As we turn our focus to the Syracuse basketball team heading into the 2025-26 season, there’s a palpable sense of excitement around the backcourt. The Orange are armed with two seasoned ACC players at point guard, Naithan George and J.J. Starling, who promise to bring stability and experience to the floor. Meanwhile, with the tandem of Starling and incoming freshman Kiyan Anthony in the mix, the shooting guard position looks just as promising.
However, the frontcourt raises some intriguing questions—there’s only one returning player, meaning Syracuse will see a wave of new faces taking the court this season. Let’s dive into what the depth chart looks like, particularly at the small forward position, which will be crucial for the team’s success.
Starter: Nate Kingz
Although officially pegged as a shooting guard, all signs indicate that Nate Kingz will take on the starting small forward role for Syracuse. With George and Starling expected to secure their spots as starters, Kingz slides in as a crucial third guard. A transfer from Oregon State, he showcased his shooting prowess last season, hitting an impressive 44.6% from behind the arc while averaging 11.8 points per game. Syracuse certainly needs a sharpshooter to space the floor, and Kingz fits that bill. Fans will recall last year’s expectations for Chris Bell in a similar role, and while Kingz may be on a different path, his ability to create his own shot off the bounce adds another dimension to his game. For Syracuse to contend, it’s vital that Kingz can consistently convert open looks.
Backup: Kiyan Anthony
Joining Kingz in the backcourt rotation is Kiyan Anthony, who looks poised to make an immediate impact as he settles into his freshman year. Much like his role as the primary backup to Starling at shooting guard, you can expect Anthony to see significant minutes as a small forward or even as a third guard. Given the anticipated heavy minutes for George and Starling, Anthony’s ability to adapt on the court will be essential. While there are understandable concerns regarding his contributions on the glass and defensively at the small forward spot, getting him involved in different positions should enhance Syracuse’s offensive flow.
Third String: Sadiq White Jr.
Next up on the roster is Sadiq White Jr., who naturally leans toward the power forward role, especially with Donnie Freeman returning. But head coach Adrian Autry has a chance to think outside the box and utilize White strategically to maximize his playing time. Described as a high-flying athlete, White has the potential to electrify fans with his highlight-reel plays in transition. Autry’s preferred style often includes three guards, but experimenting with White at small forward could provide a larger, more athletic look for Syracuse, particularly on defense, where size and versatility become crucial.
Emergency Option: Aaron Womack
Finally, we have Aaron Womack, who steps in as a less heralded freshman compared to his peers. Despite not attracting significant attention from prominent power-conference programs, Womack carries a reputation as a solid shooter. Whether he gets an opportunity to showcase this skill extensively during his first year remains to be seen. With Kingz and Anthony leading the charge at small forward, there’s a chance Womack could start off on the sidelines. However, his size and shooting ability could surprise fans and make him a deeper part of the rotation as the season unfolds.
In summary, as Syracuse gears up for the season, their small forward situation presents a mix of opportunity and uncertainty, with new players eager to carve out their roles in the system. As these players develop and the chemistry grows, it will be fascinating to see how the Orange put all the pieces together.
