Class of 2025 PF Francis Folefac (MD) TRANSFERRING TO SYRACUSE (4/27/26)

[jordoo]

Folefac is coming to Syracuse. Gmac won’t be recruiting other backup forwards and both is all going to drive a select few of you insane. I’m here for the show.

I think Folefac landing at SU has been an inevitability for quite a while.

However, if Gerry does not bring in another forward it makes for interesting speculation. (3 centers, 2 forwards, 4 wings, 2 guards)

Some speculation:
1. Certainly looking like a 3 guard lineup and Gerry is comfortable with at least 2 of (Doty, Tobiason, 3M, Anthony) defending small forwards.
2. Gerry likes his 3 centers and does not expect to play Floefac at the 5 this year.
3. Gerry feels comfortable playing Wilson and or Goodrick some time at the 4 if necessary.
4. Gerry feels that Folefac can play the 3 against teams that have big beefy front lines.
5. Is Gerry still looking to add an experienced PG or is he comfortable with Dual backed up by Moesch. I know its been mentioned but using Tobiason as the PG is highly unlikely IMO.

 

[Orangezoo]

Folefac is coming to Syracuse. Gmac won’t be recruiting other backup forwards and both is all going to drive a select few of you insane. I’m here for the show.

People are also going to be funny tracking their reactions when they see Dual out there with more than just a 5 guard offense to play next to. There will be be a lot of crow to pass around once they see him out there especially when he is a headache for essentially every team we play trying to deal with him on their primary ball handler or scorer.

 

[RF2044]

People are also going to be funny tracking their reactions when they see Dual out there with more than just a 5 guard offense to play next to. There will be be a lot of crow to pass around once they see him out there especially when he is a headache for essentially every team we play trying to deal with him on their primary ball handler or scorer.

I hope so. And I actually think his versatility will work well with playing alongside versatile teammates like Doty / Tobiason in a three-guard lineup.

BUT I think some hesitation is warranted. He wasn't a consistent player at either Providence [admittedly, his freshman year] or Seton Hall. His best season came as a part-time starter at McNeese State.

That's not to imply that he won't succeed at Syracuse, or at the ACC level, just that it seems like some of the "wait-and-see" is based upon legitimate considerations.

 

[Cappy3]

People are also going to be funny tracking their reactions when they see Dual out there with more than just a 5 guard offense to play next to. There will be be a lot of crow to pass around once they see him out there especially when he is a headache for essentially every team we play trying to deal with him on their primary ball handler or scorer.

Back already? Portal season over?

 

[Orangezoo]

I hope so. And I actually think his versatility will work well with playing alongside versatile teammates like Doty / Tobiason in a three-guard lineup.

BUT I think some hesitation is warranted. He wasn't a consistent player at either Providence [admittedly, his freshman year] or Seton Hall. His best season came as a part-time starter at McNeese State.

That's not to imply that he won't succeed at Syracuse, or at the ACC level, just that it seems like some of the "wait-and-see" is based upon legitimate considerations.

McNeese was the first place he actually got to play the position he should have prior that’s at least a baseline fact. McNeese also ran a small ball system with 5 guards and wings for long stretches as well as 4 and 1 with a single big that played about 19 mpg but was not a factor on offense.

When you watch the games he is definitely very comfortable on the ball whether he’s pushing it or needing to execute in the halfcourt. The impact on the defensive end helps a lot with reducing the pressure to force the issue on offense. Had McNeese had a big that could be part of the offensive game plan he likely would have put up more numbers as a distributor even though his per 40 was solid at just under 7 apg.

The two biggest factors at this level is he doesn’t turn the ball over and has the physical size and athleticism to essentially force an opponent to react and play around him vs Dual having to make large adjustments every game. He is not going to shot hunt much but there is game there to be worked on if this staff wants him to be more aggressive offensively.

If somehow 5 for 5 brings back Kingz that would just make things even easier for Dual at the point. Or maybe we add another lead guard and the conversation is more layered.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Little Rock, Pasternak, Mickey Mantle, Folefac
Sputnik, Zhou En-Lai, Bridge on the River Kwai

 

[EnviroSciGuy]

I told you guys... May 4.

