Syracuse basketball’s roster is taking shape after the transfer portal allowed players to leave the program and new ones to jump on SU’s lineup, most of which was based on NIL, or name, image, likeness.
NIL is something that the Orange struggled with last year in regards to helping athletes secure more money based on many factors. Hence, the lack of star-power on SU’s lineup a season ago with the exception of JJ Starling and Eddie Lampkin.
Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry admitted that his squad wasn’t as prepared last year for the NIL competition and it resulted in SU not being able to afford some players.
“I think this year with the anticipation of the revenue sharing, I thought that helped,’’ Autry said. “I think it helped everybody, but it definitely helped us.’’
With the plan, Syracuse hauled in Nait George and Nate Kingz as its two biggest transfers. George led Georgia Tech in assists last season. Kingz comes in from Oregon State.
William Kyle, Ibrahim Souare, and Tyler Betsey enter Syracuse from UCLA, Cincinnati, and Georgia Tech, respectively.
All of these transactions can be credited to SU being more prepared for the NIL situation this offseason.
“We got who we got,’’ Autry said. “Did we beat some people? Yes. I felt like we could compete. I didn’t feel like we lost anyone because we couldn’t afford them.’’
With Syracuse taking care of things off the court and through its freshman signings, including Kiyan Anthony, the Orange should be ready to take the next level on the court next season. This season will be filled with plenty of optimism based on Anthony and company looking to take the jump and bring SU back to its past with a step in the right direction in the ACC.
