If Adrian Autry was going to reshape Syracuse basketball’s identity, he needed his returning leader to buy in completely - not just as a scorer, but as a tone-setter on both ends of the floor. That meant J.J. Starling had to evolve.
Starling, the only guard returning from last year’s roster, came into the 2025-26 season with a reputation as a bucket-getter. The Baldwinsville native led the Orange with 17.8 points per game as a junior, and there was no question about his offensive skill set.
But defense? That’s where the real growth needed to happen.
So early in the offseason, Autry and Starling sat down for a conversation that would set the tone for the year ahead. The message was clear: if Starling wanted to lead this team, he had to lead on both sides of the court. And according to Autry, Starling didn’t hesitate - he was “all in.”
“We know J.J. to be that offensive juggernaut,” Autry said. “But he’s really put the time and effort in (defensively).”
That effort is showing up in the numbers. According to EvanMiya CBB Analytics, Starling has more than doubled his Defensive Bayesian Performance Rate, jumping from 0.50 to 1.04.
Translation? He’s not just showing effort - he’s making a real impact when he’s on the floor.
Through 13 nonconference games - 10 of which Starling played after returning from a hamstring injury - Syracuse has quietly become one of the stingier defensive teams in the ACC. They’re allowing just 64.8 points per game, the third-lowest mark in the conference. And Starling’s transformation is right at the heart of it.
Interestingly, his offensive numbers have taken a step back - down more than six points per game from last season. And with Donnie Freeman back in the mix, that number could dip even further.
But that’s not a bad thing. It’s a sign of a player who’s embraced a new role, who’s shifted his mindset to help the team win in different ways.
“Last year, I was more offensive-minded. My energy was geared towards that end,” Starling said.
“But this year, I’m thinking about both. That shift in mentality is what allowed me to play more defense.
“It’s not like I got longer or taller, or anything like that. My speed is still the same. It’s just all in my mindset.”
Starling still stands 6-foot-4, 206 pounds - same frame, new focus. During that offseason sit-down, Autry reminded him of the physical tools he already had.
The challenge was using them more consistently on defense. And when Autry mapped out how Starling would fit alongside new faces like Nate Kingz, Naithan George, and William Kyle III, the senior guard saw a chance to be more than just a scorer - he saw an opportunity to be a difference-maker.
While most of Starling’s current teammates haven’t played with him long enough to see the change firsthand, George has a unique perspective. He spent the last two seasons going up against Starling as Georgia Tech’s point guard.
In their January 2025 meeting - a 62-55 Syracuse win - George and Lance Terry combined for 31 points, but Georgia Tech’s offense never found its rhythm. Starling dropped 21 points in that game, but George remembers the defensive effort - or lack thereof - from SU’s perimeter group.
“Last year, it felt like there was no resistance,” George said.
But this year? George has seen the shift up close since transferring to Syracuse in the offseason.
“The way he guards (now), it’s like he’s a for-real two-way,” George said.
The best example of Starling’s defensive growth came when Syracuse needed it most - against No. 13 Tennessee.
The Orange had already dropped their first three Quad 1 games in Las Vegas, and another loss would’ve been a gut punch. But Starling showed up in a big way, especially on the defensive end.
He recorded three steals - his most in a game since the 2023 Maui Invitational - and made a statement right from the opening tip. Less than a minute in, he picked up Tennessee’s Nate Ament full court, pressured him into a turnover, and swiped the ball clean. Later, he sparked a second-half surge with a steal and a fast-break dunk, jumping a screen and staying glued to Ament before grabbing a loose ball and taking it coast to coast.
For the night, Ament - a 6-foot-10 freshman ranked No. 4 in the 2025 class - shot just 2-for-10. Starling’s defense was a big reason why. And when Syracuse needed offense late, he delivered there too, knocking down clutch shots to help seal the win.
For Autry, Starling’s evolution is more than just a personal victory - it’s a blueprint for what he wants this team to be. When the shots aren’t falling, the defense still has to travel. And now, with Starling leading that charge, the Orange have a real identity forming.
Freshman Kiyan Anthony, who’s just getting his feet wet at the college level, said he’s already noticed Starling’s commitment to defense - even in practice. He sees a senior who wants to take on the toughest assignments, who’s embracing the responsibility of being the guy others follow.
“He’s picking up the best player,” Anthony said. “As a captain, that’s huge.”
Starling’s not just putting up numbers anymore - he’s setting a tone. And for a Syracuse team trying to reestablish itself, that might be the most important stat of all.