Syracuse Men’s Basketball Prepares for New Era with Faster-Paced Game and Improved Depth
For the first time in 47 years, there’s a new man in charge of Syracuse men’s basketball. Adrian Autry’s appointment entails a switch in defensive schemes from the 2-3 zone to man-to-man. He wants to play faster and more dynamically. And he said he has the depth to do so.
After missing the NCAA Tournament over the last two seasons, Syracuse faces a tough nonconference schedule. They will go up against the No. 9 ranked Tennessee in the opening game of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, followed by potential matchups with No. 11 Gonzaga or No. 3 Purdue. In the Atlantic Coast Conference, perennial powerhouses Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia will pose formidable challenges to Syracuse’s aspirations of making a return to March Madness this year.
However, the Orange have retained all six players from the 2022 recruiting class and added a former McDonald’s All-American guard in J.J. Starling, as well as 7-foot-4 center Naheem McLeod. The return of Judah Mintz, who tested the NBA Draft waters over the offseason, secures a reliable and now-experienced floor general for the Orange.
Syracuse basketball beat writers have varying opinions on how the team will perform in the upcoming 2023-24 season:
Cole Bambini predicts that Syracuse will be on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament with a record of 19-12. He believes that Judah Mintz will be the team’s MVP, while the depth of the roster will serve as the X-factor. Bambini acknowledges that Syracuse is a much better team now, but questions whether they can compete with the top-tier ACC teams.
Henry O’Brien expects Syracuse to have a slightly lower record of 18-13 in his first year prediction. Mintz is again projected as the MVP, and the switch to man-to-man defense is seen as the X-factor. O’Brien recognizes that Syracuse will face challenges from tough nonconference opponents as well as ACC powerhouses. He highlights the question marks surrounding the forward position and whether the depth players can step up when needed.
Tyler Schiff is the most optimistic, foreseeing a 23-8 record for Syracuse. He believes that J.J. Starling will be the team’s MVP, with Naheem McLeod as the X-factor. Schiff highlights the team’s talented backcourt and the addition of McLeod, which he believes gives Syracuse a chance to succeed. He argues that, apart from a few challenging matchups, the Orange are capable of beating any team they face.
Overall, Syracuse is entering a new era in men’s basketball with Adrian Autry at the helm. The team has a tough nonconference schedule, but the addition of talented recruits and the return of experienced players should provide a boost. The switch to a faster-paced game and improved depth give Syracuse hope of returning to the NCAA Tournament. However, they will need to prove themselves against formidable opponents in both nonconference and ACC play.
