Syracuse Men’s basketball is historically one of the most prolific programs in the country. 41 NCAA tournament appearances, 7 final fours, and a national championship in 2003. However, in the last 10 years, the Orange have treaded water. Their last tournament appearance was in 2021, the longest drought for the program since the 1960s.
In 2021, legendary coach Jim Boeheim retired and his long-time Associate Head Coach Adrian Autry took over. After a 20 -win season in 2023-24, Syracuse finished below .500 last year. However, fans opinions are contradicting.
What do local fans think?
Some local fans are frustrated. In a poll conducted by CNYCentral at the end of last season, 66% of fans thought Adrian Autry needed to be replaced.
Lifelong Syracuse fan and Glens Falls, NY native Nicholas Westfall shares this sentiment.
“There was a love for the team that I feel like doesn’t exist anymore. And there was a sense of camaraderie in not only companionship, but in excellence,” said Westfall.
A fan base which is so used to success that it has a set standard that they’re finding difficult to accept.
What do students think?
When you’re a first-year student, coming to a new school, you will always give your sports teams the benefit of the doubt. Otto’s Army, SU’s student-run fan organization, has already sold out its season tickets for basketball this year.
Freshman Franco Vivanco told me that he “can’t wait for basketball [season]. I think we can make a run in March Madness.”
The optimism in those words can’t be overstated. There is a reason for the excitement. Syracuse has a top 15 recruiting class, which includes Sadiq White, a top 30 recruit, and Kiyan Anthony, a top 50 recruit and SU legend Carmelo Anthony’s son.