After a long holiday layoff, Syracuse men’s basketball is back in action this Wednesday afternoon, and they’re diving straight into the deep end. The Orange open Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play with a New Year’s Eve clash against Clemson - a matchup that could set the tone for the rest of their season.
At 9-4 overall, Syracuse has shown flashes of promise, but there’s no hiding what’s at stake. The Orange haven’t made the NCAA Tournament since the 2020-21 season, and if they want to snap that drought, they’ll need to make a serious statement in ACC play.
The good news? Reinforcements are on the way.
Donnie Freeman is back - and just in time.
The 6-foot-9 freshman forward, who leads the team in scoring at 17.8 points per game, is expected to return to the lineup after missing the last nine contests with a right foot injury. It’s been more than a month since he last suited up - November 18, to be exact - but his return could be a game-changer for Adrian Autry’s squad.
Yes, Freeman’s scoring average came against a softer slate of early-season opponents (Binghamton, Delaware State, Drexel, and Monmouth), but there’s no denying the talent. He brings a level of offensive versatility that this team has been missing. Still, with his return come some important questions.
1. What kind of shape is Freeman in?
When a player misses over a month - especially a freshman still getting his feet under him - conditioning becomes a real concern. Freeman hasn’t played in a game since before Thanksgiving, and expecting him to jump right back into 30+ minutes of high-level ACC basketball might be a stretch.
So what does his workload look like on Wednesday? Can he give Syracuse long stretches, or will he need to be used in shorter bursts?
That’s something we’ll learn in real time. But make no mistake - if Syracuse wants to make a push in the ACC, they’ll need Freeman not just back, but back at full strength sooner than later.
2. What happens to Sadiq White Jr.?
Freeman’s return is great news for Syracuse’s frontcourt, but it complicates things for one of the team’s most intriguing young pieces. Sadiq White Jr., the high-flying freshman from North Carolina, has stepped into a starting role in Freeman’s absence - and he’s held his own. Through nine starts, he’s averaging 7.9 points and 4.6 rebounds, showing flashes of the athleticism that made him a coveted recruit.
But with Freeman back in the mix, White’s minutes could take a hit. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a player who’s been gaining valuable experience and building confidence.
The challenge now for Coach Autry and his staff is figuring out how to keep White involved without disrupting the rotation. He’s too talented - and too important for the program’s future - to be left on the bench for long stretches.
3. Can Freeman help fix the spacing issue?
One of the under-the-radar issues for Syracuse lately has been floor spacing, especially when White and center William Kyle III are on the floor together. Neither is a consistent threat from beyond the arc, which allows opposing defenses to collapse the lane and clog up driving lanes.
That’s where Freeman could make a real impact. In his limited action earlier this season, he attempted 11 three-pointers in just four games.
He’s not a volume shooter from deep, but he’s shown a willingness to step out and stretch the floor - and that matters. If defenders have to respect his range, it opens up driving lanes for guards and creates more space for kick-outs and ball movement.
Coach Autry has already pointed to Freeman’s ability to “open up the court,” and that’s exactly what this team needs heading into the meat of the conference schedule.
Quick Hits:
- Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome. It’s an unusual start time, but one that could work in Syracuse’s favor if they come out with energy after the break.
- On the women’s side, Syracuse suffered only their second loss of the season on Sunday, falling 71-51 at home to Duke.
There’s no sugarcoating it - this is a pivotal stretch for Syracuse basketball. The ACC grind is unforgiving, and the margin for error is slim. But with Freeman back in the lineup and the team (hopefully) refreshed after the holiday break, the Orange have a chance to reset the narrative.
Wednesday isn’t just the start of conference play. It’s the start of Syracuse’s push to get back where they believe they belong - in the NCAA Tournament conversation.