Syracuse fans are heading into the 2025 basketball season with an optimistic outlook: A star freshman class, a top 10 incoming transfer group, and the J.J. Starling/Donnie Freeman duo announcing their return. However, Syracuse will lose many pieces from their 2023/24 team in the process. These players knew the system; the transfer portal madness with SU creates a dilemma where the upcoming team only has two returners in the projected rotation. While these players’ Syracuse careers are over, they head elsewhere for a fresh starter and a larger role:
Elijah Moore
Moore left Syracuse after his freshman season, heading to Utah where he will be an everyday starter. Moore was able to stretch the defense both with his consistent mid range ability and physical drives toward the basket. He had a strong start, most notably scoring 24 points against Tennessee in an early season game, but a foot injury limited his second half. He moves to a Big 12 conference that was very strong in the NCAA Tournament last March; Moore will have to bring his A-game every night and be aggressive if he wants to make an impact against the top teams in the nation. He will pair nicely with incoming 4-star transfer Jahki Howard (Auburn). Moore leaves a wing scoring void in this Syracuse lineup that Coach Adrian Autry will depend on transfer wing Nate Kingz to fill.
Chris Bell
Bell an outstanding three-and-d piece in the Orange lineup in 2024. At the end of the season, Bell crafted a spot for himself in Syracuse’s top 15 list for most 3-pointers made (170) in just three years. He shot an efficient 42% from three, earning himself a starting spot at ACC foe Cal in the transfer portal. This will be an interesting senior season for a player with many NBA-level attributes: 6-7 frame, a consistent 3-point shooter, and the athleticism to give a larger defender trouble when driving to the basket. His new role at Cal could earn him NBA interest if he continues to display the two-way ability that scouts are always looking for from the wing position; Bell will be guarding the opposing team’s highest skilled offensive player next year. He will flourish in his wing role with a Cal squad that also obtained two 4-star transfers to provide more overall offensive flexibility. Bell just needs to keep shooting and keep knocking down shots. Syracuse will host Bell and the California Bears this season.
Jyare Davis
Davis, transferring to Syracuse in 2024 after three seasons with Delaware, was a key contributor to the group as a slashing guard/forward who was always capable of knocking down a midrange shot. Coach Autry used him in various ways over the course of the season, his roles spanning from starting guard to a bench role as a sixth and seventh man. He signed with KK SC Derby of the ABA League just last week. Davis was able to make the talent jump from the CAA (Costal Athletic Association) to the ACC; He made an impact early on in the season whereas other small school transfers usually take time to fully get into the groove and adjust to the higher level of competition. Davis earned this contract from his consistent defense every night with the Orange. Fans were easily able to root for him and the high motor he brought to the floor, with a lot of fans voicing their support for Davis to have a consistent spot in the starting five. He will be a starter and lead guard with KK SC Derby from day one.
Kyle Cuffe Jr.
Cuffe transferred to Mercer for his senior season after two seasons with Syracuse. He was a reliable bench option both years, averaging between 10 and 15 minutes each game. Cuffe brings his playmaking skills to the Southern Conference, and will be a primary ballhandler for a Mercer team that looks to rebound off of a below .500 season.
Petar Majstorovic
Majstorovic transferred to Long Beach State after his freshman season with Syracuse. He gained traction in the second half of the season; He was beginning to find his role as a stretch four big man who had strong handles. He opted to head to LBI in the Big West Conference for an immediate starting role.
Chance Westry
After one season and three games with the Orange, Westry transferred to UAB. He will bring a lot of talent at the guard position to the AAC (American Athletic Conference), but is hoping for a more fortunate season in regards to health. Westry has the talent and skill to contribute; unfortunately, he has taken a tough draw so far with injuries.
Eddie Lampkin Jr.
Lampkin entered the transfer portal after completing one year with the Orange. He is still waiting to hear from the NCAA if they will grant him a sixth year of college basketball eligibility. If he is granted eligibility, he will be one of the hottest late-entry names in the transfer portal. Lampkin can immediately bolster a squad that was originally thin from the center position.
This new-look squad of Orangemen are looking to propel Syracuse to their first NCAA Tournament since 2021. However, the ACC is a constant grind where there are no “Cupcake games” and nights off. The 2024 team competed in every game and the former members left for larger role. While the transfer portal may “Giveth”, it will also “Taketh away” as we saw from these developing players who would’ve had contributing spots in 2025.
