A Letter from the Editor

2026 ACC Tournament Guide

Nicholas Alumkal, Sports Editor

Dear readers,

As Syracuse’s basketball teams near the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, one team has shown significant growth this season, while the other remains stagnant.

The women’s squad has gone from squeaking into the ACC Tournament a year ago to being No. 7 seed in 2026. They’ve flipped their regular-season conference record from 6-12 last campaign to 12-6 this year. Newcomers and returners with experience have keyed that improvement. Nigerian center Uche Izoje has been a revelation in her first year and was named the conference’s Rookie of the Year Tuesday. New associate head coach Natasha Adair has brought knowledge to the bench. And transfers Laila Phelia and Dominique Darius have brought March Madness experience — along with returner Sophie Burrows — to offer SU as it looks on pace to return to the Big Dance.

As for the men’s squad, change may be in the cards after another disappointing campaign creeps to a close. Becoming Syracuse’s head coach was Adrian Autry’s dream job, but his time in the job may be nearing an end after three years. A late-season spark from two transfers he acquired ahead of this season could help him remain in the post. Guard Nate Kingz has been a consistent 3-point threat after seeking refuge in basketball during early-life obstacles. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech transfer Naithan George has brought his playmaking ability to central New York.

The Daily Orange has everything you need to know about Syracuse basketball before it embarks at the ACC Tournament.

— Thanks for reading,

Nicholas Alumkal | Sports Editor

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