Former Georgia Tech guard Naithan George transfers to Syracuse
Syracuse landed former Georgia Tech guard Naithan George from the transfer portal. George led the ACC with 6.5 assists per game last season. Leonardo Eriman | Asst. Video Editor
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Former Georgia Tech guard Naithan George has transferred to Syracuse, On3’s Joe Tipton reported Friday. A 6-foot-3 guard, George is the Orange’s third portal pickup of the offseason following former UCLA forward William Kyle and former Oregon State guard Nate Kingz.
“They told me I’m the main target, the only target,” George told ESPN Friday about Syracuse. “They were the main ones calling me every day, the head coach, assistants, players. I love Syracuse, the history they have. It’s a winning program. We’re going to bring them back to the NCAA Tournament and go on a run there.”
A Toronto native, George has two years of eligibility remaining. To start his collegiate career, he’s had two productive seasons at GT. George averaged 9.8 points per game as a freshman in 2023-24 along with a team-leading 4.7 assists per game.
In 2024-25, George upped his production to 12.3 points per game and led the Atlantic Coast Conference with 6.5 assists per game. George also boosted his 3-point percentage from 31.4% to 33.9% and increased his free-throw percentage from 69.0% to 78.9%. His performance earned him All-ACC Honorable Mention honors.
George slots into Syracuse’s backcourt alongside the returning J.J. Starling, who averaged a team-high 17.8 points in 2024-25, and the incoming Kingz, who averaged 11.8 points with the Beavers on 44.6% 3-point shooting.
“They need someone to come in and run the show,” George told ESPN about SU. “They are returning some great pieces and bringing in new ones. We’re going to have shooters everywhere.”
SU’s backcourt was initially left emaciated following the season with Jaquan Carlos and Lucas Taylor out of eligibility and Elijah Moore and Kyle Cuffe Jr. entering the transfer portal. But George provides a necessary boost to the unit.
