As the Syracuse University men's basketball team gears up for the 2024-25 season, a new era of excitement and potential is on the horizon. Under the guidance of coach Adrian Autry, the Orange are poised to make a significant impact, with a roster brimming with fresh talent and a renewed focus on defense and rebounding.

Unlocking the Orange's Full Potential

Defensive Dominance and Rebounding Prowess

Coach Autry has made it clear that for the Orange to achieve their lofty goals this season, a renewed emphasis on defense and rebounding will be crucial. "We need to play better defense and rebound," Autry stated emphatically. "I think for us to really try to have this season that we want to have, that's gonna be imperative that we do that. Rebound the basketball, keep people out of the lane and keep people off the foul line. I think that's gonna be a big thing for us."The team's performance in their two exhibition games has provided a glimpse of their potential in these areas. With convincing wins over Clarion (101-73) and Slippery Rock (96-51), the Orange have demonstrated their ability to stifle opponents and control the boards. Autry was impressed with his team's efforts, but he knows there is still work to be done to ensure this level of play carries over into the regular season.

Blending New Faces and Established Talent

The 2024-25 Syracuse roster features a mix of new additions and returning players, creating an intriguing dynamic. The team has welcomed several key transfers and recruits, including Lucas Taylor, Jaquan Carlos, Eddie Lampkin, and Jyare Davis, who are expected to play pivotal roles this season. Alongside these new faces, the Orange will rely on the leadership and experience of top recruit Donnie Freeman and returning players like Chris Bell and J.J. Starling.The players have acknowledged the importance of finding chemistry and understanding each other's games. "I feel like just being a bunch of guys from a bunch of different places just finding that chemistry and seeing how we all mesh in pretty well," said Bell. "I feel like the guards as leaders of the offense, they've kind of done a really good job with that. Also adding Eddie in there in that leading the offense perspective as well, keeping everybody in tune and just taking good shots."For the veteran players, the transition has been a bit different. "It's definitely a little different," admitted Davis. "I think when you're a senior at a school you've been at for four years, it's a little different. You kind of have a level of comfortability with the coaches, a level of comfortability with what you're doing as a team. I think all of us are still getting adjusted."Despite the challenges of blending new and old, the players are confident in their ability to come together and excel. "Our chemistry is already at a pretty high level just because we compete every day in practice against each other," said Starling. "We push each other and we know that we're gonna trust each other when the game comes."

Facing Off Against In-State Rivals

The 2024-25 season will feature a unique matchup as the Orange host LeMoyne, another Syracuse-based Division 1 program, at the JMA Wireless Dome. This will mark the first time the two schools have faced off as Division 1 opponents, with LeMoyne making the jump in the 2023-24 season.The anticipation surrounding this local rivalry is palpable, as the two teams prepare to battle it out on the court. Fans of both programs are eagerly awaiting the clash, which promises to be a thrilling and hard-fought contest.As the Orange embark on their journey towards a successful season, the team's focus on defense, rebounding, and team chemistry will be crucial. With a blend of new talent and experienced leadership, Syracuse is poised to make a statement and reclaim their place among the elite programs in college basketball.