Syracuse basketball fell by 20 points at N.C. State earlier this week, extending the Orange's skid to four games amid more and more calls from 'Cuse fans for head coach Adrian Autry to be let go.
In that game, former Orange guard Quadir Copeland, who is having a fabulous senior season for the Wolfpack, was terrific in helping lead N.C. State to an easy 88-68 victory in Raleigh, N.C.
Former Syracuse basketball standout point guard Judah Mintz, who alongside Copeland was part of Syracuse basketball's strong 2022 class, had a few thoughts that he shared on X amid the Orange's setback to the Wolfpack.
Have a look (and ouch).
You reap what you sow…
— Judah Mintz (@Jmintz10) January 28, 2026
No way did we tell qua he can’t come back😭😭😭
— Judah Mintz (@Jmintz10) January 28, 2026
One day prior to the Syracuse basketball road contest at N.C. State, Syracuse.com had a lengthy article on Copeland, which included details on why he decided to transfer out of the 'Cuse after his sophomore year. I'd encourage you to check it out.
There is so much tension right now surrounding the Syracuse basketball program.
I understand why Judah has said what he's said on social media. It's a rough time for Orange hoops. And then if you read the comments below his X posts, there are fans sharing their thoughts, and it's unfortunate to read all this negative stuff.
Bro our assist to turnover ratio is literally opposite of what it should be…
— Judah Mintz (@Jmintz10) January 17, 2026
I've come across posts on X where other former Syracuse basketball players have weighed in on Copeland, Autry and the state of the Orange program these days.
Today, I asked former SU guard Eric Devendorf if he thought it would be time to move on from Adrian Autry if SU misses the tournament for the fifth-straight year
— Samantha Croston (@SamCroston1) January 28, 2026
"It's a tough call," he said. "It's going in the direction where you would probably make a move " pic.twitter.com/ou8FAmtrHZ
#Cuse 🍊 pic.twitter.com/yrxB4cx8Ov
— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) January 25, 2026
— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) January 27, 2026
I've argued that firing Autry before the 2025-26 season ends is not the right move, for various reasons. The Orange (12-9 overall, 3-5 in the ACC) will next play Notre Dame (11-10 overall, 2-6 in ACC) this Saturday night on the Hill.
It's a junior day for Syracuse football at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, too, with many high school recruits expected to attend the hoops contest. Should the Fighting Irish embarrass the 'Cuse, and the boos from the fan base grow even louder, I don't know - maybe SU athletics director John Wildhack will have to make a head coaching change sooner rather than later.
As a proud Syracuse University alum who has been passionate about 'Cuse basketball for decades, I'm saddened by what has come of this once-storied program. The fan base's frustrations are undeniable. Hopefully, though, Orange coaches and players can block out the noise and put forth a good performance - and grab a win - against Notre Dame.