When Joey Spallina emerged as the number one recruit coming into the 2023 season, SU fans thought that he could lead the Orange back to their championship ways. That hasn’t quite been the case in the past couple of seasons, although this year could end up in a different fashion.
Syracuse didn’t play in the NCAA Tournament in that 2023 season. The Orange reached the postseason tourney in 2024, but lost to Denver in the NCAA Quarterfinals. Fast forward to this year, SU has surpassed that mark with two one-goal victories over Harvard and Princeton to set itself up with Maryland this afternoon.
Spallina showed flashes and glimpses of an emerging star since his freshman year, but struggled to stay consistent when Syracuse played elite teams. Also, the Long Island native often pressed to shoot everything towards the net.
That play style has shifted into being an assist-getter, and putting the ball on the net only if it’s open.
Syracuse needs Spallina today. The 2023 ACC Freshman of the Year has put his squad this far into the NCAA Tournament, and this afternoon is a huge test. Spallina posted eight points; four goals and four assists; against Princeton last weekend. He needs to have a similar type of performance today to help his elite offense to victory.
Spallina has a chance to help his team back to the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2013 this afternoon at 2:30 P.M. ET. The game will be televised on ESPN2.
