Observations from SU’s win vs. Delaware State: Aggressive Freeman, lockdown defense
In his first career start, Kiyan Anthony continued to impress, pouring in 19 points to compensate for J.J. Starling's absence. Avery Magee | Asst. Photo Editor
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Syracuse continued its smooth start to the 2025 season versus Delaware State. This time last year, the Orange were struggling against lowly nonconference opponents like Le Moyne, Colgate and Youngstown State. Now, they’re dominating them.
Adrian Autry’s squad will be tested later this month with a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada for the Players Era Men’s Championship. But for now, SU’s taking care of business. Freshman Kiyan Anthony continued to show off his polished offensive repertoire, finishing with 19 points. Meanwhile, Donnie Freeman put together one of his best performances with Syracuse, adding a game-high 20.
Here are some observations from Syracuse’s (2-0, Atlantic Coast) 83-43 win over Delaware State (0-1, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Kiyan Shines in Starling’s absence
Syracuse was without starting shooting guard J.J. Starling after he suffered a lower body injury in its win over Binghamton. Autry noted postgame that Starling would be “fine,” and the injury wasn’t serious. Still, the Orange played without him Saturday.
Anthony earned his first career start in Starling’s place. The freshman had a stellar debut versus Binghamton, scoring 15 points. He continued to be aggressive Saturday. Anthony misfired on his first two attempts from 3 but wasn’t deterred.
He ran the floor with Nate Kingz, receiving a perfect pass to get on the board. Then, a smooth drive in transition led to an easy dumpoff for Freeman under the basket. Coming out of a timeout, Anthony maneuvered through the lane, gliding to the rim.
Later in the half, he drilled a triple, getting fouled in the process. Anthony’s diversified offensive arsenal is key. He didn’t just jack up 3s whenever he got the chance, like some freshmen. He picked his moments and attacked. Anthony made another difficult drive look easy despite running into traffic, slipping through the bodies for an easy floater.
Anthony stayed aggressive in the second half. On SU’s opening possession, he finished through contact for another and-1. With Syracuse cruising, there was no need for Anthony to hunt his shot as much late. He drilled his second 3-pointer of the day, swishing home a wide-open look from the top of the key, which wrapped up his day.
Aggressive Donnie
It was clear that Donnie Freeman didn’t reach his full potential with Syracuse last season. A foot injury cut his season short, ruining his chances of being a one-and-done prospect. Instead of exploring the transfer portal, Freeman came back to Syracuse.
The 6-foot-9 forward showed off his array of skills against Delaware State. Syracuse’s opening possession was designed to get the forward a look at the top of the key. Coming from the weakside, Freeman popped open and knocked down a triple.
Freeman’s skillset was on display when he poked the ball away from a Delaware State guard, kickstarting a fast break for Syracuse. With two defenders cutting down his angle on the inside, Freeman scooted by them, finishing easily. Freeman turned distributor later on, kicking out to Bryce Zephir after the defense collapsed when the forward got into the paint.
Syracuse turned up the pressure defensively, leading to endless fastbreak opportunities, and Freeman led the charge. An easy dunk gave him his fifth bucket of the first half following one of nine first half giveaways from the Hornets. It put Syracuse up 26-9, forcing Delaware State to call a timeout.
Freeman’s 13 halftime points nearly eclipsed Delaware State’s total at half (17). He had a quiet second half but continued his stellar start to the season, finishing 6-for-8 from the field and 7-for-10 from the free throw line for 20 points.
Defensive clamps
Syracuse’s defense continues to be impressive through its first two games of the season. The Orange held Binghamton to just 33% shooting, and that trend continued Saturday. Delaware State had just five made field goals in the first half, which Freeman equaled by himself.
Defense was a problem for the Orange last season. They were 152nd in the country in defensive rating, per KenPom, and allowed the second-most points per game in the ACC (77.8). Through two games — albeit against weak competition — the Orange are showing that they’re a far better defensive team this time around.
It all starts with SU’s athleticism. William Kyle III offers much more as a rim protector than Eddie Lampkin Jr., while Naithan George sets the tone. Kyle was a menace in the paint Saturday, finishing with a career-high six blocks.
SU’s defense experimented during the first few minutes Saturday by applying full-court pressure. The Orange later backed off, but that same pressure was applied in the half court. Delaware State’s guards couldn’t handle the heat, turning the ball over constantly, giving Syracuse easy opportunities in transition. The Orange scored 14 points off Hornets giveaways in the first half.
Rahmir Moore tried driving, but on the weakside came Freeman and Kyle. Neither got a piece, but forced up a wild attempt, which ended in a shot clock violation. Additionally, Delaware State’s first 3-pointer didn’t come until nine minutes remaining in the second when Ponce James threw up a prayer from the outside.
George and Kingz struggle
Two of Syracuse’s key additions this offseason were George and Kingz. George had an encouraging debut, filling up the stat sheet. Kingz — a marksman 3-point shooter — missed both of his attempts from beyond the arc.
SU’s backcourt mates couldn’t get anything going against the Hornets. George was uncharacteristically careless with the ball, turning it over five times, after just one giveaway on Monday. Meanwhile, Kingz didn’t find his shooting touch until knocking down his first 3 of the season late in the second half.
Last campaign, Kingz shot 44.6% from deep with Oregon State on 4.2 attempts per game. His shooting touch is there, and shots should eventually fall. But through three games, he hasn’t hunted them as much. Kingz isn’t someone who’s going to create his shot himself. He’s a threat when catching and shooting, which he showed when knocking down a shot off a feed from White.
Meanwhile, George had an off-day, but with Anthony and Freeman playing so well, the point guard’s struggles were masked. George led the ACC in assists last season at 6.5 per game, so his meager three assists likely won’t be a common occurrence this season.
