Syracuse’s Roster Build - Archetypes

[CuseSaint26]

So with the 25-26 being complete or nearly complete, I wanted to look at how the roster was built and how the current players on the roster fit. This isn’t an exact science but a fun exercise, not reusing players for each archetype. Let me know your thoughts.

1. The Commanding Floor General (Lead Guard / Orchestrator)

• Reads defenses instantly; dictates pace and flow
• Communicates nonstop; calls out coverages and sets
• NBA Example: Jason Kidd, Tyrese Haliburton
• Syracuse Version: Nait George

2. The Iso God (Shot-Creating Scorer)

• Elite at breaking down defenders 1-on-1
• Needs space and time; thrives in clutch isolation
• NBA Example: Kyrie Irving, Carmelo Anthony (prime)
• Syracuse Version: Kiyan Anthony

3. The Movement Shooter (Off-Ball Threat)

• Constant motion; curls, flares, relocates
• High release speed; creates gravity
• NBA Example: Rip Hamilton, Klay Thompson
• Syracuse Version: Nate Kingz

4. The Slasher (Rim Attacker / Cutter)

• Lives in the paint; uses athleticism and timing
• Scores off backdoor cuts, drives, and fast breaks
• NBA Example: De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler
• Syracuse Version: JJ Starling

5. The 3&D Wing (Two-Way Perimeter Player)

• Hits spot-up threes and locks down opponents
• Versatile defender on 1–3 positions
• NBA Example: Mikal Bridges, Danny Green
• Syracuse Version: Tyler Betsey

6. The Stretch Big (Shooting Big Man)

• Pulls opposing bigs away from the paint
• Creates spacing; can trail in transition
• NBA Example: Kristaps Porziņģis, Brook Lopez
• Syracuse Version: Donnie Freeman

7. The Roll Man (Pick-and-Roll Finisher)

• Screens hard, rolls hard, finishes with power
• Can short-roll and pass if skilled
• NBA Example: Clint Capela, Bam Adebayo
• Syracuse Version: William Kyle

8. The Lockdown Wing (Elite Perimeter Defender)

• Takes on toughest assignment nightly
• Uses lateral quickness, anticipation, and IQ
• NBA Example: Kawhi Leonard, Jrue Holiday
• Syracuse Version: Sadiq White

9. The Enforcer (Physical Presence / Enigma)

• Protects teammates, sets the tone physically
• Instills fear or respect without stats
• NBA Example: Udonis Haslem, Charles Oakley
• Syracuse Version: TBD

10. The Connector (High IQ Facilitator)

• Glues lineups together without needing touches
• Makes the extra pass, fills gaps, keeps the offense humming
• NBA Example: Boris Diaw, Josh Hart
• Syracuse Version: Luke Fennell

11. The Rim Protector (Defensive Anchor)

• Alters or blocks shots; communicates back-line defense
• Essential for elite defensive schemes
• NBA Example: Rudy Gobert, Tim Duncan
• Syracuse Version: TBD (William Kyle is likely best fit but already fits another role

12. The Energy Guy (Bench Spark / Momentum Shifter)

• Brings hustle, rebounding, deflections, emotion
• Changes games with effort plays
• NBA Example: Kenneth Faried, Montrezl Harrell
• Syracuse Version: Irbrihim Souare

13. The Veteran Voice (Locker Room Leader)

• Might play sparingly but guides younger players
• Keeps team steady through adversity
• NBA Example: Andre Iguodala, Garrett Temple
• Syracuse Version: Bryce Zephir

Syracuse’s roster actually does quite well given its current construction. Some roles aren’t filled but maybe late portal additions could fill those roles. The key point with these archetypes of a great roster is you don’t need Hall of Famers/All Conference performers in each, a good team has guys who play that specific role well, even if stats are lacking.

 

[Red2003]

Solid post but we know its you Kline.

 

[CardiacCuse]

So with the 25-26 being complete or nearly complete, I wanted to look at how the roster was built and how the current players on the roster fit. This isn’t an exact science but a fun exercise, not reusing players for each archetype. Let me know your thoughts.

