The Syracuse Orange (9-4, 0-0) close out 2025 in the ACC opener against the Clemson Tigers (10-3, 0-0). Tip-off is 2:00 from the JMA Dome and will be broadcast on ESPN2/WatchESPN. Here’s what we’re watching for in this one:
Kevin: A New Year’s Surprise
A lot of people will be eager to see Donnie Freeman’s return, but I’m watching to see if the Orange have something new coming off the holiday break. It could be a new offensive set, maybe a new defensive look like a half-court trap, or maybe a new look five
at certain points in this game. Anything that wouldn’t have been seen on Clemson’s game prep film to try and throw off the Tigers.
Dom: Who wins inside
Heading into ACC play, Clemson is allowing opponents to shoot the least efficiently in the conference from three (27.3%). That’s also one of the best marks in the country. Part of that could be shooting luck, and that percentage is way higher when the Tigers are on the road instead of at home. That said, Syracuse is currently second-worst in percentage and third-worst in total volume, meaning if the numbers hold true, this comes down to whether the Orange can win the battles in transition and around the rim.
Sam: Defending the double bigs
Clemson has played with a big frontcourt over the last few years, and that hasn’t changed this year. The Tigers love their two-big actions with Jake Wahlin, Carter Welling, and Nick Davidson, and RJ Godfrey. This will put some stress and defensive decision making onto Kyle, and will be a very interesting matchup for White or Freeman as well. Can Syracuse be disciplined against one of the most litigious and systematic offenses it will see all year?
Augie: Make it feel like a true road game
There is no denying that what is taking place outside of the Dome is going to be a change of scenery for Clemson with the snowstorm going on. But for the beginning of ACC play, the energy inside the Dome needs to be high as well. No students are going to be back on campus, but that does not mean the environment cannot be energetic and hostile. It’s a long trip for Clemson, and they need to be thinking about that.
Max: Find a way to create second chances
Clemson’s defense thrives at creating one-and-done offensive trips for its opponents, limiting teams to just a 25.5% offensive rebounding rate (27th-best per KenPom). As Dom pointed out, it’ll be tough sledding beyond the arc for the Orange, so I’m looking to see who crashes the glass to clean up those misses. SU has to make up for its lackluster free-throw shooting somehow, and racking up second-chance points is one way to make up the difference.
Szuba: Freeman’s free, man
Nobody took the return of Donnie Freeman!? I almost feel obligated to take the low-hanging fruit.
With Freeman reportedly back in the fold against Clemson, how does the superstar sophomore play in his first game back? Syracuse’s top professional prospect has missed nine games with a right leg injury. Does he immediately reclaim his starting spot over Sadiq White and are there any restriction, psychically or minutes wise? If Syracuse has any hope of making a push in conference play, Freeman’s impact or non-impact figures to play a significant role.
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What will you be watching for in this one?
