Well the season is over for Syracuse Men’s Basketball. And with the way that the college basketball landscape is right now, the offseason has quite literally already started.
Soon enough, we’ll all be getting social media updates on who’s staying and who’s leaving Adrian Autry and co. So let’s make some predictions.
Kyle Cuffe Jr. – Staying
Well, it’s hard to believe the word of college athletes in today’s rapid-changing transfer system. But we’ll trust Cuffe. He told syracuse.com last week he plans to stay, so we’ll say he’s staying.
Donnie Freeman – Leaving
There are rumors floating around that he’s staying, but it’s just hard to believe. Freeman battled injury in Syracuse and wasn’t the complete product he was said to be when he was healthy. While next year’s roster will complement him well, a new home makes sense for Freeman to chase those NBA dreams.
J.J. Starling – Staying
This one is going to be close, but two reasons make me think staying. First off, this is his hometown team, and that has to count for something. And second, Starling is not likely to be a number one option like he is at Syracuse at many other Power Five schools. He’ll want to keep it rolling in the 315.
Chris Bell – Leaving
Entering this year, you could never have guessed that Bell would be likely to leave. But this was a season to forget for Bell. He had a horrible slump in December, and down the stretch looked disengaged from the team. He played just a combined 39 minutes over SU’s final three contests, and may need a new home.
Petar Majstorovic – Staying
Of the three freshmen, Majstorovic seems like the most likely option to stay. He’s probably got the lowest floor of the three, but you could see some raw potential this year. He came all the way from Serbia/France to Syracuse, now the coaches will have some more time to try to develop him.
Elijah Moore – Leaving
This one will hurt. Moore came into Syracuse hoping to compete for the starting SG position after being a sharpshooter in high school. But despite a few promising games, he never reached full potential this year (and therefore got limited minutes). Moore suffered a minor injury midway through February and didn’t return. That might be the catalyst for him moving on.
Chance Westy – Leaving
We’re not really sure what’s going on with Westry. He wasn’t even with the team for the ACC Tournament. So barring a miracle, it seems doubtful he’ll be with the program next year.