1. The Commanding Floor General (Lead Guard / Orchestrator)

• Reads defenses instantly; dictates pace and flow
• Communicates nonstop; calls out coverages and sets
• NBA Example: Jason Kidd, Tyrese Haliburton
• Syracuse Version: Nait George

2. The Iso God (Shot-Creating Scorer)

• Elite at breaking down defenders 1-on-1
• Needs space and time; thrives in clutch isolation
• NBA Example: Kyrie Irving, Carmelo Anthony (prime)
• Syracuse Version: Kiyan Anthony

3. The Movement Shooter (Off-Ball Threat)

• Constant motion; curls, flares, relocates
• High release speed; creates gravity
• NBA Example: Rip Hamilton, Klay Thompson
• Syracuse Version: Nate Kingz

4. The Slasher (Rim Attacker / Cutter)

• Lives in the paint; uses athleticism and timing
• Scores off backdoor cuts, drives, and fast breaks
• NBA Example: De’Aaron Fox, Jimmy Butler
• Syracuse Version: JJ Starling

5. The 3&D Wing (Two-Way Perimeter Player)

• Hits spot-up threes and locks down opponents
• Versatile defender on 1–3 positions
• NBA Example: Mikal Bridges, Danny Green
• Syracuse Version: Tyler Betsey

6. The Stretch Big (Shooting Big Man)

• Pulls opposing bigs away from the paint
• Creates spacing; can trail in transition
• NBA Example: Kristaps Porziņģis, Brook Lopez
• Syracuse Version: Donnie Freeman

7. The Roll Man (Pick-and-Roll Finisher)

• Screens hard, rolls hard, finishes with power
• Can short-roll and pass if skilled
• NBA Example: Clint Capela, Bam Adebayo
• Syracuse Version: William Kyle

8. The Lockdown Wing (Elite Perimeter Defender)

• Takes on toughest assignment nightly
• Uses lateral quickness, anticipation, and IQ
• NBA Example: Kawhi Leonard, Jrue Holiday
• Syracuse Version: Sadiq White

9. The Enforcer (Physical Presence / Enigma)

• Protects teammates, sets the tone physically
• Instills fear or respect without stats
• NBA Example: Udonis Haslem, Charles Oakley
• Syracuse Version: TBD

10. The Connector (High IQ Facilitator)

• Glues lineups together without needing touches
• Makes the extra pass, fills gaps, keeps the offense humming
• NBA Example: Boris Diaw, Josh Hart
• Syracuse Version: Luke Fennell

11. The Rim Protector (Defensive Anchor)

• Alters or blocks shots; communicates back-line defense
• Essential for elite defensive schemes
• NBA Example: Rudy Gobert, Tim Duncan
• Syracuse Version: TBD (William Kyle is likely best fit but already fits another role

12. The Energy Guy (Bench Spark / Momentum Shifter)

• Brings hustle, rebounding, deflections, emotion
• Changes games with effort plays
• NBA Example: Kenneth Faried, Montrezl Harrell
• Syracuse Version: Irbrihim Souare

13. The Veteran Voice (Locker Room Leader)

• Might play sparingly but guides younger players
• Keeps team steady through adversity
• NBA Example: Andre Iguodala, Garrett Temple
• Syracuse Version: Bryce Zephir

Syracuse’s roster actually does quite well given its current construction. Some roles aren’t filled but maybe late portal additions could fill those roles. The key point with these archetypes of a great roster is you don’t need Hall of Famers/All Conference performers in each, a good team has guys who play that specific role well, even if stats are lacking.

how about low post scorer?

you imply kyle is the rim protector...but who is the low post defender? they say these 6'9 guys are gonna handle that without issue...and I hope theyre right...but i have doubts


thats really the only doubt I have about this roster...aside maybe overall defense...so, pretty good, but still big question marks, imo

 

[CuseSaint26]

how about low post scorer?

you imply kyle is the rim protector...but who is the low post defender? they say these 6'9 guys are gonna handle that without issue...and I hope theyre right...but i have doubts


thats really the only doubt I have about this roster...aside maybe overall defense...so, pretty good, but still big question marks, imo

This could be argued but the “low post scorer” isn’t a role on a great team in modern basketball. In today’s game, you aren’t running sets trying to score out of the low post.