 

[MikeSU02]

People are also going to be funny tracking their reactions when they see Dual out there with more than just a 5 guard offense to play next to. There will be be a lot of crow to pass around once they see him out there especially when he is a headache for essentially every team we play trying to deal with him on their primary ball handler or scorer.

Dual is going to be put into action to start every single offensive set for any team we play.

Are we going to pre switch?

Are we going to unleash him on inbound and press?

He is going to be bumped off the lead guard if the lead guard is dynamic on the team we are playing from the jump on every single possession.

It's awesome he's great defensively (truly), but 1) he isn't Kawhi and 2) he's going to be bumped to a screener almost every time.

 

[RF2044]

McNeese was the first place he actually got to play the position he should have prior that’s at least a baseline fact. McNeese also ran a small ball system with 5 guards and wings for long stretches as well as 4 and 1 with a single big that played about 19 mpg but was not a factor on offense.

When you watch the games he is definitely very comfortable on the ball whether he’s pushing it or needing to execute in the halfcourt. The impact on the defensive end helps a lot with reducing the pressure to force the issue on offense. Had McNeese had a big that could be part of the offensive game plan he likely would have put up more numbers as a distributor even though his per 40 was solid at just under 7 apg.

The two biggest factors at this level is he doesn’t turn the ball over and has the physical size and athleticism to essentially force an opponent to react and play around him vs Dual having to make large adjustments every game. He is not going to shot hunt much but there is game there to be worked on if this staff wants him to be more aggressive offensively.

If somehow 5 for 5 brings back Kingz that would just make things even easier for Dual at the point. Or maybe we add another lead guard and the conversation is more layered.

I like Dual. I've stated repeatedly that I can see him "fitting" with what I envision will be a starting three-guard lineup, with two players [Doty and Tobiason] who can also put the ball on the floor.

I also see this trio being solid defensively. Fit is important, and I think this group has the potential to be highly complimentary.

BUT... Dual was not a full-time point guard at McNeese. And his amazing advanced metrics defensively were against a lower level of competition.

So like I said, I liked the pickup. But I have some concerns.

No idea whether Kingz could benefit from the 5 for 5. If he does, I wonder if he'd come here or look to parlay his big season last year to a bigger payday.

 

[Orangezoo]

I like Dual. I've stated repeatedly that I can see him "fitting" with what I envision will be a starting three-guard lineup, with two players [Doty and Tobiason] who can also put the ball on the floor.

I also see this trio being solid defensively. Fit is important, and I think this group has the potential to be highly complimentary.

BUT... Dual was not a full-time point guard at McNeese. And his amazing advanced metrics defensively were against a lower level of competition.

So like I said, I liked the pickup. But I have some concerns.

No idea whether Kingz could benefit from the 5 for 5. If he does, I wonder if he'd come here or look to parlay his big season last year to a bigger payday.

Yeah Kingz would be interesting to see what happens. We I presume would have the money since we had it for Wilkins and the pool of suitors might be not as big given other rosters aren’t sitting with obvious starting roles to fill but I suspect the 5 for 5 is on everyone’s radar, SU included and depending on the details could funnel a ton of players into being real options vs in portal purgatory.

Dual did also have very good defensive metrics at both prior stops at PC and Seton Hall with the Seton Hall numbers being impressive to be as high as they were defensively given that team won only 5 games and poor records do generate some downward bias on efficiency numbers.

 

[tptcuse]

People are also going to be funny tracking their reactions when they see Dual out there with more than just a 5 guard offense to play next to. There will be be a lot of crow to pass around once they see him out there especially when he is a headache for essentially every team we play trying to deal with him on their primary ball handler or scorer.

I know you’re frustrated, but why are we so worried about people eating crow, etc. Every single person who is pessimistic about some of our players would love to be wrong.

 

[Orangezoo]

I know you’re frustrated, but why are we so worried about people eating crow, etc. Every single person who is pessimistic about some of our players would love to be wrong.

It’s more that seeing enthusiasm and appreciation for things turning out better is much more interesting and enjoyable than an endless sea of I hope we don’t suck and that I’m wrong since there are probably 5-10 people on here who live in positive la la land but the rest of us don’t. Look at it more of a jovial feast not a damning indictment of any sort.

