Center Uche Izoje had one of the greatest freshman campaigns in Syracuse women's basketball history this past season, and national observers believe that the 6-foot-3 Izoje is poised for an even bigger sophomore stanza.
ESPN recently did a deep dive on the upcoming 2026-27 season in women's college basketball, and experts with the national media outlet list Izoje, who hails from Nigeria, as one of the sport's "10 players with breakout potential."
To be fair (and ESPN acknowledged this), Izoje already broke out as a freshman on the Hill, winning a whole host of awards and honors in helping guide the Orange to 24 victories in 2025-26, when SU reached the 2026 NCAA Tournament's second round.
In late March, word broke that Izoje would come back to Syracuse for her sophomore season, a massive retention effort by head coach Felisha Legette-Jack and her staff. In 2025-26, the 'Cuse went 24-9 overall and significantly exceeded preseason expectations from national and Atlantic Coast Conference pundits.
Syracuse basketball center Uche Izoje had a historic freshman season.
This past term, Izoje averaged 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals and an ACC-leading 2.6 blocks per contest while making 55.4 percent from the field. Among her numerous accolades, Izoje was named the ACC rookie of the year, and she resided on the All-ACC first team, the league's All-Defensive squad and the conference's All-Freshman team.
ESPN, noting the success that Izoje garnered in 2025-26, said of her upcoming sophomore season: "We could see even more national acclaim this season for the 6-3 center from Nigeria."
Looking ahead to 2026-27, Syracuse women's basketball, like many of its peers, will have a vastly different roster, inclusive of returnees, international prospects, college transfers and incoming freshmen.
Izoje will be the centerpiece of the Orange's line-up in 2026-27. Earlier this month, SU announced a commitment from guard Célaine Ricco, who is from France. Similar to Syracuse men's basketball, Legette-Jack and her assistants have looked overseas for players to join the 'Cuse for the upcoming campaign.
Syracuse's roster additions for next season include:
•Célaine Ricco, a guard from Seine-et-Marne, France
•Elif Çayir, a guard from Ankara, Turkey
•Iowa sophomore wing Emely Rodriguez
•Temple junior forward Jaleesa Molina
•SMU graduate student guard Tyi Skinner
•Oregon junior forward Sarah Rambus
•Forward Destiny Robinson of St. Mary's College Preparatory High School in Manhasset, N.Y.
•Guard Madison Howard of Monsignor Scanlan High School in the Bronx, N.Y.
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