Syracuse basketball’s head coach transitioned from Jim Boeheim to Adrian Autry in March 2023. Autry’s initial recruits, both five-star prospects, indicate a promising start in recruiting, especially considering Syracuse’s recent challenges in attracting top talent since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference. This positive trend mirrors the success seen in football recruiting under new head coach Fran Brown.
Despite successful recruiting, winning games remains a separate challenge. Autry’s debut season as head coach saw Syracuse achieve a 20-12 record, marking the first time in a decade the team attained at least 20 regular-season wins.
In terms of recruiting specifics, one notable commit before Autry’s tenure was William Patterson, a three-star big man. However, Autry secured commitments from two standout players for the 2024 class: four-star shooting guard Elijah Moore and five-star power forward Donnie Freeman. Freeman’s stock rose significantly during his senior year at IMG Academy, making him one of the top prospects nationally.
Adrian Autry and his assistants have Syracuse basketball recruiting at an impressive level.
Looking ahead, the recent commitment of five-star forward Sadiq White Jr. for the 2025 class adds to Syracuse’s recruiting momentum. White’s decision over several other prestigious programs underscores Autry and his staff’s effectiveness in attracting top talent.
While Autry’s role in recruiting cannot be overstated, credit is also due to his talented assistants. Additionally, the staff’s efforts extended beyond high school recruits, securing commitments from highly-rated college transfers.
While fans anticipate Syracuse’s return to the NCAA Tournament, Autry’s recruiting achievements demonstrate significant progress toward that goal. White’s commitment signals a strong start for the 2025 class, with the potential for further additions in the near future.