Syracuse Faces Frontcourt Question as Akir Souare Battles Back Spasms Ahead of SMU Matchup
As Syracuse gears up for a key Saturday afternoon clash against SMU inside the JMA Wireless Dome, the Orange may be down a body in the frontcourt. Junior big man Akir Souare is dealing with back spasms and could be unavailable, a potential blow to a rotation already walking a tightrope when it comes to depth in the paint.
Souare has carved out a steady role this season as the primary backup to starting center William Kyle. The 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward has suited up in 23 of Syracuse’s 25 games, providing energy, size, and a defensive presence off the bench. While his box score numbers don’t jump off the page, his value comes in the dirty work-rebounding, rim protection, and setting solid screens.
One of the more underrated aspects of Souare’s game has been his chemistry with point guard Naithan George. The two go back to their days at Georgia Tech, and that familiarity shows-especially in transition and pick-and-roll sets where George often looks to reward Souare with lob passes. It’s a connection that’s added a little spark to Syracuse’s second unit.
Souare did participate in warmups with the team ahead of tip-off, which is an encouraging sign. However, the coaching staff planned to evaluate him post-warmup to determine whether he’d be able to go. With back spasms, it’s always a game-time feel thing-some days you can power through, others you simply can’t move the way you need to.
If Souare can’t suit up, Syracuse will have its hands full against a physically imposing SMU front line. The Mustangs are anchored by 7-foot-2, 270-pound center Samet Yigitoglu, a true space-eater in the paint.
And it doesn’t stop there-SMU also brings three freshman bigs off the bench, each standing 6-foot-10. That’s a lot of size for any team to deal with, let alone one potentially missing a key rotational big.
For Syracuse, this game could test not just their depth, but their adaptability. Whether it's Kyle shouldering more minutes, a smaller lineup getting creative, or someone unexpected stepping up, they'll need to find answers quickly if Souare is ruled out.