“From Tipoff to Takeover: Syracuse Hoops Prepare for the 2025 Season”

As anticipation for the 2025 ACC basketball season builds, the Syracuse men’s and women’s teams returned from ACC Tipoff with more than just words, they’re setting the tone for what’s ahead. With a mix of veteran leadership and new talent, Syracuse made one thing clear, they’re ready to fill the Dome this season.

Poised for a breakthrough on the women’s side, Coach Felisha Legette-Jack, Kyra Wood, and Georgia Woolley shared a common theme at ACC Tipoff rewriting the team’s narrative.

Since losing Dyaisha Fair, some might question Syracuse women’s basketball’s ability to remain competitive, but that’s not a concern for Legette-Jack.

“We’re going to come at you differently this year. A lot of people don’t understand how great we can be because Dyaisha left, but guess what, We can be good, and they’re going to see that,” Legette-Jack said.

This year’s team is focused on resilience and elevating their game with a talented roster ready to make an impact. Veteran forward Kyra Wood spoke clearly about the team’s posture.

“This is college basketball—everyone transfers, everyone graduates, everybody leaves or goes to the next level. So we roll with the punches and adjust from there. We’re really excited to step up to the plate, take the challenge, and embrace it!” Wood said.

On the men’s side, Head Coach Adrian Autry, now in his second year after succeeding legendary coach Jim Boeheim, has a level-headed approach.

“I’m enjoying it. I still get to bounce things off Coach [Jim Boeheim] because he’s still around. But for me, being adaptable, building this team, and having fun is what we’re looking to do this year,” Autry said.

JJ Starling and Chris Bell joined Coach Autry at ACC Tipoff in North Carolina. Bell expressed confidence in Autry’s leadership.

“I like to refer to Coach Autry as “Kobe Smart” in basketball. He has an intelligent mind, he’s aggressive in everything he does, and he lets you know you have a job to do. He makes sure we’re prepared for everything. He’s calm and collected and takes it step by step,” Bell said.

For both the men’s and women’s teams, this season is about stepping into the spotlight, armed with confidence and fueled by a hunger to remain competitive. Syracuse isn’t just coming to play—they’re coming to conquer.

The women’s team kicks off the preseason with an exhibition game in the Dome on Oct. 29, and the men’s team begins theirs on Oct. 26.