Syracuse basketball will likely have to grind out some wins during the 2026-27 season. The team's roster has talent, but the Orange's talent level may not be at the same level as some of its non-conference foes, like Indiana this coming Monday night, or upcoming foes in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
At least that's what some fans whom I interact with on social media believe. In any event, the 'Cuse played much better in its second game than it did in the 2026-27 season opener. First-year head coach Gerry McNamara was angry with his players for how they played in a 16-point home win against New Haven last Monday night.
This past Thursday evening, though, Syracuse basketball (2-0 overall) was fantastic in a 102-49 victory against Central Connecticut State at the JMA Wireless Dome. SU put together a complete effort against the Blue Devils on both ends of the court and in each half.
Nothing was more indicative of the Orange's selfless team effort against Central Connecticut State than when fifth-year forward Amarri Monroe, who transferred to Syracuse from Quinnipiac and has dealt with eligibility issues in court with the NCAA, dove on the floor for a loose ball with fewer than four minutes left in this non-conference contest and SU leading by 47 points.
Syracuse basketball's hustle plays will, hopefully, help the Orange grit out some triumphs this season.
McNamara, heading into his first campaign as the 'Cuse head coach, has stressed fight and toughness. He expects his players to give maximum effort on every possesion, no matter the score. That kind of energy level from SU players is what the Orange needs to compete with the big-boy programs that have more "talent."
After Thursday's win, Monroe said, "We talked about being a 40-minute team. So, I mean, it doesn’t matter how much we’re up. I still want to play with that same intensity. Get the crowd into it. Get the bench into it."
Monroe definitely accomplished all those things in a single play. McNamara, in his post-game press conference, said: "Forty points and you make a play like that, laying down the line every second, every possession. It’s who we’re gonna be. It’s who we need to be all the time. Just a hell of a play, a hell of an effort. But that’s who we need to be."
It remains to be seen how the Orange will fare against tougher competition. We'll know more about SU on Monday against the Hoosiers in Indianapolis. The team's second game was encouraging. All the little things will be vital for Syracuse basketball.
Hustle plays. Limiting turnovers. Rebounding. Defense. Making free throws. Being mentally sound. Getting steals and easy buckets in transition. Those are key components of McNamara's system. Fans, including myself, are waiting to see just how good the Orange can be on offense, and if SU will be competent from 3-point land.
Syracuse basketball has had two straight losing seasons. The 'Cuse hasn't made the annual NCAA Tournament since 2021. What Monroe did against the Blue Devils is a blueprint for the Orange to succeed against foes that have more talent and bigger roster budgets.
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