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Letter From the Editor
Dear Readers,
Following its first season under Adrian Autry, Syracuse's roster underwent many changes. Autry looks to build a team that can put SU in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021. On the flipside, Felisha Legette-Jack led SU's women's program to a resurgent season in 2023-24. The Orange tied a program-record with 23 regular season wins, but now have to grapple with the loss of star point guard Dyaisha Fair.
After losing Judah Mintz, Quadir Copeland and Maliq Brown, Autry found replacements. Donavan Freeman highlights a talented freshman class. The forward spent the summer playing alongside NBA players with the Bahamas National Team. Fellow freshman Elijah Moore broke out as a viral sensation this past year with his patented elbow celebration. Colorado transfer Eddie Lampkin rounds out SU's roster, bringing March Madness experience and a much-needed post presence.
On the women's side, Georgia Woolley looks to replace Fair's immense production and step in as the No. 1 option. Woolley spent the last two seasons as Syracuse's No. 2 scorer. The Orange also brought in LSU transfer point guard Angelica Velez to bring stability to SU's backcourt. Freshman Shy Hawkins is another key addition for Syracuse. The No. 72 overall recruit in the class of 2024, Hawkins is Legette-Jack's highest-ranked commit.
The Daily Orange's 2024 Basketball Guide has everything you need to know ahead of the 2024-25 season for Syracuse men's and women's basketball.
Thanks for reading
Zak Wolf | Sports Editor
BAHAMAS' PROMISE
Donavan Freeman's summer with the Bahamas National Team prepared him for SU
By: Zak Wolf | Sports Editor
Before his freshman season, Donavan Freeman played with the Bahamas National team, as it looked to make the Olympics for the first time ever. Freeman learned from NBA players like Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon and Buddy Hield. Though he had limited playing time, Freeman gained invaluable experience being around professionals everyday. He hopes to parlay the newly acquired knowledge into a successful stint with Syracuse.
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SHE'S READY
Georgia Woolley is poised to take Dyaisha Fair's mantle as No. 1 option
By: Nicholas Alumkal | Asst. Copy Editor
With Dyaisha Fair's departure, Georgia Woolley will be tasked with being Syracuse's No. 1 option in 2024-25. Woolley spent the past two seasons as second fiddle to Fair, but is now SU's most experienced player. She spent the summer perfecting her shot mechanics while becoming a more lockdown defender. Now Woolley's tasked with trying to lead the Orange back to the NCAA Tournament for a second straight season.
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BOWS UP
Freshman Elijah Moore brings signature elbow celebration to Syracuse
By: Aiden Stepansky | Asst. Sports Editor
SU freshman Elijah Moore is known for his elite shooting ability. Ahead of his senior season, Moore finished his left arm tattoo sleeve with a bullseye on his elbow, representing his marksman-like shooting ability. After each shot he makes, he points the elbow skyward. The celebration has become a phenomenon, establishing Moore's on-court identity and off-court brand prior to his first year with the Orange.
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'GETTING MY BOOGIE BACK'
After limited minutes at LSU, Angelica Velez is set to play a major role with SU
By: Noah Nussbaum | Asst. Copy Editor
Angelica Velez grew up in a single-parent home, and didn't play basketball until middle school. After spending two seasons of high school in her hometown of the Bronx, she moved to The Webb School in Tennessee. Though originally choosing LSU over SU, Velez transferred to the Orange this season and will serve as their starting point guard, looking to replace the production of Dyaisha Fair a year ago.
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THE BIGGEST DANCER
Eddie Lampkin Jr. brings March Madness pedigree to Syracuse
By: Justin Girshon | Asst. Sports Editor
After spending his first four collegiate seasons at TCU and Colorado, Eddie Lampkin Jr. transferred to Syracuse intending to lead it to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021. While the transfer brings a high pedigree and much-needed experience to SU, it'll mark the first time he's thrust into the spotlight in his career. In the past, it's where the center has thrived most.
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FLIPPING THE SWITCH
Top-100 recruit Shy Hawkins carries memorable senior season into freshman year at SU
By: Timmy Wilcox | Senior Staff Writer
Playing for Christ the King and Long Island Lutheran propelled Shy Hawkins to become a four-star wing prospect, but she wanted to return home for her senior season. So she transferred to local William Floyd High School, where she began her high school career. There, Hawkins' game reached a new level ahead of her freshman season at Syracuse.
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Men's Season Predicitons
Beat writers forecast how Syracuse men's basketball will fare in 2024-25
By: Daily Orange Sports Sraff
Syracuse enters the 2024-25 season with a revamped roster from Adrian Autry's first season at the helm. With Judah Mintz turning professional and Quadir Copeland and Maliq Brown transferring out, the Orange look to J.J. Starling and star freshman Donnie Freeman to lead them back to March for the first time since 2021.
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Women's Season Predicitons
Beat writers predict if SU women's basketball can return to NCAA Tournament for 2nd straight year
By: Daily Orange Sports Sraff
Following its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021, Syracuse women's basketball enters its third season under Felisha Legette-Jack. With Dyaisha Fair's departure, the Orange will look to returners Georgia Woolley, Kyra Wood and other key additions to replace Fair's production and lead them back to the Tournament for a second straight year.
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