Some insight into the off-season
To say that 25-26 is a critical season for the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball would be an understatement.
Adrian Autry sat down with Mike Waters of Syracuse.com to discuss the transfer additions and Syracuse’s NIL situation. While the Orange didn’t land too many “high-profile” players from the portal, Autry feels that the pieces they were able to get will fit around JJ Starling and Donnie Freeman.
In that first piece, Autry talked about identifying players with particular skill sets and not getting caught up in the production numbers. The goal was to make the Orange longer, more athletic and better prepared for playing against NCAA Tournament teams.
Adrian Autry details transfer portal strategy, assesses players headed to Syracuse https://t.co/AJvFh0xiL3 pic.twitter.com/YYYNvB11YZ
— Syracuse Basketball (@syrbasketball) June 2, 2025
You should read the piece for full breakdowns on each transfer but here’s a nugget for what each brought in terms of appeal:
- Nait George- vision and ability to run the offense
- Nate Kingz- shooting and defensive potential
- William Kyle – defense
- Tyler Betsey- size and versatility
- Ibrahim Souare- motor
- Bryce Zephir-toughness
Autry shared that money didn’t prevent the staff from landing anyone this season, as opposed to last. The Orange head coach also commented on the addition of Alex Kline as GM and how it helped Syracuse attack the portal.
“This year we rolled into the off-season,’’ Autry said. “That’s why you see everyone hiring general managers now because when you try to do it as a head coach and your assistant coaches, you’re focused on finishing up the season.”
We’ll have to see how these pieces come together on the court, but it sounds as though the staff has what they wanted to complete the NCAA Tournament bid puzzle.