A highly anticipated men’s basketball clash is set for November 25, when the Syracuse Orange will open their season against the Albany Great Danes at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York.
A New Chapter for Syracuse
The Orange enter the contest riding a nine‑game streak over their upstate rivals, a dominance that dates back to the first meeting and has become a point of pride for the program.
Adding to the story, Gerry McNamara, a Syracuse alum who once starred as a player, now returns to the bench as head coach, bringing a fresh perspective to a roster that blends returning sophomores Kiyan Anthony and Sadiq White Jr. with six incoming transfers, among them standout scorers Aiden Tobiason and Gavin Doty.
Albany, coming off a 11‑21 season a year ago, will be led by coach Dwayne Killings, who is in his sixth year at the helm, and by top returning performers Zacharie Matulu and Abdoulaye Fall, who averaged nearly 10 points per game last season.
The Great Danes also welcomed a wave of fresh talent, highlighted by freshman forward Uo‑Mier Graham, who joins the coaching staff’s new recruits, while the team looks to improve on a 7‑9 conference record.
With both squads eager to rewrite their recent narratives, the matchup promises a blend of experience and youthful energy that could set the tone for the remainder of the schedule.