Naithan George’s Slow Start Has Syracuse Searching for Answers at Point Guard
When Syracuse landed Naithan George in the transfer portal, it felt like a major win-a solution to a problem that had plagued the Orange last season. George wasn’t just a serviceable ACC point guard at Georgia Tech-he was one of the best.
A conference-high 6.5 assists per game, 12.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and an All-ACC honorable mention nod as a sophomore? That’s the kind of production that can stabilize a backcourt and elevate a team flirting with NCAA Tournament aspirations.
But nearly two months into the season, the Orange are still waiting for that version of George to show up-and the clock is ticking.
A Promising Arrival That Hasn’t Delivered-Yet
There was real optimism around George’s arrival. The expectation wasn’t that he’d suddenly become a 20-point scorer or a lights-out shooter.
What Syracuse needed was a floor general-a player who could control pace, distribute the ball, limit turnovers, and make the offense hum. Basically, the opposite of what they got from the point guard spot last season.
And for a moment, it looked like George was going to be exactly that. In his Syracuse debut, he posted 14 points, 8 assists, 5 steals, and shot 6-of-9 from the field.
That performance had fans and scouts alike buzzing. If he could replicate anything close to his Georgia Tech numbers, NBA draft conversations weren’t out of the question.
But since then, George has struggled to find a rhythm-and so has Syracuse.
Regression, Not Progress
George’s numbers are down almost across the board. His scoring average has dipped from 12.3 to 8.3 points per game.
His assist numbers have taken a hit. His three-point shooting isn’t where it needs to be.
And while he’s been steady at the free-throw line-something not many Orange players can say-he’s only attempted 21 free throws in 11 games. That’s not nearly enough for a starting point guard who should be initiating contact and putting pressure on opposing defenses.
Against high-level competition, George has largely been a non-factor. He scored five points or fewer in games against Kansas, Iowa State, and Tennessee-matchups where Syracuse needed its point guard to set the tone.
Even in the overtime loss to Houston, where he scored 11, he finished with just two assists. And then came the Hofstra game, a gut-punch of a loss that exposed Syracuse’s offensive inconsistency.
George dished out six assists but didn’t score a single point-and wasn’t on the floor during crunch time.
That’s not the role you expect from your starting point guard.
Growing Pains or System Fit?
To his credit, George has acknowledged the adjustment. “It’s a new system.
New teammates,” he said after the Hofstra loss. And that’s fair.
Transferring programs, learning a new scheme, and building chemistry midstream isn’t easy. But Syracuse doesn’t have the luxury of time right now.
There have been flashes-moments where George looks like the guy who ran the show at Georgia Tech. But there have also been too many possessions where he’s forced shots, missed open teammates, or turned the ball over. His six-turnover performance in a shaky win over Mercyhurst was a prime example of the kind of decision-making that’s holding him-and the team-back.
Limited Alternatives Behind Him
Here’s the bigger issue: Syracuse doesn’t have a clear backup plan.
Head coach Adrian Autry gave Luke Fennell and Bryce Zephir some early run against Mercyhurst, but neither has shown they’re ready for extended minutes-especially not with ACC play looming. The other option is more of a patchwork solution: sliding into a three-guard lineup with J.J.
Starling, Nate Kingz, and Kiyan Anthony. That group showed some life late against Hofstra and nearly pulled off a comeback, but none of them are natural point guards.
They can get the ball up the floor, sure-but running an offense through them over 40 minutes is a different story.
That leaves George as the best (and really only) option at the one.
What Comes Next?
Syracuse has two games left before the ACC gauntlet begins. And once conference play starts, there won’t be many soft landings. Every game will matter-both for the team’s confidence and for its NCAA Tournament résumé.
There’s still time for George to turn things around. The tools are there.
He’s shown he can be a steady hand, a leader, and a facilitator. But right now, Syracuse needs more than glimpses.
They need the full version of Naithan George-the one who was poised, productive, and in control at Georgia Tech.
Because if that guy doesn’t show up soon, the Orange’s ceiling this season is going to drop fast. And what started as a promising year could quickly turn into another missed opportunity.