We’re approaching June, and Syracuse still doesn’t have a true center on the roster.
With 12 scholarship players currently signed, it seems like the Orange are content to head into next season without a true big man or a player taller than 6’9. While there could be some late additions if players in the portal like Eddie Lampkin and Jyare Davis are granted an extra year of eligibility, it seems unlikely.
The current roster makeup points to Donnie Freeman or William Kyle getting minutes at the five spot, with Freeman the most likely candidate to start. Freeman had to work to earn the trust of head coach Adrian Autry, but with a year of experience under his belt, he should get starter’s minutes regardless of what position he plays.
If it’s not Freeman at the five, Kyle is the next best option, as the former UCLA big man is a solid shot blocker and reliable paint protector. Other options include incoming freshman Sadiq White, who could help Syracuse run some interesting lineups if he gets time at the center position.
This offseason, the Orange added athletic players who are capable defenders in the portal, so it seems like Syracuse is comfortable going small with most of its lineups next season, but that could prove to be costly.
In a historically bad season last year, the Orange struggled offensively, and a lack of size could lead to fewer offensive rebounds and put more pressure on Syracuse’s shot makers to execute plays. Consider that the Orange were already one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the country last year, and there are some glaring concerns with this roster makeup before they even share a single minute on the court.
There’s plenty of pressure on Syracuse to bounce back from last season, and with its current roster construction, the Orange are certainly taking a gamble by moving forward without a true big man, one that Syracuse will regret if it doesn’t pay off.