Low post defender is probably a role that’s missing, maybe it’s interchanged with rim protector and I do think it’s fair to doubt Syracuse’s current roster. Syracuse is banking that despite being 6’9, Kyle and Souare are great athletes with elite wingspans and should match up with taller centers because of those attributes. Another factor is help side defense that Freeman, White, Betsey can bring that last year’s team didn’t have, maybe offsetting some of the potential weakness defending the low post position.

Roster is much improved and we have the benefit of looking back on last year’s team but I don’t think the overall roster build was even close to this years. Credit to Kline and the staff

 

[baggerbob]

This could be argued but the “low post scorer” isn’t a role on a great team in modern basketball. In today’s game, you aren’t running sets trying to score out of the low post.

Low post defender is probably a role that’s missing, maybe it’s interchanged with rim protector and I do think it’s fair to doubt Syracuse’s current roster. Syracuse is banking that despite being 6’9, Kyle and Souare are great athletes with elite wingspans and should match up with taller centers because of those attributes. Another factor is help side defense that Freeman, White, Betsey can bring that last year’s team didn’t have, maybe offsetting some of the potential weakness defending the low post position.

Roster is much improved and we have the benefit of looking back on last year’s team but I don’t think the overall roster build was even close to this years. Credit to Kline and the staff

With either Freeman or White in the game you can have the same dynamic of DC and Rony. Rony didn't defend all those centers alone. JR Reed and the Florida center when they got the ball had to worry about DC. Which changed their ability to score.

 

[CuseSaint26]

With either Freeman or White in the game you can have the same dynamic of DC and Rony. Rony didn't defend all those centers alone. JR Reed and the Florida center when they got the ball had to worry about DC. Which changed their ability to score.

Athletes who can help on defense make everyone a better defender, couldn’t agree more. Kyle and/or Souare won’t be guarding 1 on 1 all the time, they will have help

 

[CardiacCuse]

This could be argued but the “low post scorer” isn’t a role on a great team in modern basketball. In today’s game, you aren’t running sets trying to score out of the low post.

Low post defender is probably a role that’s missing, maybe it’s interchanged with rim protector and I do think it’s fair to doubt Syracuse’s current roster. Syracuse is banking that despite being 6’9, Kyle and Souare are great athletes with elite wingspans and should match up with taller centers because of those attributes. Another factor is help side defense that Freeman, White, Betsey can bring that last year’s team didn’t have, maybe offsetting some of the potential weakness defending the low post position.

Roster is much improved and we have the benefit of looking back on last year’s team but I don’t think the overall roster build was even close to this years. Credit to Kline and the staff

"modern basketball" doesnt use low post scorers? ok...I disagree.

in fact, low post scoring will always be modern imo

 

[hoopsupstate]

We had a low post scorer this year and how did that work out? He was physical but horrible on defense. Give me athletic bigs with length, who can move their feet all day long. This team should have a lot of flexibility on defense.

 

[CuseSaint26]

"modern basketball" doesnt use low post scorers? ok...I disagree.

in fact, low post scoring will always be modern imo

In today’s game, most teams don’t feature a back to the basket low post offense. It’s more common to utilize pick and rolls, passing out of the post, high/low and lobs. This isn’t to say a low post scoring presence isn’t valuable but many teams chose to focus on different styles of offense that don’t include frequent low post scoring.

Eddie Lampkin was our most consistent player last year but I can see a world where William Kyle averages more points per game just strictly based on style of play (transition, lobs, pick and roll with an exceptional PG)

 

[CuseVegas]

Very interesting post... where did the team outline come from?

I am very excited for this team... had a few thoughts.

- In my opinion, I think Fennell has a better and quicker shot than Kingz and will fill that "Movement Shooter" role, while Kingz is the 3&D wing. Kingz is like Chris Bell, in that he takes a while to release the ball- it looks to me like Kingz needs to be wide open. Luckily he looks to be a quicker, more intense and explosive athlete than Bell... but to me, Fennell shoots it much quicker. He releases the ball higher and I think will have much more gravity as time goes on, because if he gets any space at all he can shoot it right in people's faces.

