At 7-4, the Syracuse men’s basketball team finds itself in a season that’s been anything but smooth sailing. Injuries, inconsistency, and some head-scratching losses have made for a frustrating start. But amid the turbulence, one thing has been steady: William Kyle III has been a rock in the middle-and arguably the most reliable presence on the floor for the Orange.
Injuries, Upsets, and Missed Opportunities
Let’s start with the obvious: Syracuse hasn’t had its full deck. JJ Starling and Donnie Freeman-two of the team’s most important offensive weapons-have each missed time, with Freeman sidelined for the last seven games due to a right foot injury. That’s a major blow for a team trying to build rhythm and identity early in the season.
The Orange have had their moments, like the impressive win over then-No. 13 Tennessee.
But those highs have been countered by some tough lows. The overtime loss to Houston in the Players Era Championship was a gut punch.
The blowout loss to Iowa State in the same event? That one stung.
And then there’s the home loss to Hofstra-a program Syracuse had never lost to before. That game, more than any other, seemed to encapsulate the inconsistency that’s plagued this group.
Free throw struggles have added to the frustration. So has the scrutiny around coaching decisions.
It’s been a season of questions. But one answer that’s been clear from the jump?
William Kyle III is for real.
The William Kyle III Effect
Kyle’s journey to Syracuse wasn’t a straight line. A Nebraska native, he started his college career at South Dakota State, where he showed real promise-averaging 8.9 points per game as a freshman and bumping that up to 13.1 as a sophomore.
That earned him a shot at UCLA, but his junior year in Westwood didn’t go as planned. He struggled to find minutes in Mick Cronin’s rotation, playing just 9.6 minutes per game and averaging 2.9 points.
Now, in his senior year, Kyle has found the perfect fit in Central New York. He’s averaging 10.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, but the numbers only tell part of the story.
With Freeman out, Kyle has anchored the interior on both ends of the floor. He’s been the energy guy, the hustle guy, the do-everything big who gives Syracuse a physical edge it desperately needs.
Head coach Adrian Autry talks a lot about playing with "level-five energy." Kyle doesn’t just meet that standard-he defines it.
Every possession, every rebound, every contest at the rim, he’s bringing that fire. And it’s contagious.
Elite Rim Protection
Defensively, Kyle has been a game-changer. He’s racked up 35 blocks in just 11 games-that’s 3.2 per game, good for second in the country.
He’s third nationally in total blocks. When you talk about rim protection, he’s in elite company.
But what makes Kyle so valuable is that he’s not just a shot-blocker. He’s a smart, disciplined defender who understands positioning and timing.
He alters shots, protects the paint, and still manages to stay out of foul trouble. And on the other end, he’s giving Syracuse consistent scoring in double figures.
In a season where the Orange have had to navigate injuries, inconsistency, and growing pains, Kyle has been the steadying force. He’s not the flashiest player on the roster, but he might be the most important.
Looking Ahead
Syracuse gets back on the floor Saturday afternoon against Northeastern at the JMA Wireless Dome. It’s a chance to build some momentum heading into the heart of ACC play-and another opportunity for Kyle to continue proving just how vital he is to this team’s success.
Meanwhile, the Syracuse women’s team is rolling at 10-1 and will host Mercyhurst on Friday morning. They also got a major boost on the recruiting front, with top 2027 prospect Kaleena Smith set to visit in February.
So yes, it’s been a rocky road so far for the men’s squad. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s William Kyle III. In a season full of question marks, he’s been the exclamation point.