After cruising past Stonehill with a dominant 77-48 win, Syracuse men’s basketball heads into a short break before the real grind begins. The Orange won’t take the floor again until New Year’s Eve, when they open ACC play against Clemson at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET, and with the non-conference slate now in the rearview mirror, the road to March gets a whole lot more real.
Syracuse wrapped up non-conference play at 9-4 - a solid start, but not enough on its own to punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament. If the Orange want to dance for the first time since 2020-21, they’ll need a few key pieces to fall into place. And it starts with getting healthy and staying sharp.
Freeman’s Return Could Be a Game-Changer
One of the biggest variables heading into ACC play is the return of Donnie Freeman. The highly touted freshman has been sidelined, but Syracuse is counting on him to make a real impact once he’s back.
Freeman brings size, versatility, and a high ceiling - the kind of presence that can shift the balance in conference play. If he can get up to speed quickly, it could give Syracuse a much-needed boost in the frontcourt.
Youth Movement: Anthony, White Jr., and Betsey
The Orange are also leaning heavily on a trio of young talents: Kiyan Anthony, Sadiq White Jr., and Tyler Betsey. All three have shown flashes, and their continued development will be crucial.
This isn’t just about filling minutes - it’s about growing into roles that can help Syracuse win meaningful games down the stretch. If these freshmen can keep trending upward, the Orange will have a much deeper and more dynamic rotation heading into the heart of ACC play.
Naithan George: The X-Factor
But perhaps the most intriguing storyline right now is the emergence of Naithan George. The junior guard, a transfer from Georgia Tech, is starting to find his rhythm - and it couldn’t come at a better time.
George was a steady contributor during his two seasons with the Yellow Jackets, averaging 11.2 points per game and leading the ACC in assists last season with 6.5 per game. This year, he’s putting up 10.4 points and 4.9 assists per game - respectable numbers - but what’s really turning heads is how he’s played over the last two outings.
Against Northeastern and Stonehill, George dropped 22 points in each game. He shot a combined 12-for-20 from the field and hit 17 of his 21 free throw attempts.
That’s not just efficient - that’s aggressive, confident basketball. And it’s exactly what Syracuse needs from him.
Head coach Adrian Autry has talked about the adjustment period for transfers, especially when it comes to finding rhythm in a new system. It looks like George might be settling in - and if this version of him sticks around, it changes the ceiling for this team.
Why George’s Scoring Threat Matters
It’s not just about the points. George’s ability to attack and score forces defenses to make tough choices.
If defenders collapse on him, it opens up clean looks for shooters. If they stay home, he’s shown he can win one-on-one matchups.
His offensive aggression creates ripple effects that benefit everyone on the floor.
In a conference as competitive as the ACC, having a guard who can break down defenses and make plays under pressure is a major asset. George doesn’t have to score 20 every night - but if he keeps playing with this level of assertiveness, Syracuse becomes a much tougher team to guard.
Around Campus: Women’s Hoops Rolling
It’s not just the men’s team making noise. The Syracuse women’s basketball squad is off to a blistering 11-1 start and riding a six-game win streak.
They’ll pick things back up on Dec. 28 when they host Duke at the Dome. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.
ET. The Orange are already 1-0 in ACC play after a win over SMU, and they’re looking like a real contender early in the season.
What’s Next
With conference play looming, Syracuse has a chance to reset and refocus. The next few months will determine whether this team can make a serious push for March.
The pieces are there - a mix of veteran experience, young upside, and a potential breakout guard in Naithan George. Now it’s about putting it all together when it matters most.
The countdown to ACC play is on. Let’s see if the Orange are ready to rise to the moment.