The transfer portal is about to open up, and all eyes are on Syracuse basketball as they prepare for the 2026-27 season under new head coach Gerry McNamara. With the portal active from April 7 to April 21, McNamara and his soon-to-be-named assistant staff are expected to dive in, aiming to reshape the Orange roster.
There's buzz about players from McNamara's previous team, Siena, potentially following him to Syracuse. This could include current Saints players or high school prospects linked to Siena.
As for the current Syracuse roster, it's still unclear how many players will return from the 2025-26 lineup. This uncertainty means there could be a good number of scholarships available, which McNamara can use to bring in college transfers or high school recruits.
While the specific positions Syracuse will target in the transfer portal remain to be seen, there's speculation that they might focus on acquiring a center, a point guard, and a sharpshooting wing. These additions could be crucial in bolstering the team's performance next season.
Let's take a closer look at three transfer prospects who could make a significant impact if they join the Orange.
Anton Bonke
A junior center from Charlotte, Bonke has been turning heads with his performance.
In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. His shooting is solid, with a 57.6 percent field goal percentage and a respectable 34.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Nationally, he's ranked as a four-star transfer, sitting at No. 27 overall and No. 2 at center according to 247Sports, and No. 17 overall and No. 1 at center by On3.
Jackson Shelstad
This junior point guard from Oregon could be a game-changer for Syracuse.
Shelstad put up impressive numbers last season, with averages of 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His shooting stats include 39.1 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from three-point range, along with an 84.6 percent free-throw average.
He's a four-star recruit, ranked No. 4 overall and No. 1 at point guard by 247Sports, and No. 6 overall and No. 2 at his position by On3.
Jake Fiegen
As a senior guard from Cornell, Fiegen has demonstrated his scoring prowess, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
His shooting efficiency is notable, with a 54.6 percent field goal percentage and an impressive 41.4 percent from three-point range. Fiegen is ranked as a three-star transfer, positioned at No. 31 overall and No. 10 at shooting guard by 247Sports.
As Syracuse gears up for a new chapter, these potential additions could provide the spark needed to elevate the team's performance. Keep an eye on how McNamara navigates the transfer portal in this pivotal offseason.