Previewing Syracuse’s season-opener vs. Binghamton
Syracuse opens the 2025-26 campaign Monday night in the JMA Wireless Dome against Binghamton, which went 15-17 last year. Leonardo Eriman | Photo Editor
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The Syracuse men’s basketball season is finally here. In the nearly seven months since the Orange’s 2024-25 campaign ended against SMU in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, the program has completely rehauled its roster.
Alongside returners J.J. Starling and Donnie Freeman, the Orange brought in six transfers and one of the nation’s best freshmen classes. On the heels of missing March Madness in four straight years, this is a pivotal season for Syracuse.
If SU’s NCAA Tournament drought extends to five, head coach Adrian Autry may or may not be fired. To begin the year, the Orange host Binghamton in what should be another tune-up game after exhibition wins against Buffalo and Pace.
Here’s everything to know before Syracuse’s (0-0, ACC) season-opener against Binghamton (0-0, America East):
All-time series
Syracuse leads 5-0.
Last time they played
The Orange defeated the Bearcats 93-65 on Dec. 7, 2013. Syracuse, then a top-five team in the country, improved its record to 9-0. CJ Fair led SU with 19 points, while Trevor Cooney (17), Jerami Grant (14), DaJuan Coleman (13) and Ron Patterson (10) all scored in double-digits.
KenPom odds
Syracuse has a 97% chance of winning, with a projected score of 86-65.
The Bearcat report
Like Syracuse, Binghamton is rolling out a new-look squad this year. Arguably, the Bearcats’ five best players from last year’s 15-17 team — Tymu Chenery (graduation), Gavin Walsh (UNC Wilmington), Ben Callahan-Gold (graduation), Nehemiah Benson (graduation) and Chris Walker (University of Illinois Chicago) — are no longer with the program.
According to KenPom’s rankings, Binghamton is ranked No. 323 in the nation, while EvanMiya projects it slightly lower at No. 328. In simple terms, the Bearcats are projected to be one of the worst teams in college basketball this year.
By EvanMiya’s projection of BPR — which aims to capture a player’s value per possession — the Bearcats’ only player expected to have positive value this year is Demetrius Lilley, a 6-foot-9 senior center.
Meanwhile, their only player expected to have a positive offensive BPR is Jeremiah Quigley, a 5-foot-11 guard who averaged 10.8 points at Iona in 2023-24 before playing just nine games at George Mason last year.
How Syracuse beats Binghamton
Syracuse beats Binghamton as long as it doesn’t play down to the Bearcats’ level. An essential part of that is playing controlled, which it struggled with (17 turnovers) when nearly collapsing against Buffalo in its first exhibition game.
It’s something the Orange will likely have growing pains with early this year, as they adapt to playing at a higher pace. However, it’s crucial they don’t consistently shoot themselves in the foot, especially against lower-tier nonconference opponents.
Additionally, SU can’t shoot 5-of-21 from beyond the arc like it did against Pace. Shooting 3s is synonymous with playing fast, but Syracuse can’t just shoot them for the sake of shooting them — especially if it’s missing the mark.
Look for the Orange to attack the rim early to set the tone offensively, especially in transition. From there, it’ll be about keeping their foot on the gas pedal, as they try to cruise to an easy win.
Stat to know: 5
SU opened its season against Le Moyne, Colgate and Youngstown State last year. Across those three games, the Orange’s average margin of victory was just five points. It was an early sign they likely weren’t going to fare too well in Autry’s second year at the helm despite winning all three.
During his Media Day press conference, Autry discussed the importance of continuing to play hard with a big lead because it’s one of the metrics the committee uses when selecting March Madness teams. Against Binghamton and Delaware State on Saturday, it’s crucial for Syracuse to not only win — but to win big.
A repeat of last year’s start to the season would be unacceptable. Setting the tone versus the Bearcats should be Autry and Co.’s main point of emphasis heading into the season opener.
Player to watch: Jeremiah Quigley, guard, No. 2
Binghamton is Quigley’s third program in as many years after transferring from George Mason over the offseason. Quigley was mostly relegated to the bench as a sophomore with the Patriots, averaging just 8.0 minutes and 1.2 points across nine games.
However, as a freshman at Iona, he was a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Rookie Team selection after averaging 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists across 33 contests. He shot 41.4% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc throughout the campaign.
An Accokeek, Maryland, native, Quigley played high school basketball at national powerhouse Bishop McNamara, where he was its leading scorer as a senior and a McDonald’s All-America nominee. He also played AAU basketball for Team Takeover, the same program where Autry once coached and Freeman played for while in high school.
