Syracuse Basketball: Here's why the Orange's key to success is a healthy JJ Starling

I know some will read the title and think “Duh! Yeah!” and others might think he’s a part of it but try to brush it off as inferior opponents so far since his return. But it’s not that…it’s the fact that a healthy JJ Starling is the best asset this Syracuse basketball team has to have any success this season.

And look, I’m not saying other guys aren’t contributing or factors too. But there is something about JJ when he’s on the court that he also seems to bring out the best in everyone and not just have to score all the points himself.

I said when JJ, the junior guard, was out due to an injury that was a big reason the team struggled so much. He and junior small forward Chris Bell are the guys returning who know Syracuse basketball head coach Adrian Autry and have experience together. They had some success last season (they did win 20 games and upset UNC). And while Bell seemingly has struggled to find his rhythm this season, even he seems to be at least somewhat better with JJ in the game.

I even called into Coach Autry’s show this past week to ask him about JJ and his impact on the team. Coach pointed to his leadership and making the game easier for others, and Starling gives them confidence. And in the BC victory post-game press conference, Autry spoke about how well JJ was communicating with him about things he was seeing out there to help with plays and matchups.

Syracuse basketball junior JJ Starling is one of the top guards in the ACC and nationally.

Yes, for this team to win, JJ will likely have to score a decent amount of points and make plays. But because he can do that, teams have to respect him and cover him more, leaving more opportunities for others to take advantage.

So before you start jumping off cliffs and swearing you’re done watching, how about we start giving this team a bit more support with a healthy JJ Starling (a local B’Ville guy by the way too) leading the way? After all, if this team can make it to the ACC tournament, which I think it can, the winner gets an automatic bid and therefore calling this season over is a bit premature in my opinion.

And I’m sure some of the most excitable of you will read that and try to call me out but there is a reason games are decided on the court and not social media polls. And if JJ is healthy and the rest of this team is behind him and motivated, plus a healthy Donnie Freeman, Kyle Cuffe and Lucas Taylor finding their groove, and a battling Eddie Lampkin down low, I’m riding and dying with the team, my Syracuse Orange, until the season is officially over and I’m not ruling out anything until it is.