Newcomers Shine in Men’s Basketball Home Opener

By Noah Smith

Syracuse Men’s Basketball got its season underway with a blowout win, 85-47, against Binghamton on Monday. This win was the 6th straight season-opening win for the Orange. While the whole team contributed and showed out, the transfers and the freshman showed out, proving their spot on the roster.

The most notable performance came from The Orange’s new point guard, Georgia Tech Transfer Naithan George. The Junior was a defensive menace, nabbing 5 steals along with scoring 14 points. However, where Nait was most important was in the passing game, where he dished out 8 dimes. It is no wonder that last year with the Yellow Jackets, George led the ACC in assists per game.

Another big-time performance came from UCLA transfer William Kyle, Syracuse’s new big man. The former Bruin had 16 points on nearly 90% efficiency, and also grabbed 5 rebounds. The senior caught 4 alley-oops, and it seemed like youcould throw it anywhere and he would come down with it. Unsurprisingly, Kyle has a freakishly athletic 44-inch vertical, which will help the Orange down low on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

Kiyan Anthony, the 4-star recruit and son of Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony, did not disappoint in his Syracuse debut. The freshman scored 15 points on 60% efficiency and also grabbed three boards. Even though his dad may have had twice as many points in his own debut in 2003, Kiyan still impressed many and looks to be a key rotational piece for Head Coach Adrian Autry this year. 

The Orange haven’t been to the NCAA tournament in 4 years, and last year’s graduating class didn’t get to see a single tournament appearance. However, with this year’s new additions to the team, Syracuse looks poised to compete for a spot this year.