Syracuse University’s basketball program has entered a pivotal phase as Gerry McNamara, a former standout player turned coach, takes the reins for his first full season at the helm.
The Orange have endured two consecutive losing campaigns and have not tasted NCAA Tournament action since 2021, a drought that has left fans yearning for a return to relevance.
Enter analyst Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, whose preseason power rankings place Syracuse seventh among ACC teams, suggesting a modest but tangible vote of confidence in the program’s trajectory.
Projected Lineup and Breakout Prospects
Rothstein envisions a starting five that could feature Garwey Dual, Aidan Tobiason, Kiyan Anthony, Sadiq White Jr. and Luke Wilson, with the sophomore guard White Jr. highlighted as a potential breakout star in McNamara’s system.
The coaching staff also eyes Gavin Doty and Amarri Monroe as viable alternatives for the fifth starter spot, adding depth to a roster that blends experience with youthful energy.
While the projections paint an optimistic picture, the path back to the tournament will hinge on execution, injury avoidance and the ability to translate preseason expectations into regular‑season results.