Being wrong about a more positive outlook just means more apathy. No one is enjoying others being wrong in that scenario no matter the bogus claims that there are people on here who celebrate if we suck just because they were right about that being what happens…

 

[tptcuse]

It’s more that seeing enthusiasm and appreciation for things turning out better is much more interesting and enjoyable than an endless sea of I hope we don’t suck and that I’m wrong since there are probably 5-10 people on here who live in positive la la land but the rest don’t. Look at it more of a jovial feast not a damning indictment of any sort.

You’re a better man than me. I’m not falling into the hope mindset until I’ve seen them play a game. I’ve been disappointed for a decade. I’d rather be pleasantly surprised.

 

[NineOneSeven]

I think Folefac landing at SU has been an inevitability for quite a while.

However, if Gerry does not bring in another forward it makes for interesting speculation. (3 centers, 2 forwards, 4 wings, 2 guards)

Some speculation:
1. Certainly looking like a 3 guard lineup and Gerry is comfortable with at least 2 of (Doty, Tobiason, 3M, Anthony) defending small forwards.
2. Gerry likes his 3 centers and does not expect to play Floefac at the 5 this year.
3. Gerry feels comfortable playing Wilson and or Goodrick some time at the 4 if necessary.
4. Gerry feels that Folefac can play the 3 against teams that have big beefy front lines.
5. Is Gerry still looking to add an experienced PG or is he comfortable with Dual backed up by Moesch. I know its been mentioned but using Tobiason as the PG is highly unlikely IMO.

Now that would be… wild to me

 

[Orangezoo]

You’re a better man than me. I’m not falling into the hope mindset until I’ve seen them play a game. I’ve been disappointed for a decade. I’d rather be pleasantly surprised.

I’m just seeing it as last call. One last enjoy the build up and hope. It it falls on its face then SU hoops becomes an afterthought as it has pretty much has been the last two years by mid December

 

[CbusCuse]

Today’s the day! I can folefeel it!

Also - let’s not shame anyone for posting anything at all in this thread. Not since it’s become … whatever this is

FoleFeel it! Feel it!

 

[RF2044]

It’s more that seeing enthusiasm and appreciation for things turning out better is much more interesting and enjoyable than an endless sea of I hope we don’t suck and that I’m wrong since there are probably 5-10 people on here who live in positive la la land but the rest of us don’t. Look at it more of a jovial feast not a damning indictment of any sort.

Being wrong about a more positive outlook just means more apathy. No one is enjoying others being wrong in that scenario no matter the bogus claims that there are people on here who celebrate if we suck just because they were right about that being what happens…

I can only speak for myself -- I like a lot of what GMac and the staff have done, bringing in players. I think guys like Tobiason, Wilson, Doty [and maybe Dual] are going to surprise.

BUT I think there are still some question marks. Namely, outside shooting and point guard.

I understand where Mike is coming from above -- when I squint, I can see this being a solid team. But you can't disregard that we've added a bunch of lower conference guys, and we're expecting them to excel in the ACC.

The might be able to. Or maybe some of their production might not translate. And we're rolling the dice at PG with Dual / Moesch, no matter how people want to spin it. Maybe they'll surprise, or maybe they'll struggle.

Maybe GMac will be able to "coach" this group up, or maybe the lack of outside shooting will sink us even if the team plays hard and can defend.

Lots of question marks. Pointing that out doesn't seem like pessimism to me.

And for the record, I've waxed ecstacic about Tobiason and Wilson. I've repeatedly stated that I believe that Goodrick might surprise, and prove to be a starting caliber player for us down the road. I like Dual's potential, surrounded by other versatile wings. I think that Siby might prove to be an immediate contributor.

But none of that is guaranteed to actualize.

 

[littlereg]

I know you’re frustrated, but why are we so worried about people eating crow, etc. Every single person who is pessimistic about some of our players would love to be wrong.

people being over positive about every single move every single year should’ve been eating crow for 5+ years straight if we’re gonna play that game. we all have right takes and we all have wrong takes but at the end of the day the average fan, the majority of the fanbase all want the same thing, for our team to win and be successful.

 

[Orangezoo]

people being over positive about every single move every single year should’ve been eating crow for 5+ years straight if we’re gonna play that game. we all have right takes and we all have wrong takes but at the end of the day the average fan, the majority of the fanbase all want the same thing, for our team to win and be successful.

