Syracuse, N.Y. ― The Syracuse Orange basketball team that took the court for Monday’s season-opener against Binghamton looked nothing like the squad that struggled through a 14-19 campaign last season.
This wasn’t just another early season tune-up against an overmatched opponent — it was a statement about what this new-look team intends to be.
The Orange thumped the Bearcats 85-47 at the JMA Wireless Dome.
In the latest episode of the “Inside Syracuse Basketball” podcast, former Orange point guard Brandon Triche joined host Mike Waters to break down what made this performance so different, highlighting a defensive intensity that has been missing from the dome for the past few years.
“They were playing so much good defense that they had what, 16 turnovers at halftime, which is ... I don’t care who you playing against,” Triche said during the conversation.
That defensive pressure wasn’t just impressive in isolation – it completely changed the dynamic of how Syracuse plays.
The most striking visual difference? The sheer number of highlight-reel plays above the rim. In a stunning statistical revelation that perfectly encapsulates the transformation, Waters pointed out: “Last year, the team leader in dunks for the season was Eddie Lampkin with 15 for the whole year. Last Monday night against Binghamton, William Kyle had seven dunks.”
That’s seven dunks in one game from a player who embodies the new athletic identity of this team.
This isn’t just about adding a few exciting plays – it represents a fundamental shift in how Syracuse basketball operates. The defensive intensity directly feeds the transition game.
“I keep on harping on the defensive end because yes, that allowed them to get into transition and make the game fun again,” Triche said. “If it’s a halfcourt game, sometimes you got to figure more things out ... but everybody plays a little bit looser, more efficient in transition.”
The podcast conversation revealed how the Orange’s length and athleticism – particularly from players like Kyle, who Triche described as “an incredible defender” – disrupts opponents in ways that create opportunities.
Despite the absence of JJ Starling, who left with an apparent hamstring injury just three minutes into the contest, the Orange never slowed down. The team’s depth was on display as multiple players stepped into expanded roles.
Perhaps most encouraging was the ball movement and decision-making of point guard Naithan George, who finished with eight assists and just one turnover. The five steals he accumulated were more than any Syracuse player recorded in a single game last season.
This performance wasn’t just about beating Binghamton – it was about establishing an identity. The defensive energy, the transition opportunities, the athletic finishes at the rim – these elements combined to make Syracuse basketball look like, well, Syracuse basketball again.
“You’re going to see a lot more dunks this year,” Triche predicted in the podcast.
For the full breakdown of Syracuse’s impressive season opener, including detailed analysis from Triche on specific players and strategies, be sure to listen to the complete episode of the “Inside Syracuse Basketball.”
