In today’s college basketball landscape, the transfer portal has transformed team rosters into ever-evolving mosaics. Gone are the days when a player would commit, stay four years, and leave with a diploma and a scrapbook of memories from one program. Now, it’s not uncommon to see former teammates spread across the country, carving out new roles in different systems.
Let’s take a closer look at how several former Syracuse Orange men’s basketball players are performing at their new schools - and even one who’s traded his jersey for a clipboard.
Maliq Brown - Duke
Stats: 6.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 75.0 FG%, 12.5 3P%
Brown might not light up the scoreboard, but he’s the kind of player coaches dream about - a relentless, high-IQ forward who makes winning plays that don’t always show up in the box score. In just under 17 minutes a night, he’s become a key cog for an undefeated Duke squad.
Whether it’s tipping out offensive rebounds, disrupting passing lanes, or being in the right spot at the right time, Brown’s feel for the game is elite. The Blue Devils are rolling at 11-0, and Brown’s fingerprints are all over that success.
Circle February 16 on your calendar - that’s when Duke hosts Syracuse, and Brown gets a shot at his former team.
Quadir Copeland - NC State
Stats: 13.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 5.5 APG, 58.1 FG%, 55.0 3P%
Copeland’s emergence at NC State has been one of the more eye-opening developments in the ACC this season. He’s gone from a role player to the engine of the Wolfpack offense, leading the team in assists and ranking second in scoring.
His 67.7% true shooting percentage is a jaw-dropper, especially considering his high usage rate. Nationally, he's 21st in assist rate - a testament to his vision and decision-making.
The Wolfpack haven’t maximized every opportunity in non-conference play, but they’re sitting at 28th in KenPom and very much in the mix for March. Syracuse will see Copeland up close on January 27 when they visit Raleigh.
Chris Bell - Cal
Stats: 13.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 45.0 FG%, 38.5 3P%
Bell made headlines with a 22-point outburst against UCLA over Thanksgiving, and he’s continued to be a steady scoring option for a Cal team that’s off to a strong 10-1 start. He’s one of four Bears averaging at least 13 points, showing off a more well-rounded offensive game than he displayed in Syracuse.
He’s not just a perimeter threat either - Bell’s been getting to the line and scoring inside, plus he’s shown improved effort on the glass with multiple games featuring offensive rebounds. He’ll return to the Dome on February 11 when Cal visits Syracuse.
Justin Taylor - James Madison
Stats: 0.2 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.2 APG
Taylor’s role at James Madison has been limited, logging just 65 minutes across several appearances. He’s been part of the back end of the rotation, averaging seven minutes a game and taking only two shots all season. JMU is 7-5 on the year, but dropped their Sun Belt opener to Old Dominion on the road.
Kyle Cuffe - Mercer
Stats: 7.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.4 APG, 40.3 FG%, 38.1 3P%
Cuffe has found a groove at Mercer, playing about 15 minutes per game off the bench in a deep backcourt. He’s embraced his role as a sparkplug shooter, launching nearly four threes per game and converting at a solid clip.
The Bears are 7-4 and look like a team that could make some noise in the Southern Conference. Cuffe’s efficiency and energy have made him a valuable piece for head coach Ryan Ridder.
William Patterson - New Orleans
Stats: 2 games played, 20 total minutes, 0 points
Patterson’s journey has taken a few turns. After redshirting at Syracuse and briefly committing to High Point, he ended up at New Orleans following a season at Three Rivers Community College in Missouri.
He hasn’t seen the floor since early November, logging just 20 minutes across two games. Still, he’s back in Division I, and there’s time for him to carve out a role as the season progresses.
Chance Westry - UAB
Stats: 16.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.0 APG, 51.9 FG%, 29.4 3P%
Westry’s resurgence at UAB has been one of the feel-good stories of the season. After battling injuries earlier in his career, he’s now thriving under head coach Andy Kennedy.
He opened the year with three 20-point games in his first four outings and just dropped a season-high 31 points on near-perfect shooting. Westry’s blend of size, skill, and freedom within UAB’s system has unlocked his potential.
The Blazers are 8-4 and look like a legitimate threat in the American Athletic Conference.
Petar Majstorovic - Long Beach State
Stats: 14.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 49.6 FG%, 32.0 3P%
Majstorovic has taken a major step forward at Long Beach State. After playing a hustle-forward role at Syracuse, he’s now a featured player, leading the team in minutes and ranking second in both scoring and rebounding.
He’s been efficient inside the arc, hitting 65% of his two-point attempts, and showing off a more versatile offensive game. Despite the team’s 3-9 record, Majstorovic has been a bright spot, giving the Beach a reliable inside-out option.
Elijah Moore - Utah*
Moore recently stepped away from the Utah program to focus on personal matters. He appeared in just one game for the Utes.
In today’s era of college basketball, the story of a player’s development is rarely confined to one campus. For these former Orange players, the next chapter of their journey is unfolding in gyms across the country - some as stars, others still finding their footing. And for Syracuse fans, there are plenty of reasons to keep an eye on box scores beyond the Dome.