As Syracuse heads into its holiday break, the Orange sit at 9-4 after wrapping up non-conference play-a solid record, but one that leaves plenty of room for growth as they prepare for the grind of ACC action. If the Orange want to make a serious push toward their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2021, there’s no question: the margin for error is slim, but the potential is real.
Let’s start with the good news-help is on the way. Sophomore power forward Donnie Freeman is expected to return from a lower-body injury that’s limited him to just four appearances this season.
His anticipated return on New Year’s Eve against Clemson could be a pivotal moment for a Syracuse team that’s still trying to find its full identity. Freeman’s size, athleticism, and versatility could provide a much-needed boost in the frontcourt, especially in areas where the Orange have been looking to improve-namely rebounding and interior defense.
But the real story heading into the conference slate? The backcourt.
Junior point guard Naithan George and senior shooting guard J.J. Starling are starting to click-and not a moment too soon.
This duo has shown flashes all season, but over the last two games, they've taken things up a notch. Against Stonehill on Monday night, they combined for 42 points in a 77-48 win that gave Syracuse a strong send-off into the break.
George poured in 22 points for the second game in a row, while Starling added 20 of his own-an efficient, well-rounded performance that also saw him reach a major milestone: 1,000 career points in Orange gear. That makes him the 67th player in program history to hit that mark.
Not bad company to keep.
George, a transfer from Georgia Tech, has had some growing pains in his first season on the Hill, especially with turnovers and finding the right balance between distributing and scoring. But in these last two games, he’s looked more comfortable, more in control.
He’s totaled nine assists to just two turnovers over that stretch-exactly the kind of floor leadership Syracuse needs from its point guard. His shot selection has improved, and he’s picking his spots to be aggressive, which is key for a pass-first guard who still has the ability to get downhill and finish.
Starling, meanwhile, is starting to find his rhythm after missing the first two games of the season. Against Stonehill, he added three rebounds, four assists, and a pair of steals to go with his 20 points-an all-around effort that speaks to his growing confidence and impact on both ends of the floor.
On the season, he’s averaging 11.3 points, 2.8 boards, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from three. The one glaring issue?
Free throws. Starling’s hitting just 44.8 percent from the stripe, and that’s an area he-and frankly, much of the team-needs to clean up if Syracuse wants to win close games in conference play.
George’s numbers tell a similar story. He’s averaging 10.4 points, 4.9 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.
His shooting splits-43.6 percent from the field, 31.7 percent from deep, and 81.0 percent from the line-suggest a player who’s still finding his groove, but the free-throw percentage is a bright spot. As of earlier this week, George ranked 10th in the ACC in assists per game.
That’s a good sign for a player tasked with steering the ship in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.
There’s still work to be done. Syracuse needs to rebound better.
They need to shoot better from the line. And they’ll need Freeman back at full strength to shore up the frontcourt.
But with the backcourt starting to hum and the team showing signs of cohesion, the Orange are entering ACC play with momentum-and a real shot to play their way into the March conversation.
Selection Sunday is still months away, but if George and Starling keep trending up and Freeman returns as expected, don’t count Syracuse out. The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting them together when it matters most.