A Strategic Shift in Scheduling
Syracuse University’s men’s basketball program has announced a slate of non-conference matchups that will take the Orange to some of the most iconic venues in the Northeast. The centerpiece is a game against Rutgers at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a venue the team has visited multiple times without a win, most recently dropping contests to Texas, Texas Tech and Maryland in the 2024-25 season.
The schedule also includes previously confirmed games against Indiana, St. John’s and Providence, while the Orange are slated to host UAlbany at the Carrier Dome and are exploring home series with Colgate and Cornell. In addition, an exhibition against Niagara will be held at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, and talks are underway for a potential exhibition with Siena at MVP Arena.
First-year head coach Gerry McNamara, who took over the program this offseason, has emphasized the importance of playing in New York’s marquee arenas. While his priority remains a return to Madison Square Garden, McNamara says the Barclays Center assignment is a valuable opportunity to showcase the team in a national spotlight.
Rutgers, under head coach Steve Pikiell, enters the game after a 14-20 season that included a 6-14 mark in Big Ten play and a 125th ranking in KenPom. The Scarlet Knights have previously participated in the Big Ten’s “Super Saturday” series at Madison Square Garden, but this will be their first appearance at Barclays Center.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming contests represent more than just a schedule filler; they are part of a broader strategy to build a competitive brand that can attract recruits and fans alike. By leveraging high-visibility venues and regional rivalries, Syracuse hopes to cement its place in the national conversation and lay the groundwork for a resurgence under McNamara’s leadership.