After this past Saturday’s football game where the Orange were smothered by SMU 31-18, basketball season looms for a Syracuse fanbase that has begun to lose energy (And hope) in their team’s success on the gridiron. Fortunately, the ACC Tip-Off media event and Syracuse’s media day are just around the corner. Head Coach Adrian Autry will head to Charlotte with his two returning veteran leaders, junior guard J.J. Starling and sophomore forward Donnie Freeman, to begin the hype train for SU hoops. It was truly a whirlwind offseason for Syracuse basketball, with its rotation almost completely different from the disappointing 2024/25 team.
Transfer Portal Additions
Following an early exit in the ACC tournament, and subsequently missing March Madness, the ‘Cuse were aggressive with the transfer portal. Syracuse brought in dunk-machine center William Kyle from UCLA to bolster its big-man presence after being consistently outrebounded throughout conference play. The Orange added knockdown three point shooting courtesy of Oregon State transfer Nate Kingz, with the redshirt senior knocking down the trifecta at an impressive 44.6% clip. SU pulled in its biggest win of the portal with point guard Naithan George, the top guard in the transfer portal, coming to the Orange from Georgia Tech. They addressed key needs with each position; they prioritized turning weaknesses into strengths rather than going for the biggest “Name” player.
Transfer Portal Departures
However, every addition comes with a departure. Elijah Moore, one of Syracuse’s most prolific scorers last season, headed out west to Utah. Center Eddie Lampkin Jr is out of collegiate eligibility and was forced to retire following the Orange’s elimination. They also lost key rotational pieces such as Jyare Davis and Kyle Cuff. College basketball’s new era of NIL and transfer portal madness means that coaches must adapt to an always-rotating cast of players. The preseason games gives the Orange’s new pieces a chance to gel immediately.
The 2025/2026 Schedule
Two weeks ago, Syracuse released its full schedule for the upcoming season. The ‘Cuse dive into three ranked games in Las Vegas’ Players Era Tournament: Houston and Kansas on Thanksgiving week with a potential third game as well. Later, it hosts Tennessee on December 2nd. SU also plays a home-and-home series this season against UNC, with road games against high-profile teams in Duke and Louisville. The ACC had four teams in March Madness last season; SU cannot be in the conference’s basement with the amount of talent it amassed.
Incoming Freshman
Larger than just the four star tandem of NY native Kiyan Anthony and IMG Academy product Sadiq White, SU restocked with Australian freshman guard Luke Fennell and forward Aaron Womack who are both poised to contribute in the rotation this season. The ACC’s physicality often presents avenues for younger players to see extra minutes to due injuries: maybe some of these freshman crack the starting lineup this year?
Rejoice, everyone: college basketball, and Syracuse basketball, is finally back.
