Welcome to my team preview series for 2024-25. Each day between now and the start of the college basketball season, I will preview one team or conference, both on Instagram (@collegehoopsoutlet) and through an article here. The preview will go in-depth on the roster build of the team, my expectations for their upcoming season, and the state of the program under their current head coach.
Syracuse (Projected: 8th in ACC)
Adrian Autry took over at Syracuse last offseason after an incredible career by Jim Boeheim. The Orange went 20-12 and were over .500 in ACC play, a mark that Autry will look to build on. Heading into 2024-25, the Orange have a good mix of returners, transfers, and freshmen forming the roster.
The most important returner for the Orange is junior guard JJ Starling (13 ppg). Starling was an efficient scorer last season as a sophomore, shooting 45.8% from the field. He should have the keys to the backcourt now and a breakout could be on the horizon. Kyle Cuffe Jr. (3 ppg) and Chance Westry (Redshirt) are the two other returners in the backcourt. Westry has a chance to be a key guy in the backcourt for the Orange after redshirting his first year at Syracuse following his transfer over from Auburn.
Two players return in the frontcourt for the Orange, forward Chris Bell (12 ppg) and Naheem McLeod (4 ppg, 4 rpg). Bell is a long athletic wing and a perfect guy to space the floor, making 84 threes last season, shooting 42% from behind the arc. McLeod stands at 7-4 and will be a solid option as a backup center, providing unmatchable size inside, though is coming off of a season where he played just 14 games.
Four players, all of whom played big minutes for the Orange last season, left the program this offseason. Judah Mintz (19 ppg, 4 apg) is the biggest name of the group, an outstanding scorer for two seasons at Syracuse before leaving for the NBA this summer. The other three departures all hit the transfer portal, with Quadir Copeland (10 ppg, 5 rpg) transferring to McNeese State, Maliq Brown (10 ppg, 7 rpg) transferring to Duke, and Justin Taylor (5 ppg, 4 rpg) transferring to James Madison.
Four transfers enter the ranks for the Orange, two in the backcourt and two in the frontcourt. In the backcourt, Jaquan Carlos (10 ppg, 6 apg at Hofstra) transfers in from Hofstra after three seasons with the Pride. A true point guard, Carlos affects the game in many ways and is an elite passer, as proved by his game against Northeastern this February when he recorded 19 assists. Georgia State transfer Lucas Taylor (15 ppg at Georgia State) returns to the ACC after spending his first two years at Wake Forest. Taylor broke out in his lone season with the Panthers, averaging 15 ppg on 40.7% shooting as an efficient three-level scorer.
The frontcourt transfers both should bring some excitement to Syracuse, especially Colorado transfer big man Eddie Lampkin Jr (11 ppg, 7 rpg at Colorado). Lampkin is a force in the paint with his big frame and has become one of the best characters in college basketball over his past four seasons at Colorado and TCU. Delaware transfer Jyare Davis (17 ppg, 8 rpg at Delaware) will be another instant impact transfer, the leading scorer for the Blue Hens last season and all-around solid forward.
Both of the commits from the 2024 high school recruiting class for Autry should have a big impact as freshmen. Forward Donnie Freeman (5*, NAT 9) should start as a freshman, an impressive rebounder and high-level scorer inside. Guard Elijah Moore (4*, NAT 86) won’t have as much national hype surrounding him, but should still have a role to play off the bench in the Orange backcourt.
Adrian Autry’s first season with Syracuse was definitely something to build off for the Orange, who should be aiming for the NCAA Tournament in year two. The Orange have a good mix of returning talent, experienced transfers, and high-potential freshmen, all the right tools to come together and sneak into the tournament. My biggest question mark for this team will be if dependable depth can develop throughout the season.
For the Orange to reach their ceiling, I think the most important thing if for JJ Starling to become a star. Judah Mintz leaving makes room for plenty of scoring increases for returners, and Starling has the perfect chance to become the guy for Syracuse. My X-factor for this team is Starling because I think that everything else can come in to like if he takes over the scoring output.
The middle of the ACC is wide open, and if this Syracuse team lives up to their potential they can sneak into the NCAA Tournament. I’m unsure of the level of depth this team has, something that could come to light in conference play. I’ve got the Orange slotted in 8th in the ACC as of right now in my preseason rankings.