spoke on behalf of the citizen of Gaffney, serving South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District.

3. They’re both honored at their alma maters.

Boeheim attended Syracuse University and is currently the head coach men’s basketball team. SU named the court is in his name.

Underwood attended a military academy named The Sentinel. Later, the school honored the library in his name.

4. They both have philanthropic wives.

Boeheim’s wife Juli hosts an annual black-tie affair “Basket Ball” through the “Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation.” The non-profit promises to enrich the lives of Central New York’s kids in need and also benefits cancer research and advocacy.

Claire was the CEO of the “Clean Water Initiative,” a non-profit organization that strives to bringing clean, drinkable water to developing, impoverished countries.

5. They have similar paths to success.

Under Boeheim’s authority, the Syracuse University men’s basketball program experienced numerous violations of academic misconduct, extra benefits for student athletes, and a lack of drug testing.

Through manipulation and intimidation, Underwood used unethical methods to ensure his policies were approved, like the passing of an education reform bill in Season 1.

6. No doubt about it—they’re legends.

In 2003, Boeheim reached the ultimate peak of his profession when the Syracuse Orange won the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Championship.

After Garret Walker resigned, Underwood finally achieved his dream of serving as the President of the United States (aka the most powerful man in the world).

7. Their loyal subordinates do whatever it takes to win.

The key contributor to the Syracuse Championship run was McDonald’s All American, Carmelo Anthony. As a freshman, he led the Orange in the tournament and helped Boeheim cut the nets for the first time in his historic career.

As director of strategy, Doug Stamper was willing to go the extra mile to clean the trails leading to Underwoods immoral actions. Prime example: using Rachel Posner to seduce Peter Russo and then forcing her to keep quiet about it.

8. They both took big hits, leading to their downfalls.

In 2011, Boeheim’s long-time friend and assistant coach Bernie Fine was accused of sexually assaulting two former ball boys. The scandal gave the program and Boeheim’s legacy a black eye.

Underwood’s proposal of America Works, a bill aimed to eliminate unemployment by controversially reducing entitlement programs like welfare and social security, was met with much criticism. He declared unemployment in Washington, D.C. a state of emergency and used funding from FEMA to subsidize America Works. A threatening hurricane, however, forced Underwood to reallocate the funds, killing America Works.

9. They both hit rock bottom.

After the NCAA completed its investigation, Boeheim was hit with a list of numerous sanctions including suspension for the first nine conference games of the 2015-16 season, a reduction of 12 scholarships over 4 years, and the vacation of 108 victories.

Claire, Underwood’s wife, who has been the driving force behind his success, decided she had enough of his antics and left him. Underwood now has to run the White House and his campaign alone.

10. They have no fear of showing disagreement.

Jim Boeheim held an hour-long press conference addressing the sanctions laid down by the NCAA. He was quoted saying, “One violation is one too many. But I believe the penalty imposed on the university and myself are unduly harsh.”

In the middle of the campaign, Claire tells Frank that she is unhappy with their marriage. Frank responds with a rant explaining that she is nothing without him and if he loses the campaign in 2016, it will be her fault and they will be forever known as has-beens.

11. They will both be out of their current positions within 5 years.

In a press conference following the wake of the NCAA sanctions, Boeheim announced that he will retire in 3 years.

Underwood, who is up for reelection, could lose and be out in 1 year, or win and be out in 5 years after his second term.

Moral of the story: Their lives are scarily similar. Therefore, Boeheim is the real life Frank Underwood.

Side note: do NOT make either of them angry.