Syracuse basketball's poor defense last season has turned stellar so far this year

Yes, Syracuse basketball has only played two games to date in its 2025-26 season. But over those two contests, both wins over non-conference foes, the Orange's defense has been smothering. That's an encouraging sign as the 'Cuse eyes a return to the NCAA Tournament following a four-year absence.

Entering games this weekend, Syracuse basketball is allowing a mere 45.0 points per encounter. That's No. 1 in the country. By the way, checking in at No. 2, at 50.00 points per game, is top-ranked Houston. The Orange and the Cougars will go toe to toe later this month at the NIL-driven Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

In 2024-25, when the 'Cuse went 14-19 overall, the Syracuse basketball defense gave up 77.8 points per contest, as the Orange's opponents shot 46.3 percent from the field. That was a huge problem area for Syracuse basketball.

Over the summer during workouts, and during the team's preseason practices, defense was a primary focus for the 'Cuse, Syracuse basketball coaches have said. They also recruited, via the transfer portal and at the high school level, a group of players who possess athleticism, versatility and agility.

That has shown up so far for the Orange on the defensive end in 2025-26, although let's see how the squad fares when it plays Houston and No. 25 Kansas in Las Vegas, as well as No. 20 Tennessee in early December at the JMA Wireless Dome as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge.

Syracuse basketball's defense, through two games, has been elite.

For context, the Orange owns home wins over Binghamton and Delaware State. Neither of those opponents is overly impressive. On Saturday, the 'Cuse will travel to Philadelphia to face Drexel, before hosting Monmouth next week and then heading to the Sin City.

In 2025-26, the Orange's foes are making just 26.36 percent from the field. That puts Syracuse basketball at No. 2 nationally in this category. The 'Cuse is No. 1 nationwide in 3-point shooting defense, at 7.4 percent.

In other defensive categories, Syracuse basketball is No. 5 with 8.5 blocks per game; tied for No. 26 in turnovers forced per contest, at 18.50; tied for No. 15 in turnover margin; and the Orange is also averaging an impressive 10.5 steals per game.

These are all highly encouraging signs, albeit in a small sample size. However, if the 'Cuse can hold a pace anywhere close to what it's doing now on the defensive end, Syracuse basketball will be dancing come next March.