And all of us have had enough to where I think we all know this year makes or breaks. At least for me there is a weirdly comforting aspect to that but maybe that’s based on age and being a fan and alum through some great times in SU Hoops. I mean it sucks if it fails but we’ve mentally been prepared for this the last 5 years and unfortunately too used to it from the football side. It’s also a reality that the current model of college sports is temporary living on the borrowed time because of the mess the NCAA has made of it all…

 

[littlereg]

And all of us have had enough to where I think we all know this year makes or breaks. At least for me there is a weirdly comforting aspect to that but maybe that’s based on age and being a fan and alum through some great times in SU Hoops. I mean it sucks if it fails but we’ve mentally been prepared for this the last 5 years and unfortunately too used to it from the football side. It’s also a reality that the current model of college sports is temporary living on the borrowed time because of the mess the NCAA has made of it all…

Yeah I definitely get that thought process but oddly I’m kind of on the opposite side of the coin when it comes to the year. We need to win this year no doubt in my mind and most of us all agree with that for sure. However I’m more confident in GMAC and our staff as they progress and grow, over the year and int years 2-3 than this year. We just need to show we can compete and be a competent ACC level team this year and I think the future for the program will continue to grow and glow.

 

[Orangezoo]

Yeah I definitely get that thought process but oddly I’m kind of on the opposite side of the coin when it comes to the year. We need to win this year no doubt in my mind and most of us all agree with that for sure. However I’m more confident in GMAC and our staff as they progress and grow, over the year and int years 2-3 than this year. We just need to show we can compete and be a competent ACC level team this year and I think the future for the program will continue to grow and glow.

Kudos on that. I can’t look beyond a year at a time anymore in this environment….

 

[MikeSU02]

I can only speak for myself -- I like a lot of what GMac and the staff have done, bringing in players. I think guys like Tobiason, Wilson, Doty [and maybe Dual] are going to surprise.

BUT I think there are still some question marks. Namely, outside shooting and point guard.

I understand where Mike is coming from above -- when I squint, I can see this being a solid team. But you can't disregard that we've added a bunch of lower conference guys, and we're expecting them to excel in the ACC.

The might be able to. Or maybe some of their production might not translate. And we're rolling the dice at PG with Dual / Moesch, no matter how people want to spin it. Maybe they'll surprise, or maybe they'll struggle.

Maybe GMac will be able to "coach" this group up, or maybe the lack of outside shooting will sink us even if the team plays hard and can defend.

Lots of question marks. Pointing that out doesn't seem like pessimism to me.

And for the record, I've waxed ecstacic about Tobiason and Wilson. I've repeatedly stated that I believe that Goodrick might surprise, and prove to be a starting caliber player for us down the road. I like Dual's potential, surrounded by other versatile wings. I think that Siby might prove to be an immediate contributor.

But none of that is guaranteed to actualize.

Yeah, this is probably better than I've said it.

I love the staff GMac put together. Truly.

I love Tobiason and Wilson. I love he got Sadiq to come back. And, to an extent, even tho it was probably going to happen, keeping Kiyan for what he could be is important with the obvious ties to Melo as well. That is a great start.

I think Doty can be in our rotation. I'm wary of him being a starter, especially with the questions on shooting.

If Dual was coming off the bench for change of pace, unleash a defensive wrinkle, etc... I would love him. I just do not see it with him as our starting lead guard with the way basketball is played nowadays in terms of doing it for a lot of minutes game in and game out.

Here is where I will say in terms of potential if I'm having a good faith argument:
1) The guys GMac got and how GMac plays and what he has said publicly point to a guy that knows that if you aren't going to have an outstanding level of offensive fire power, have an efficient system with guys that have enough awareness to know what a good shot is and how to get it. That absolutely matters. And I've been harping on this for years.

2) There are combinations of our roster that should be above average on defense and I would assume give GMac flexibility in what defense he wants to run (not man vs zone, but more what types of man he wants, when he presses, etc).

3) GMac should be able to depend on Sadiq and Kiyan making sophomore jumps. If they put in the work, there should be a next level attained by each of them. Frosh to Soph is the biggest jump and they should know what is needed now at this point. If they put in the work, they should both be good.

