Beat writer assesses which of Gerry McNamara’s SU players could stay, go
Donnie Freeman and Nate Kingz are two of the key returners that Gerry McNamara could look to retain in his first season as Syracuse's head coach. Tara Deluca | Asst. Photo Editor
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The transfer portal is a two-way street. Players can choose to leave for a greater opportunity or risk being forced out by a coaching staff that no longer wants them.
SU had five players transfer out and six transfer in after the 2024-25 season. Following Adrian Autry’s firing and Gerry McNamara’s hiring, the Orange could see even more movement this offseason.
McNamara spoke with the remaining players individually last week after receiving the Syracuse head coaching gig and plans to again this week ahead of the transfer portal opening on April 7.
“The cupboard ain’t bare,” McNamara said at his introductory press conference Monday.
He’s expected to have the resources to do whatever is necessary for future success. Here’s the case for whether Syracuse should attempt to retain each player with remaining eligibility:
Donnie Freeman
McNamara was part of the coaching staff that originally recruited Donnie Freeman to Syracuse as the No. 6 player in the 2024 class. With two years of eligibility remaining, Freeman would be a piece worth retaining if McNamara can get him to buy in defensively. SU’s once-potent defense faltered once Freeman returned from injury, and if McNamara wants to build a defense similar to Siena’s, Freeman may not fit the mold.
Freeman might decide to move on by himself. As a freshman in the 2024-25 season, Freeman averaged 13.4 points per game and 7.9 rebounds before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He could’ve explored professional options or other college programs after his debut season, but decided to stay with the Orange. After averaging 16.5 points per game in his sophomore year, Freeman might pull the trigger and depart this offseason.
Donnie Freeman extends an arm out during Syracuse’s contest against Pitt. Freeman led the Orange with an average of 16.5 points per game as a sophomore. Zoe Xixis | Asst. Photo Editor
Naithan George
Naithan George was Syracuse’s transfer portal prize a season ago, expected to rejuvenate its point guard position. George struggled to adjust at first, but still finished with an impressive 5.4 assists per game. He was a hot commodity when he entered the transfer portal last year and chose the Orange over North Carolina. If he hits the market again, he’d likely command similar interest.
George’s struggles were partially due to J.J. Starling’s woes. Any point guard playing next to Starling — who averaged a career-worst 10.9 points per game — would’ve found trouble at certain points last season. Assuming McNamara can land Siena star Gavin Doty out of the transfer portal, George wouldn’t have as much pressure handling the ball and could fit in well. But SU has to be willing to pay that price, because a three-year Atlantic Coast Conference starter won’t come cheap.
Nate Kingz
Nate Kingz is out of eligibility, but is seeking another year with a waiver to void his NAIA and JUCO years. The Orange certainly got their money’s worth with Kingz, who became the squad’s most consistent player through ACC play and into the conference tournament. If granted another year, Kingz fits the mold of player that McNamara thrives with: a gritty defender with efficient offensive play.
After SU’s season ended, the Salem, Oregon, local said he’d love to return to Syracuse if the coaching staff wanted him and he was given another year. Kingz’s cost will rise — both based on his production and the increasing market — but it’d be a smart investment to give the program some continuity.
Addie Guan | Design Editoor
Sadiq White
Sadiq White showcased development and a hard-nosed playstyle in his freshman campaign. It’s plenty for McNamara to work with. White’s 6.1 points per game weren’t anything showstopping, but he played his best in the final weeks of the season as the Autry era came to a slow and painful death. On a winning team, White could be a prolific piece off the bench or a strong fourth option in the starting lineup.
The job openings at both North Carolina and NC State could factor into White’s return to Syracuse, as someone from Charlotte, North Carolina. However, if McNamara wants to preserve roster continuity at a fair value, White might be a player to target. His close relationship with Kiyan Anthony could play a role, and after the ACC Tournament, White said he’d like to return but would “see what his future holds.”
Kiyan Anthony
This one feels fairly obvious. McNamara and Anthony’s father, Carmelo, led the Orange to their only national title in 2003. Despite Anthony’s freshman struggles, it’s only fitting that he develops under his father’s former teammate. Carmelo said on his podcast “7 PM in Brooklyn” that McNamara would “bring something out of (Kiyan) that is the reason people like what they see.”
If Syracuse were to have hired a head coach outside of the family, there could have been a risk of losing Anthony, his brand and the program’s relationship with Carmelo. Instead, Anthony can attempt to take the next step in his career with the Orange’s new staff.
Nate Kingz dribbles the ball past Pitt guard Barry Dunning. If Kingz receives another year of eligibility, he could play alongside Kiyan Anthony in SU’s backcourt. Zoe Xixis | Asst. Photo Editor
Tyler Betsey
Tyler Betsey is an interesting case. On one hand, Betsey transferring would mean he’ll play for his third different school in three college seasons. On the other hand, it might not be his choice. Betsey’s prolific 3-point shooting ability makes him a standout. But according to EvanMiya, he had a team-worst -1.06 defensive Bayesian performance rating, which might make him a poor fit for McNamara.
Betsey was recruited by McNamara out of high school before he chose Cincinnati, and that past relationship might help Betsey stay on board. After the ACC Tournament, Betsey said he didn’t know what he’d do next. His 40.7% 3-point shooting and 6-foot-8 frame are surely intriguing for both Syracuse and other teams if he were to hit the transfer portal.
Akir Souare
As Syracuse’s backup center a season ago, Akir Souare seemed to be a package deal when he and George arrived from Georgia Tech. Souare added defense off the bench, but doesn’t totally fit the offensive scheme McNamara described Monday, featuring the ability to work the ball through the center if initial action breaks down.
Souare’s next move could be based on George’s. Or, Souare might be kindly told to move on for another opportunity as the Orange attempt to build more offensive versatility through the center position in the future.
Luke Fennell, Tiefing Diawara, Calvin Russell III, Aaron Womack
The four freshmen could go either way. Luke Fennell underwent meniscus surgery after the season and is still a prospect with plenty of potential out of Australia. Tiefing Diawara appeared in four games, but found comfort at SU after arriving from Mali.
Calvin Russell III’s future for Syracuse basketball relies heavily on his injury recovery and a new relationship with McNamara. Alongside Fran Brown, Autry played a big role in pushing Russell to play both sports in college. Aaron Womack redshirted in Autry’s final season and announced his intention to enter the transfer portal Tuesday.
