Syracuse’s trip to the Final Four for the first time in a decade brings an electrifying buzz to our campus that no one can ignore.

This Saturday, when Syracuse plays Michigan in Atlanta, almost every Syracuse University student will become a basketball fan.

Some of us have dreamed of this moment since 2003, when we watched Carmelo Anthony bring the Orange to victory on television screens in our parents’ living rooms. It became the reason many of us came to SU.

And for newer fans who found their love for the Orange and school spirit after first setting foot on campus, this time prevails as a reason for pride and celebration.

In a matter of weeks, a team arguably less talented than last season’s and cast off by many has brought the university together as a community of individuals united by faith in the team.

The team has instilled a sense of pride and camaraderie here in Syracuse that everyone should be grateful for, as it has made this weekend about more than purely basketball.

The Syracuse basketball program has found itself in the national spotlight for more than a year for off-the-court reasons, from the allegations surrounding former associate head coach Bernie Fine to issues with academic eligibility. Now, the team is being recognized for their prowess in reaching the pinnacle of the sport.

As a community, we need to appreciate the rarity of a team making it this far in the tournament, especially in the face of much adversity. Though SU is a consistently strong team with a rich basketball history, entering the tournament as a No. 4 seed and rising to the top makes Syracuse’s run a memorable surprise.

On campus, we the students have become part of a legacy only we can truly know and share. Here in Syracuse, we unite with friends, fellow students and community members. The campus will reflect for years on the joy and excitement brought here by a team on a Final Four run.

At this stressful time in the academic year for many, the Final Four game has become an ideal outlet. Let yourself get swept away in the excitement this weekend, whether you’re watching from a Marshall Street bar or a residence hall. Though we can’t all be in Atlanta, the campus is buzzing. It might be the best place to watch a potentially historic game.