Syracuse failed to meet expectations in the 2024-25 season. A rough start in the non-conference and poor ACC play led to a 14-19 record overall. Syracuse wasn’t the main reason for the down year in the ACC, but their poor play didn’t help the situation. When Syracuse came from the Big East with programs like Notre Dame and Pittsburgh (Louisville came shortly after), the expectation was for Syracuse and company to elevate the conference in basketball. However, the Orange have failed to meet the expectations with any regularity. Adrian Autry is on the hot seat after two seasons as head coach. Syracuse has seen a huge roster mixup in the 2025 transfer portal, so they must hit on these players.
Syracuse and Autry Need More in the 2025 Transfer Portal
The Exodus of Players
Several players who played meaningful minutes have departed from the program. Of the Players who averaged more than 10 minutes per game for the Orange, Eddie Lampkin Jr., Chris Bell, Elijah Moore, Kyle Cuff Jr., and Petar Majstorovic have all entered the transfer portal. The Orange also had three seniors, Jaquan Carlos, Jyare Davis, and Lucas Taylor. The only players who averaged more than five minutes who appear to be returning to Syracuse are Donnie Freeman and JJ Starling. However, both players have received some NBA love and could be leaving for the NBA draft before next season.
In one sense, it will be hard for Autry to build a strong program from scratch again. However, with such an underwhelming season, it is a good thing for Syracuse to have a chance to attack the 2025 transfer portal and pick up quality players. Teams like Virginia are going through the same thing right now. The current roster was not going to lead them to an NCAA Tournament, let alone a national championship. It gives Autry one more chance to put together a solid team before the seat gets too hot.
Incoming Talent (as of 4/8)
The best prospect coming in for the Orange is Georgia Tech transfer and ACC assists leader Naithan George. George averaged 12.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season. The Orange also signed Nate Kingz, an Oregon State transfer who averaged 11.8 points per game for the Beavers last season. Neither is the best player in the 2025 transfer portal, but they will provide depth and scoring for Syracuse next season.
Syracuse also has a top-10 recruiting class for next season. Kiyan Anthony headlines the class, but several four-star players can make an immediate difference for the Orange. It is always good to bring in elite high school talent (two players rank in the top 36 of the rankings). However, the portal additions will always be more important if you can’t pick up elite one-and-done players at the top of the class.
The Last Word
George and Kingz are good pickups, but there is more work to be done. Syracuse is still not close to competing for an ACC title with the current roster. As the 2025 transfer portal slowly loses top-end talent, Syracuse must grab another top transfer or two for next season. Syracuse has one goal: winning a national championship. However, after the last few seasons, an NCAA Tournament bid would suffice. The problem is, they are still too far away to compete for that. Autry will be recruiting for his job in the next few weeks.
Photo credit: © Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