4) Realistically we need 8.5 guys that can play. Sadiq and Tobiason should be locks. Wilson should be lock-adjacent. That is 3. One of MMM and Kiyan have to be a threat on the offensive end and try on D. One of those two is 4. If it's both, it's 5. Let's give Dual the benefit of the doubt and say I'm wrong about him. That's 6. Doty, I think can be rotation, that is 7. One of the other bigs has to functionally give us 8-10 mins a game without being a spaz. Let's pray Goodrick or Siby can do that. That is .5 (even though I don't have faith in either). That leaves one more spot we need to be able to fill.

One note, if Kiyan and MMM are both offensive weapons, than I think Dual's role because MUCH more acceptable as a starter.

 

[Irishsecra1]

Doty improved his 3 point shooting % from 28 to 32 last year.
He has said his primary focus this summer is to improve his 3 pt stroke up to 37, 38. I think he gets there, GMAC said last year he just has to remember the proper stance because he has the necessary stroke.
And it is money that he will be on the floor in the last 5 minutes for his defense and his 85% for free throws.

I think Dual will bring some stability to the PG position. He plays with defensive intensity and does not turn the ball over. If we had only had that with Nait George.

I also think as the season progresses Moesch will see significant time. He just won player of the year in a very tough prep league. He has all the tools I think, the question is if he can physically handle it.
Supposedly he is quite good at sinking 3s, a 247 analysis of him last year said he had the capability to go off and just make 3s from everywhere.

I also think Kiyan will greatly benefit from a coach who emphasizes hard work, accountability and who has surrounded him with like minded players. No throwing up wild shots anymore, I think he will buy in on being part of a system where he will get his shots if he is in the right spots. Dual will get him the ball.

Doty will have no fear about getting into Kiyans face to make him work hard and pay attention. Sadiq will also benefit from this as well. Frankly, seeing what this no real background kid accomplished against Duke, when they basically played the same team awfully, will give him street cred.

I also think Tobiason will also continue to improve. I could see him also running the point if the situation requires it.

I feel so much more hopeful than I have the last 2 years.

 

[McCuse]

Yeah, this is probably better than I've said it.

I love the staff GMac put together. Truly.

I love Tobiason and Wilson. I love he got Sadiq to come back. And, to an extent, even tho it was probably going to happen, keeping Kiyan for what he could be is important with the obvious ties to Melo as well. That is a great start.

I think Doty can be in our rotation. I'm wary of him being a starter, especially with the questions on shooting.

If Dual was coming off the bench for change of pace, unleash a defensive wrinkle, etc... I would love him. I just do not see it with him as our starting lead guard with the way basketball is played nowadays in terms of doing it for a lot of minutes game in and game out.

Here is where I will say in terms of potential if I'm having a good faith argument:
1) The guys GMac got and how GMac plays and what he has said publicly point to a guy that knows that if you aren't going to have an outstanding level of offensive fire power, have an efficient system with guys that have enough awareness to know what a good shot is and how to get it. That absolutely matters. And I've been harping on this for years.

2) There are combinations of our roster that should be above average on defense and I would assume give GMac flexibility in what defense he wants to run (not man vs zone, but more what types of man he wants, when he presses, etc).

3) GMac should be able to depend on Sadiq and Kiyan making sophomore jumps. If they put in the work, there should be a next level attained by each of them. Frosh to Soph is the biggest jump and they should know what is needed now at this point. If they put in the work, they should both be good.

4) Realistically we need 8.5 guys that can play. Sadiq and Tobiason should be locks. Wilson should be lock-adjacent. That is 3. One of MMM and Kiyan have to be a threat on the offensive end and try on D. One of those two is 4. If it's both, it's 5. Let's give Dual the benefit of the doubt and say I'm wrong about him. That's 6. Doty, I think can be rotation, that is 7. One of the other bigs has to functionally give us 8-10 mins a game without being a spaz. Let's pray Goodrick or Siby can do that. That is .5 (even though I don't have faith in either). That leaves one more spot we need to be able to fill.

One note, if Kiyan and MMM are both offensive weapons, than I think Dual's role because MUCH more acceptable as a starter.

Good assessment. I'm looking forward to a team that fights for 40 minutes. It's much easier to root for a team that doesn't give up when things become difficult.

 

[OrangeXtreme]