Syracuse Men’s Basketball: A Season of Change

The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team is undergoing a significant roster makeover, and the latest development is the departure of center William Patterson, who has entered the transfer portal. This news comes as no surprise, given the team’s recent struggles and the influx of new talent.

Patterson, a 7-foot-2 center from Brooklyn, NY, was a three-star recruit who committed to Syracuse over Oklahoma State and TCU. However, he redshirted during the 2023-24 season, and his decision to enter the transfer portal marks the seventh player from last year’s team to do so this offseason.

Syracuse Orange logo

The Orange’s frontcourt depth was hampered by injuries to Naheem McLeod, Mounir Hima, and Peter Carey over the course of the past season. Despite this, Patterson did not see any playing time, even when the team was struggling with injuries.

“It was hard to see a solid role for Patterson next season, especially with McLeod’s return, the transfer portal acquisition of former Colorado center Eddie Lampkin Jr., and the addition of Donnie Freeman, whose stock continues to rise by the day.” - Source

Patterson’s departure brings the total number of roster changes this offseason to eight, with Judah Mintz confirming he will enter the 2024 NBA Draft process. The Orange have also added former Delaware forward Jyare Davis and former Hofstra guard Jaquan Carlos through the transfer portal.

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As the team navigates this period of change, coach Adrian Autry will be tasked with rebuilding and retooling the roster for the upcoming season. With Patterson’s departure, the Orange will enter next season with McLeod as the only returning center from the 2023-24 roster.

Adrian Autry

The offseason of roster turnover continues for the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team, and only time will tell how these changes will impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season.