Here’s where our analysts each had Syracuse ranked:

Steven	Maxwell	Kam	Cody
68	92	68	49

2022-2023 Season: End of the Boeheim Era

The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team faced a tumultuous 2022-2023 season, ending with a 17-15 overall record and a 10-10 mark in ACC play. Under the guidance of head coach Jim Boeheim, the team struggled with consistency and depth throughout the season. The Orange had some standout victories, including wins over ranked teams such as Virginia and Miami, but were also plagued by disappointing losses to lower-tier opponents like Boston College and Georgia Tech.

Offensively, Syracuse averaged 74.1 points per game (121st in the nation), a slight dip compared to previous years but still respectable. They were led by guard Judah Mintz, who averaged 16.3 points and 4.6 assists per game. Mintz’s scoring ability and playmaking were crucial for the Orange, who relied heavily on their perimeter shooting. Additionally, other impact players on the roster included reliable shooter Joseph Girard and board-crashing big man Jesse Edwards. The team’s field goal percentage stood at 46.3%, ranking them in the mid-tier nationally. Their three-point shooting was a bit inconsistent, averaging 36.2% from beyond the arc.

Defensively, Syracuse had significant issues, allowing 72.9 points per game, which ranked 264th nationally. Their zone defense, traditionally a strength under Boeheim, struggled against teams with strong perimeter shooting and effective ball movement. Additionally, Syracuse’s rebounding was a concern, as they were outrebounded in several key games. The season concluded with a disappointing early exit in the ACC Tournament, where Syracuse fell to North Carolina.

2023-2024 Season: Change in Tides, Autry Era

The 2023-2024 season brought some positive changes under new guidance for the Syracuse Orange, although the team still faced its share of challenges. The Orange finished with a 20-12 record and an 11-9 mark in the ACC. They demonstrated growth and resilience, highlighted by several notable victories over ranked opponents, including Duke and North Carolina State.

The team’s offensive output improved, averaging 76.3 points per game, ranking 99th nationally. Judah Mintz continued to be the centerpiece of Syracuse’s offense, increasing his scoring average to 18.8 points per game while also contributing 4.4 assists. The Orange focused on a balanced offensive approach, which saw them shooting 46.2% from the field, ranking 84th nationally. Their three-point shooting improved slightly to 34%, showing progress from the previous season.

Defensively, Syracuse made strides but still had some areas to address. They allowed 75.6 points per game, ranking 284th nationally. This was the first season in 47 where zone defense was not the defensive scheme of the Orange. Autry looked to become more balanced with his approach, employing a new scheme that was expected to have some inefficiencies during the transitory period. The team’s defensive efficiency improved, but it remained a point of concern.

Key players included Judah Mintz, who was once again a major contributor, and JJ Starling, who emerged as a strong secondary scorer with an average of 13.3 points per game. Maliq Brown emerged as a versatile piece both on the offensive and defensive end, supplementing as an interior presence with the departure of Jesse Edwards. The Orange’s season ended with a second-round exit in the ACC Tournament at the hands of Cinderella NC State. There are major questions coming into the 2024-2025 season: who will step up and take control of the offense with the departure of Judah Mintz? Will Autry improve upon his record and take the Orange back into March?

Looking Ahead: The 2024-2025 Season

As the Syracuse Orange prepare for the 2024-2025 season, they will face significant changes, including the departure of several key players (Judah Mintz, Quadir Copeland, Maliq Brown, and Benny Williams). However, the team is bolstered by a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers. The Orange will be returning 42.4% of their scoring from last season and 39.1% of the minutes played. Returning players include second-leading scorer JJ Starling, who will need to step up in the absence of Judah Mintz, and versatile forward/wing combo Chris Bell, who is expected to display more of the versatility he showed flashes of last season.

Autry was able to add impressive talent through recruiting, including Donnie Freeman, a top player in the class of 2024, a five-star recruit from IMG Academy who has shown versatility and great positional size as a 6’9″ true wing. The Orange also landed four-star recruit Elijah Moore, a 6’4″ shooting guard from OSLS. Additionally, Autry strengthened the team via the transfer portal, adding depth and experience with Lucas Taylor Sr., a shooting guard from Georgia State; Jaquan Carlos Sr., a point guard from Hofstra; Jyare Davis, a big-body forward from Delaware; and journey-man big man Eddie Lampkin from Colorado.

The team will aim to address its defensive weaknesses from previous seasons while continuing to build on its offensive strengths. With JJ Starling and Donnie Freeman expected to lead the charge, the Orange will look to make a significant impact in the ACC and pursue a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. The combination of experienced returning players and promising newcomers should provide a solid foundation for a competitive season ahead. Fans of Syracuse University men’s basketball can anticipate an exciting season with potential improvements on both ends of the court.