Syracuse Basketball Seeks Stronger Performance from Point Guard
Syracuse Basketball is currently facing challenges in enhancing the performance of its point guard as the season progresses. During the recent Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, the team struggled significantly, particularly in a game against Iowa State, where they lost 95-64. This defeat highlighted deficiencies in both offensive execution and defensive capabilities.
Offensive Struggles and Turnovers
Despite Iowa State’s defensive strengths, the primary concern for Syracuse has been its lack of offensive purpose. The Orange exhibited excessive standing and dribbling, which contributed to a stagnant half-court offense. In the second half, Syracuse’s turnovers allowed Iowa State to score 20 points quickly, amplifying their lead and dampening Syracuse’s energy.
Syracuse’s third-year point guard, Naithan George, has particularly struggled during these games. Recruited from Georgia Tech, George remains underwhelming with only 21 points, 12 assists, and a troubling 13 turnovers over three games. He shot 6-of-22 from the field, a statistic that reflects his current inefficiency in navigating aggressive defenses.
Coaching Perspective
Head Coach Adrian Autry acknowledged the necessity for collective team support to assist George. He emphasized the need for smarter decisions on the court, particularly when defenses apply pressure. “There are some things that we need to tweak to help everyone,” Autry said, indicating that adjustments are crucial for the team’s overall performance.
The struggles faced by George are not unique; teams like Houston have similarly double-teamed him, leading to time-wasting and turnover situations. Autry believes that George needs to adapt to the team’s evolving dynamics. “He’s a resilient kid and a hard worker. He’ll get it turned around,” he expressed optimistically.
Looking Ahead
As Syracuse moves deeper into the 2025-26 season, improving the performance of George and addressing offensive issues is of utmost importance. The team has identified the potential for growth and aims to establish a clearer identity moving forward. Success will hinge on developing a cohesive strategy that allows George and his teammates to thrive.
