From incoming freshmen to the fast-moving revolving door that is the NCAA transfer portal, the Orange lineup will have a completely different look from the squad fans saw just a year ago. With players arriving for summer practices and Coach Autry putting together his sets and player groupings, here is a current look at the Syracuse rotation that will hit the hardwood this fall:
Point Guard: Naithan George
George comes to Syracuse after two great seasons with Georgia Tech, being their main ball handler and scoring guard. He will provide stability as a ball handler and force the defense to work on every possession. What excites me most about George is his playmaking potential; Syracuse brought in the top point guard in the transfer portal and surrounded him with offensive weapons to distribute the ball to. His scoring ability (12.3 points per game last year) gives him the versatility to play shooting guard if needed. George is a lock for the starting lineup, and a favorite for point guard given his knack for high-level distribution.
Shooting Guard: J.J. Starling
After taking the reins at point guard last year for the Orange, Starling has an opportunity to take his scoring game to a whole new level at shooting guard. Starling was the first priority for every opposing defense last year; he will now be able to go through the court off-ball and pick out a favorable matchup. He will be a main target for catch-and-shoot three pointers, and can still work in iso possessions throughout the game. Similar to George, Starling has the capability to play both guard positions. Look for his senior year to be impactful from wherever he plays on the floor.
Small Forward: Nate Kingz
Orange fans, get ready to meet “Mr. Reliable” who will help steady the course through the tough ACC. Kingz is a knockdown 3 and D shooter, posting an impressive 45% three point percentage last year, with the ability to be a threat on the perimeter and inside on smooth midrange shots. Coach Autry will look to push the ball in transition, and then find Kingz for a kick out shot. One of Syracuse’s main issues last year was that opponents were able to pack the paint and wait on a drive from Starling because the team’s three point success was so sporadic. Kingz fixes this issue while also providing some great defensive intensity at a wing position. He slots in perfectly at small forward; anchoring a position that was somewhat of a weakness for the 2024/25 team.
Power Forward: Donnie Freeman
Freeman is back, and ready to wreak havoc with a reloaded Orange roster around him for his sophomore season. Freeman was a lock to become a first round NBA selection and one-and-done freshman, but a January foot injury sidelined him for the entire second half of the season. His return gives Syracuse some much needed muscle upfront, and forces opposing defenses to choose between defending the dynamic guard combo or trying to keep Freeman off of the glass. He will create second and third chances on offensive possessions; his surprising return has created a lot of optimism from Syracuse fans.
Center: William Kyle III
Kyle, the incoming transfer from ACC foe Pitt, was the first player to commit to the Orange from the portal this cycle. He has the ability to both defend the rim and be a consistent lob threat, making him an everyday starter no matter which team Syracuse plays. He will provide an immediate boost to the pick and roll offense. Kyle will benefit from the strong guard play on this team; the paint will become much more open for offensive rebounds and putbacks compared to his time at Pitt. Look for him to be all over Syracuse social media pages with his crushing screens and highlight-reel jams. His combination of frame and freakish athleticism will put him into the upper echelon of ACC center very quickly.
The Bench:
Just like last season’s team, Coach Autry will continue to ride with the hot hands as it pertains to the bench. The Orange have many strong options to fit different matchups and needs this year, with their talented incoming freshman class hungry to contribute: Kiyan Anthony, Sadiq White, Luke Fennell, and Aaron Womack all have different developing strengths and could all become major contributors depending on the night.
While the headline of this rotation article is the revamped starting five filled with transfers, Syracuse has worked to give themselves more options and versatility to be ready for whatever an opponent brings. They have the size to compete with forward/center heavy teams, and they have a variety of guard combinations to counter the “Small ball” squads. The Orange are pleased heading into these summer practices knowing that they aren’t desperately locked into a singular lineup; they have the talent and skill for things to fluctuate throughout the gauntlet of the season.
