In just over two weeks, Syracuse basketball will have its first official game of the 2025-26 season. Say what, now? I know. It's approaching fast.
Let's dissect some preseason tidbits about the Orange that have arrived lately. For one, the preseason KenPom data are out. Syracuse basketball resides at No. 68 overall, which isn't great, but given where the 'Cuse was in 2024-25 (No. 115), this is a sign that the 'Cuse should be much improved from last season's awful 14-19 record.
In adjusted offensive efficiency, Syracuse basketball sits at No. 49. Throughout the course of 2025-26, the Orange could climb way higher than No. 49. The 'Cuse, at least on paper, has a lot of offensive firepower.
As far as adjusted defensive efficiency goes, the Orange is No. 100 in the preseason. For context, in 2024-25, Syracuse basketball was No. 106 in adjusted offensive efficiency and No. 152 in adjusted defensive efficiency.
What about Syracuse basketball in the ACC's pecking order?
The ACC's preseason media poll was released not too long ago. Syracuse basketball is No. 9. Ahead of the Orange, in order, are No. 1 Duke, No. 2 Louisville, No. 3 North Carolina, No. 4 N.C. State, No. 5 Virginia, No. 6 SMU, No. 7 Clemson and No. 8 Miami.
On paper, Duke and Louisville look like the two front-runners in the conference. Candidly, beyond that, none of those other teams scare me all that much. I'm not saying the Orange will finish in the ACC's top three, but I do think that Syracuse basketball can hover in the No. 4 to the No. 6 range.
Orange senior guard J.J. Starling was named to the preseason All-ACC second team. He also received two votes for the preseason ACC player of the year. For my money, Starling, junior point guard Naithan George and sophomore power forward Donnie Freeman will all contend for All-ACC honors.
Also in recent days, the preseason Associated Press top-25 poll came out. Syracuse didn't receive any votes, which is no surprise. However, the Orange will face numerous teams that are in the preseason AP top 25.
Here's a look:
Houston at No. 2
Syracuse basketball plays the Cougars on Monday, Nov. 24, at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas
Duke at No. 6
Syracuse basketball plays at the Blue Devils on Monday, Feb. 16
Louisville at No. 11
Syracuse basketball plays at the Cardinals on Tuesday, March 3
Tennessee at No. 18
Syracuse basketball hosts the Volunteers on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the ACC/SEC Challenge
Kansas at No. 19
Syracuse basketball plays the Jayhawks on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Players Era Festival in Las Vega
North Carolina at No. 25
Syracuse basketball plays at the Tar Heels on Monday, Feb. 2
Syracuse basketball hosts North Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 21
N.C. State, 101 votes
Syracuse basketball plays at the Wolfpack on Tuesday, Jan. 27
Virginia, 2 votes
Syracuse basketball plays at the Cavaliers on Saturday, Feb. 7