Syracuse’s women’s basketball program got its turn on the ACC Tip-Off stage Tuesday in Charlotte, and the Orange came away with a few clear themes: a new voice in the backcourt, a sophomore star explaining why she stayed, and a coach who had no trouble lighting up the room.
Head coach Felissa Legette-Jack was joined by Uche Izoje and Angelica Velez as Syracuse represented itself in front of local, regional and national media during the conference’s two-day women’s event. All 18 ACC women’s programs were part of the showcase, while the men’s sessions were split across Tuesday and Wednesday. Gerry McNamara and his team are scheduled for Wednesday.
Velez was the fresh face in the spotlight. The senior guard from the Bronx arrived from LSU in the offseason and is expected to be a major piece for Syracuse in the backcourt after the departures of Domonique Darius, Maddie Potts and Sophie Burrows.
Tuesday gave Orange fans their first real look at the 5-foot-7 playmaker, and she made an impression beyond the box score. Her personality came through immediately, and that matters for a team trying to replace so much from a year ago.
That theme of leadership ran through the day, and it fits with how Syracuse views Velez’s role. She may be new to the program, but she already looks like someone who can help steady things on and off the floor.
Izoje, meanwhile, explained why she chose to stay put rather than explore the transfer portal. The 6-foot-3 center from Nigeria is coming off a massive freshman season, one that included ACC Rookie of the Year honors and a unanimous First Team All-ACC selection.
She led Syracuse in scoring and rebounds, and she also paced the entire league in blocks per game at 2.6. With the roster changes around her, she is now the unmistakable anchor of the group.
Her reason for returning centered on Legette-Jack and the trust she has in her coach’s word. Izoje said her head coach’s messaging played a big part in the decision, adding, "anything she says, that's what she says she is going to do. She keeps that promise"
Legette-Jack also delivered the line of the day when she said her players would "run through a wall" for her. It was the kind of quote that cut through the noise and got plenty of traction online, and it spoke to the edge and buy-in she believes this team has heading into the season.
The Orange will be back in Central New York for an open practice Wednesday morning, with Legette-Jack, Izoje and Velez all set to return. Syracuse’s next game comes Monday, when it faces UConn in an exhibition at Mohegan Sun Arena. That matchup is scheduled to air on NBC Boston and cuse.com/watch.
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