- Sadiq hopefully can be a 'lockdown wing'... but he is young and doesn't really seem to be a lockdown defender, no? He may be our 'roll man' instead? Just on his youth alone, physically and experience-wise, the lockdown defender is a tough role to fill for him. TO me, he's more of a great athlete and talent, but if he can defend the opponent's best players at an elite level as a freshman, that would be very impressive.

- Also, I'd say Donnie and Kiyan are both 'Iso Gods' who can score from all three levels and make 80%+ free throws, and I can't wait to watch them.

- I think the Cuse fan base has been cautious and hesitant to celebrate how awesome Kiyan is going to be, but the time is coming soon now.

 

[hoopsupstate]

With George handling, all our bigs should be rollers. They will feast on rolling to the basket.

 

[CuseSaint26]

Very interesting post... where did the team outline come from?

I am very excited for this team... had a few thoughts.

- In my opinion, I think Fennell has a better and quicker shot than Kingz and will fill that "Movement Shooter" role, while Kingz is the 3&D wing. Kingz is like Chris Bell, in that he takes a while to release the ball- it looks to me like Kingz needs to be wide open. Luckily he looks to be a quicker, more intense and explosive athlete than Bell... but to me, Fennell shoots it much quicker. He releases the ball higher and I think will have much more gravity as time goes on, because if he gets any space at all he can shoot it right in people's faces.

- Sadiq hopefully can be a 'lockdown wing'... but he is young and doesn't really seem to be a lockdown defender, no? He may be our 'roll man' instead? Just on his youth alone, physically and experience-wise, the lockdown defender is a tough role to fill for him. TO me, he's more of a great athlete and talent, but if he can defend the opponent's best players at an elite level as a freshman, that would be very impressive.

- Also, I'd say Donnie and Kiyan are both 'Iso Gods' who can score from all three levels and make 80%+ free throws, and I can't wait to watch them.

- I think the Cuse fan base has been cautious and hesitant to celebrate how awesome Kiyan is going to be, but the time is coming soon now.

The outline comes from a Team Construction logic book, which is more focused on NBA teams (mainly 2015-2019 Warriors) but is starting to make its way into the college game

I definitely could see how you would swap some of the guys into different roles, it’s fair and I like the thought. I think that speaks volumes since we have a versatile roster. The key isn’t that each player is All-ACC but that each player on the roster owns a role and can be used in that way. The fact we can slot guys into roles that successful teams always have, means I think we have a great roster on paper.

 

[Cuse1055]

Considering the last 10 years, I am cautiously optimistic. What really excites me about this upcoming season is I think we are going to see Red’s vision of uptempo fast breaking transition basketball with the athleticism on this team. Just hope we can lock down on defense.

 

[Red2003]

I’m happy with the new squad and looking ahead to playing a solid Noncon.

We can’t deny that Autry has a ton of questions to answer and we have 10 new guys on this team. Might as well be a whole new team given JJ and Donnie barely played together.

This team has to keep it together through the noncon. They need to show no mercy against the non P5 schools we play early and then be rolling into ACC play. Bonus if we can snag a marquee win early on in Vegas.

Sidenote The figuring out rotations excuse needs to be dead going into November this year. Ok multiple guys can play multiple positions, great but some guys are just better than others and need to be out there. We can tinker with lineups when we’re up 20 not 2 or down. Optimistic I know.

 

[Niastri]

Very interesting post... where did the team outline come from?

I am very excited for this team... had a few thoughts.

- In my opinion, I think Fennell has a better and quicker shot than Kingz and will fill that "Movement Shooter" role, while Kingz is the 3&D wing. Kingz is like Chris Bell, in that he takes a while to release the ball- it looks to me like Kingz needs to be wide open. Luckily he looks to be a quicker, more intense and explosive athlete than Bell... but to me, Fennell shoots it much quicker. He releases the ball higher and I think will have much more gravity as time goes on, because if he gets any space at all he can shoot it right in people's faces.

- Sadiq hopefully can be a 'lockdown wing'... but he is young and doesn't really seem to be a lockdown defender, no? He may be our 'roll man' instead? Just on his youth alone, physically and experience-wise, the lockdown defender is a tough role to fill for him. TO me, he's more of a great athlete and talent, but if he can defend the opponent's best players at an elite level as a freshman, that would be very impressive.

