Projecting Syracuse's 2025-26 Defense: A Comprehensive Analysis
The Syracuse Orange's 2025-26 campaign hinges on significant defensive improvements. Last year's performance was underwhelming, with a ranking outside the top-150 in adjusted defensive efficiency (14th out of 18 in the ACC). The team struggled across the board, but a fresh roster and strategic changes offer hope for a brighter future.
Defensive Weaknesses:
- Field Goal Defense: Opponents shot over 46% from the field (311th in NCAA), highlighting a lack of defensive prowess.
- Three-Point Defense: Allowing over 34% from three (241st in NCAA) indicates a need for better perimeter defense.
- Rebounding: Ranked 70th in defensive rebounding, Syracuse struggled to secure possession.
- Shot Blocking and Turnover Force: Poor performance in blocking shots (2.5 per game, 293rd) and forcing turnovers (329th in forced turnovers, 340th in steals) further exacerbated their defensive issues.
- Scoring Defense: Syracuse ended the year ranked 316th in scoring defense.
Key Changes and Projections:
- Center Position: The arrival of William Kyle III, Ibrahim Souare, and Tiefing Diawara will significantly impact the center position. Kyle, despite being smaller, brings speed and versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions. He's expected to contribute to shot blocking, addressing a critical weakness.
- Versatility and Height: Syracuse's new additions prioritize height at every position, aiming to improve versatility. This strategy addresses the team's vulnerability against post-centric opponents.
- Forward Spots: Tyler Betsey, Donnie Freeman, and Sadiq White Jr. provide intriguing options. Betsey, with his size and skill set, is a key contributor. Freeman's high praise for Betsey's two-way abilities further strengthens the forward position.
- Guard Rotation: With Betsey's absence, Syracuse may opt for a three-guard lineup. Nate Kingz's size and versatility could be utilized alongside Naithan George and J.J. Starling. The guard rotation's ability to defend perimeter creators is crucial.
- Versatility and Spacing: The team's versatility allows for various defensive strategies. Playing smaller lineups with Betsey, White, and Freeman at the four and five positions, while utilizing three guards, could be an option.
Offensive Impact and Defense:
- Improved Offensive Efficiency: A better-ranked offensive efficiency (103rd adjusted offensive efficiency per KenPom) could indirectly benefit the defense. Starling's reduced role as the primary creator might allow him to focus more on defense.
- Half-Court Defense: A more stable offense could enable Syracuse to set up a stronger half-court defense, increasing the chances of steals and disrupting transition opportunities for opponents.
- Frontcourt Strategy: With a potentially improved offense, Syracuse might opt for a bigger frontcourt, sacrificing some spacing for increased rebounding and rim protection.
Looking Ahead:
Syracuse's 2025-26 defense hinges on these strategic changes and the team's ability to execute them. With a projected ranking of 49th in adjusted offensive efficiency, the defense must be solid to ensure a successful season. The Orange aims to return to the NCAA Tournament, requiring substantial defensive improvements.
