Syracuse has historically been one of college basketball’s powerhouses, but the last ten years have been a down period for the Orange. After the legendary Jim Boeheim retired, new head coach Adrian Autry has overseen two rocky years in Central New York. However, going into his pivotal third season, Autry now has retained his top talent, is adding a freshman class with several outstanding players, and has now signed some of the sport’s top transfers, including the #1 point guard in the portal.
Adrian Autry’s Reload at Syracuse Headlined By Transfer Naithan George
Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry underwent a lot of criticism this year, with many fans wanting him to be fired due to a second consecutive underwhelming season. With just 14 wins last year, the team dealt with injures to key players like leading scorer JJ Starling and star freshman Donnie Freeman. Syracuse’s massive roster overhaul from the previous year did not work out well.
However, this year, despite another five outgoing transfers, Cuse has brought in several key players. None are more significant than ex-Georgia Tech point guard Naithan George, who was regarded as the top floor general in the portal.
George averaged over 12 points per game last season, and more importantly, an ACC-leading 6.5 assists. An excellent play-maker with good size, good scoring ability, and great vision, George gives Syracuse a veteran leader and point guard to run the show.
The addition of a true point guard will allow Starling, who averaged nearly 18 points per game last year, to play off-ball, where he is much more comfortable. George’s leadership will no doubt help young players like Donnie Freeman, a returning sophomore who many expected would declare for the NBA Draft, and incoming freshman Sadiq White, an All-American wing, and Kiyan Anthony, son of the great Carmelo Anthony.
George immediately commented on the decision to join Syracuse with appreciation and enthusiasm.
“They were the main ones calling me every day, the head coach, assistants, players. I love Syracuse, the history they have. It’s a winning program. We’re going to bring them back to the NCAA tournament and go on a run there.”
Syracuse Has Added Both Size and Shooting in the transfer Portal
While George is the prized possession of their transfer class, Autry has also added a big man and a lethal three-point shooter as well.
Former South Dakota State and UCLA center William Kyle gives the Orange options down low. At 6-foot-9, Kyle was the former Defensive Player of the Year in the Summit League before transferring to UCLA. He did not play much as a Bruin, but figures to add a lot to a Syracuse team in big need of size.
Meanwhile, former Oregon State Beaver Nate Kingz brings the roster a sorely needed knockdown shooter. Kingz shot nearly 45% from deep last season and will give Syracuse some good spacing. The Orange have been a horrendous three-point shooting team over the last several seasons, and while one player alone will not fix their issues, Kingz will certainly help out a lot.
No doubt that Syracuse is using their NIL resources much more than in previous years, where they lagged behind in the ACC due to being unable to financially compete. Now that they are able to punch their weight in the transfer portal, Syracuse is assembling what on paper is their most competitive roster in years.
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