Syracuse, N.Y. – This week’s Mailbox is largely focused on the effects of evolving NCAA regulations.
Questions about roster limits and NIL indicate that readers are actively trying to navigate the changing dynamics of college basketball.
The nature of the inquiries suggests that many are successfully keeping pace with the sport’s transformations.
I hope to provide clarity through my responses as well.
For any questions for the Mailbox, feel free to reach out at [email protected].
Roster Limits and Team Dynamics
Q: Is there a point when 12 players on a team becomes excessive? Only five can be on the court at once.
Kevin S.
Mike: This is a pertinent consideration for college coaches this year, especially with the NCAA allowing rosters of up to 15 players.
While only five players start, most coaches utilize a rotation of eight to nine, sometimes pulling it down to seven players.
Coaches face the challenge of keeping players outside the main rotation content. It’s tough to ensure that bench players remain team-oriented rather than dissatisfied.
From my perspective, managing happiness among 11 or 12 scholarship players is difficult; keeping 15 is nearly impossible.
Current Roster Outlook
Currently, Syracuse coach Adrian Autry has 12 players for the 2025-26 season, which includes returning players (JJ Starling and Donnie Freeman), six transfers (Nait George, William Kyle, Nate Kingz, Ibrahim Souare, Tyler Betsey, and Bryce Zephir), and four incoming freshmen (Kiyan Anthony, Sadiq White, Luke Fennell, and Aaron Womack).
Autry might still add another player, but the current roster could remain intact by November.
The three additional spots may likely be filled by former walk-ons.
The Challenge of Jersey Retirements
Q: Is it becoming increasingly rare for players to have their jerseys retired unless they are exceptional, like Carmelo Anthony?
Paul B.
Mike: Paul raises an intriguing point. The landscape of college basketball is undeniably shifting, with players no longer committing to a single school for four years.
Looking at the players whose jerseys are honored in the JMA Dome, most were three- or four-year players, with Carmelo Anthony as an exception.
As SU moves towards recognizing players like Rudy Hackett and others, it’s valid to question whether future candidates will emerge.
Will SU honor someone like Michael Carter-Williams, a two-year player? What about Jonny Flynn or Tyus Battle? Buddy Boeheim seems a strong candidate for the future.
The Future of Player Retention
While player transfers are likely to persist, NIL opportunities might encourage players to stay in college longer and possibly remain with one school for four years.
Perhaps Kiyan Anthony will find his jersey displayed alongside his father’s in the future.
Syracuse Players in the NBA
Q: Which Syracuse player has played the most NBA games exclusively for one franchise?
Bill N.
Mike: Very few players spend their entire NBA careers with one franchise. Legendary players like David Robinson and Magic Johnson are exceptions.
Notable Syracuse alumni like Carmelo Anthony and Dave Bing have played for multiple teams.
The player with the longest tenure at a single franchise is Billy Gabor, whose entire seven-year career was with the Syracuse Nationals.
Following him, Donte Greene played all four of his NBA seasons with the Sacramento Kings, though he faced an unfortunate ankle injury before joining the Brooklyn Nets.
Sadly, Greene never played in the NBA again.
