If you’ve been watching the JMA Wireless Dome lately, you know something feels different. It isn’t just the post-Boeheim transition anymore. It’s the sheer athleticism of the 2025-26 roster. Honestly, looking at the syracuse orange basketball stats halfway through January, the numbers tell a story of a team that’s finally found its offensive identity under Adrian Autry.
They are currently sitting at 12-5 overall and 3-1 in the ACC. Not too shabby. Especially when you consider they just came off a high-octane 94-86 win against Florida State.
But let’s get real. The stat sheet is top-heavy. If you want to understand why this team is winning—or why they occasionally disappear—you have to look past the final scores.
The Donnie Freeman Factor: Syracuse Orange Basketball Stats Explained
Basically, Donnie Freeman is the engine. He’s a sophomore now, and the jump he took from year one is kind of insane. He’s averaging 20.4 points per game. That’s not just a "good for a sophomore" stat; it's elite territory.
He’s a 6-foot-9 forward who can actually handle the rock. In that recent Georgia Tech game, he dropped 27. When he's on, Syracuse is nearly impossible to guard because he draws so much gravity in the paint, which opens up the perimeter.
But it’s not just about the scoring. Freeman is grabbing about 6.5 rebounds a night. While those aren't "rebounding specialist" numbers, they're essential for a team that has struggled with second-chance points in the past.
Who Else is Stepping Up?
- Naithan George: The Toronto native is the floor general. He’s averaging 10.3 points, but the 5.8 assists per game are the stat that matters. He had 13 dimes against Florida State. Thirteen! That shows a level of vision we haven't seen in a Syracuse point guard in a minute.
- JJ Starling: The senior leader. He’s steady. 11.3 points per game. He’s the guy who hits the "stop the bleeding" bucket when the opponent goes on an 8-0 run.
- William Kyle III: If you like blocks, you like Kyle. He’s averaging 2.8 blocks per game. He’s essentially the reason the Orange ranks 2nd nationally in total blocks as a team.
The Freshman Impact and the Kiyan Anthony Narrative
You can’t talk about the current syracuse orange basketball stats without mentioning Kiyan Anthony. Yeah, the name carries weight. But the kid is actually playing.
He’s averaging 9.8 points per game coming off the bench or starting occasionally. He isn't forced into the spotlight, but he’s efficient. He’s shooting about 43.6% from the floor. For a freshman in the ACC, that’s respectable.
Then there’s Sadiq White Jr. He’s another 6-foot-9 freshman. He’s contributing 6.9 points and nearly 4 rebounds. When you see White and Freeman on the floor together, the length is terrifying for opposing guards trying to drive the lane.
Team Shooting: The Good and the Ugly
Syracuse is shooting 47.5% as a team. That's actually 85th in the country, which is a massive improvement over recent years. They aren't just chucking; they're getting high-percentage looks.
However, the free-throw line is a nightmare. 62.8%. That is 359th out of 365 teams. Basically, they are one of the worst free-throw shooting teams in Division I. It’s the kind of stat that loses you a game in March. You've seen it happen. A 1-and-1 miss becomes a transition three for the other team, and suddenly a 6-point lead is gone.
Why the Defense is Different This Year
The 2-3 zone isn't the primary soul of this team anymore. Autry has them playing much more man-to-man and aggressive switching.
The stats back up the shift. They are holding opponents to 40.2% shooting. Their defensive rating is 97.3, which is 50th in the nation. They aren't just sitting back; they are active. They average 6.7 blocks per game—ranking them 2nd in the entire country. That’s the William Kyle effect.
When you have a rim protector like Kyle, the guards can take more risks on the perimeter. It's a gamble, but it’s working.
Looking Ahead: The ACC Gauntlet
The schedule is about to get brutal. They’ve got North Carolina twice, Duke on the road, and a very tough Louisville team coming up.
If Syracuse wants to stay in the top half of the ACC, they need more than just the Donnie Freeman show. They need Nate Kingz (9.4 ppg) to find his rhythm from deep—he's currently at 31% from three, which needs to be higher.
They also need to figure out the Hofstra problem. Losing 70-69 to Hofstra in December showed that this team can still play down to its competition when the energy isn't there.
Actionable Insights for Orange Fans
To keep an eye on the true trajectory of this team, don't just look at the points. Watch these three specific metrics over the next month:
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- Free Throw Percentage: If this stays near 60%, they will lose at least two games they should win. Watch if it creeps up toward 70%.
- Naithan George’s Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: He’s currently high-volume. If he keeps the turnovers under 3 while dishing 6+ assists, Syracuse wins.
- Bench Points: When Tyler Betsey (8.4 ppg) and Kiyan Anthony produce double digits together, Syracuse is 8-1.
The talent is there. The athleticism is definitely there. Now it’s just about whether they can hit a few free throws and survive a road trip to Cameron Indoor.
Track the upcoming games against Boston College (Jan 17) and Virginia Tech (Jan 21). These are the "trap" games that define whether a team is a contender or just another mid-tier ACC squad. Check the live box scores for Freeman's early touches; if he gets 10+ points in the first half, the Orange usually coast.