F
or 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 dynamic. And he said he has the depth to do so.
After missing the NCAA Tournament over the last two seasons, Syracuse’s nonconference schedule is tough. It plays No. 9 ranked Tennessee to open up the Maui Jim Maui invitational followed by potential matchups with No. 11 Gonzaga or No. 3 Purdue. As for the Atlantic Coast Conference, Duke, North Carolina and Virginia serve as predictable culprits to thwart SU’s return to March this year.
But the Orange have retained all six of their players from the 2022 recruiting class, added a former McDonald’s All-American guard in J.J. Starling and brought in 7-foot-4 center Naheem McLeod. The return of Judah Mintz, who tested NBA Draft waters over the offseason, secures a reliable, now-experienced floor general for the Orange.
Here’s how our beat writers think Syracuse men’s basketball will play in 2023-24:
Cole Bambini
On the bubble
Record: 19-12
MVP: Judah Mintz
X-Factor: Depth
It’s a new era for Syracuse basketball, but at the same time, there’s plenty of continuity, too. Autry has made it clear. The style of play will change. On offense, it’ll be much faster-paced.
SU has a lot to prove with its nonconference schedule. The Maui Jim Maui Invitational will be an indicator of where Syracuse could compete in Atlantic Coast Conference play, as will games against LSU and Oregon.
Autry also plans to use his depth, something that can be the difference maker for Syracuse. Mintz will likely star once again, but having Starling, Justin Taylor, Kyle Cuffe Jr. and Chance Westry add depth that the Orange haven’t had recently.
I see Syracuse as a much better team than in the past couple of years and will probably be on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. It’s just a matter of if SU can hang with the top echelon of the ACC.
Henry O’Brien
Year one surprises?
Record: 18-13
MVP: Judah Mintz
X-Factor: Man-to-man defense
There has been much more of a buzz around Syracuse basketball following Autry’s appointment. He’s confirmed the transition away from a 2-3 zone defense, switching to man-to-man.
When it comes to nonconference opponents, SU will likely struggle against teams like Tennessee, Gonzaga or Purdue. Matchups against the top tier of the ACC like Duke, North Carolina, Virginia and Miami will likely be very challenging as well.
Mintz and Starling will make for one of the better backcourts in the ACC, while 7-foot-4 McLeod should be proficient at center. But a question mark is at the forward position. Can Chris Bell and Benny Williams be good enough to make SU a cohesive starting five? If Syracuse even wants a shot at March Madness, can players like Taylor, Quadir Copeland and Maliq Brown lead its depth?
Could this team get to 20 wins? Absolutely. But don’t be surprised if Autry needs another year to make Syracuse a prominent power again.
Tyler Schiff
Promised land
Record: 23-8
MVP: J.J. Starling
X-Factor: Naheem McLeod
Syracuse begins Autry’s tenure by returning a 2022 recruiting class that ranked No. 14 nationally, according to Sports Illustrated. The Orange have arguably one of the best backcourts in the country in Starling and Mintz, and brought in McLeod — SU’s tallest player in program history.
Bell and Taylor are dynamic, trigger-happy wings, while Williams is primed for a long-awaited breakout junior season. Cuffe Jr., Copeland and Brown will serve as vital depth pieces, all capable of considerable production.
The pieces are all there. Autry has doubled-down on the trust he has in his team’s athleticism to execute man-to-man defense. Barring Duke, North Carolina and couple of tough, nonconference matchups in the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, the Orange are more than capable of beating every team they face.
SU has never suffered three straight seasons away from NCAA Tournament play. And following its absence over the last two years, Autry won’t make history.
Photograph taken by Aidan Groeling
Published on November 2, 2023 at 2:10 am
