The Syracuse Orange hosted media day this week and Head Coach Adrian Autry outlined his expectations and excitement about the 25-26 season.
We know what Orange fans expect (and rightfully so) this year-
anything less than a NCAA Tournament appearance will be deemed as an unsuccessful season. Syracuse had their GM in place for the 2025 freshman and transfer class. They have changed the strength and conditioning program and now Autry wants to “compete on every defensive possession and play at a certain pace”.
Syracuse isn’t going to have a lot of expectations from the college basketball world and they will have an early chance to open eyes when they face Houston and Kansas in Las Vegas in November. Like the rest of the ACC, it’s an important opportunity to change the perception heading into conference play.
During his press conference, Autry talked about using the exhibitions to try some different combinations and figure out some potential groupings. This versatility will allow the Orange to try and force the pace and tempo with a deeper rotation, a point guard in Naithan George that can operate the offense and some mobile athletic players at center. The Orange HC said “having a 5 that can move is something I wanted to address” and that was addressed in the portal with William Kyle and Ibrahim Souare.
After a 14-19 season, the patience has worn thin for a longer rebuild. Syracuse fans will like seeing more fast breaks and more dunks, but only if it comes with more wins. The Orange might peak as a bubble team this year and that’s alright if it’s on the right side of the bubble. For a program low on NCAA appearances (and current NBA players), fans need to understand that getting into the Dance is a positive step. We are all well aware that getting in, no matter the seed, gives you a chance for a special run
It appears that Autry and staff learned a tough lesson last year and prioritized getting a roster that is athletic and versatile enough to compete in the ACC. Now it’s on them to mold this group into one that can translate the athleticism into enough wins so that March in Syracuse means more than green beer on Tipperary Hill.
We’ll get our first look at the Orange a week from Saturday in Buffalo. Let’s hope it won’t be the last time this season that Syracuse men’s basketball takes the floor in Western New York.
