Syracuse’s Zone Defense: A Double-Edged Sword
There’s no denying the Syracuse zone is back in the mix this season - and when it’s clicking, it’s still as disruptive as ever. The Orange have leaned into zone looks at key stretches, and it’s done its job: slowing down opposing offenses, forcing hesitation, and throwing off rhythm. But while the zone may cloud opponents’ vision, it’s also exposed a major vulnerability on the glass.
Right now, Syracuse ranks 284th in defensive rebounding percentage, according to KenPom. That number tells the story: the Orange are struggling to close out possessions. And when you’re playing zone - where defenders are responsible for space, not bodies - boxing out becomes a lot trickier.
Just ask sophomore forward Donnie Freeman, who’s been in the thick of it.
“In man, you can just turn around and chuck your man, but in a zone, you might get caught boxing two out,” Freeman said. “It’s tough, but I think it all comes down to awareness.
That’s something we’re definitely going to clean up … because they got some costly rebounds. I’ll take some accountability for that as well.”
That self-awareness is encouraging - and necessary. Recent games against Pittsburgh and Florida State have laid bare the issue.
Both teams found ways to exploit gaps in the zone, crashing the offensive glass and extending possessions. It’s not just about effort; it’s about positioning, timing, and communication.
Head coach Adrian Autry knows the trade-offs. He’s not married to the zone, but he sees it as a situational weapon - especially given his team’s length on the perimeter.
“The zone’s been good for us the last couple games,” Autry said. “It’s just a feel with your team and how the other team is attacking and looking who they have and their personnel.
And I think that’s the beauty of our team at times. Every time we’re out there, we always have length with our guards.
So, we can kind of switch it up at any moment in time.”
That flexibility is a strength. But if Syracuse wants to be a serious threat in the ACC, it’ll need to find a way to rebound more effectively out of the zone. Because right now, second-chance points are costing them.
Naithan George: Crafty, Calculated, and in Control
If you watched Syracuse’s win over Florida State, one name kept popping up: Naithan George. The freshman point guard turned in a performance that was equal parts poise and playmaking, finishing with 13 assists to just four turnovers.
That kind of stat line doesn’t just happen. George was in total command, slicing through the Seminoles’ defense, probing, reading, and delivering dimes with precision. He got into the lane, found shooters in rhythm, and made the kind of passes that make you rewind the tape.
On one early inbounds play, he spotted Tyler Betsey in the corner, fired a no-hesitation pass, and Betsey buried the three. Moments later, George was pushing the pace in transition, finding open teammates on the move. It wasn’t flashy for the sake of flash - it was smart, calculated basketball.
Florida State assistant coach Luke Loucks took notice.
“George really sets the tempo for those guys,” Loucks said. “They’re not the fastest team in the country by any means, but they’re opportunistic.
And a lot of that is from George just reading the game. He can push with the pass.
He’s certainly a crafty passer.”
Loucks then glanced at the stat sheet.
“Goodness gracious, he had 13 assists.”
But George’s impact goes beyond the numbers. Loucks pointed out something that doesn’t show up in the box score: George’s ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes. On inbounds plays, he’d look one way, knowing full well he was going the other - freezing defenders just long enough to create a window.
“That’s what the good guards do,” Loucks said. “They’ll look one way, look one way, knowing they’re going to come back here.
And it shifts the defense. It’s human nature.”
George had actually talked with SU assistant Brenden Straughn before the game about that very tactic. Florida State runs a 1-3-1 zone on inbounds plays, which can leave defenders guessing.
“He’s like, look them off with your eyes ‘cause they don’t know who they’re guarding in that zone,” George said. “So if you can just play mind games with them, then you’ll be good.”
That’s next-level stuff from a young point guard. George is still learning, still refining - but games like this show why Syracuse is willing to live with the occasional turnover. Because when he’s in rhythm, he elevates everyone around him.
Transfer Portal Window Tightens Up
In a move that’s been a long time coming, the NCAA has officially shortened the transfer portal window for men’s and women’s basketball.
Starting this year, the portal will open after the national championship games and stay open for just 15 days. That’s a significant shift from previous years:
- In 2024, the window opened the day after Selection Sunday and stayed open for 45 days.
- In 2025, it opened the weekend after Selection Sunday and lasted 30 days.
The new rule doesn’t stop players from announcing their intent to transfer beforehand - and many will - but no official paperwork can be processed until after the title games.
It’s a small step toward restoring some order to what’s become a chaotic offseason. The last couple years, the transfer portal has dominated headlines even before the nets are cut down. Now, at least on paper, the focus can stay on the basketball a little longer.
Boston College’s Offensive Struggles Continue
It’s been a rough start to ACC play for Boston College, and the numbers back it up. The Eagles are 0-4 in conference games, and their offense has been stuck in the mud.
Donald Hand, one of their key returning players, is shooting just 21.9% from three - a steep drop from his 36.8% mark last season. That kind of regression is hard to overcome, especially for a team that leans heavily on its guards.
Fred Payne has been a bright spot, knocking down 35.2% of his threes, but overall, BC just hasn’t found its offensive rhythm. The Eagles are averaging an ACC-worst 67.9 points per game and rank last in both field goal percentage and three-point percentage.
Defensively, they’ve held their own. But when you’re struggling to score, margins shrink fast. BC’s guards are the engine of this team - and if they don’t start clicking soon, it’s going to be a long climb out of the cellar.