- Also, I'd say Donnie and Kiyan are both 'Iso Gods' who can score from all three levels and make 80%+ free throws, and I can't wait to watch them.

- I think the Cuse fan base has been cautious and hesitant to celebrate how awesome Kiyan is going to be, but the time is coming soon now.

Regarding Anthony, he has played extremely well in both the Jordan and Iverson all star games. I think many of us have been underestimating Kiyan Anthony’s ceiling and immediate impact. He could become a player who forces his way into games with his scoring and overall game.

 

[Niastri]

With George handling, all our bigs should be rollers. They will feast on rolling to the basket.

Georgia Tech wasn’t very good on offense last season. Somehow, even with that roster, he was able to get ask those assists.

George will greatly enjoy having the option of passing to reliable three point shooters or reliable dunkers next season. It appears we’ll have both next season.

 

[Sherman20]

"modern basketball" doesnt use low post scorers? ok...I disagree.

in fact, low post scoring will always be modern imo

Syracuse has been sucessful in not having low post scoring before, including our last two Final Four appearances. In 2013, Rak and Baye were mostly rebounders and rim protectors. Rak’s low post game hadn’t developed yet. And in 2016, we had Dajuan Coleman, who only played a supporting role because of his injuries, and Tyler Lydon, who gave us a rim protector and outside shooting threat but wasn’t a low post scorer.

 

[Grbac]

I’m happy with the new squad and looking ahead to playing a solid Noncon.

We can’t deny that Autry has a ton of questions to answer and we have 10 new guys on this team. Might as well be a whole new team given JJ and Donnie barely played together.

This team has to keep it together through the noncon. They need to show no mercy against the non P5 schools we play early and then be rolling into ACC play. Bonus if we can snag a marquee win early on in Vegas.

Sidenote The figuring out rotations excuse needs to be dead going into November this year. Ok multiple guys can play multiple positions, great but some guys are just better than others and need to be out there. We can tinker with lineups when we’re up 20 not 2 or down. Optimistic I know.

Lineups and subs are my biggest concern. Last season there were no rhyme or reason for any of the subbing. You can kill a run so quick doing that.
I hope we can get that starting 5 down quickly. Then find our 2-3 main bench guys and sub strategically instead of aimlessly.

 

[CuseSaint26]

Georgia Tech wasn’t very good on offense last season. Somehow, even with that roster, he was able to get ask those assists.

George will greatly enjoy having the option of passing to reliable three point shooters or reliable dunkers next season. It appears we’ll have both next season.

The reason I’m so optimistic with this roster is George can make everyone better. He allows guys to play a role and not worry about creating. Kyle and Souare individually aren’t excellent offensively but George’s passing will led to easy dunks.

Having a true point guard (one of the best in the country) will elevate everyone’s game

 

[CuseSaint26]

Lineups and subs are my biggest concern. Last season there were no rhyme or reason for any of the subbing. You can kill a run so quick doing that.
I hope we can get that starting 5 down quickly. Then find our 2-3 main bench guys and sub strategically instead of aimlessly.

Understandably, we have to wait and see how Red handles the roster. But last year, his options were thin. Need a spark off the bench? Need defense? Need a shooter? Who was he really subbing in those spots. The aimless subs is a fair criticism but I think he has the player options this year to actually make subs that make sense in the game’s flow

 

[Red2003]

Understandably, we have to wait and see how Red handles the roster. But last year, his options were thin. Need a spark off the bench? Need defense? Need a shooter? Who was he really subbing in those spots. The aimless subs is a fair criticism but I think he has the player options this year to actually make subs that make sense in the game’s flow

I'm not joking that the answer to your questions in several games was Cuffe, Petar, and Taylor in that order. Cuse of the past or even this coming year that would never be thought of.

 

[CuseSaint26]

I'm not joking that the answer to your questions in several games was Cuffe, Petar, and Taylor in that order. Cuse of the past or even this coming year that would never be thought of.

Cuffe, Peter, Taylor….I know Red deserves some criticism but wow, those are not quality options. This year’s team will be Betsey, Souare, Kiyan, White….the difference is drastic

 

[CuseSaint26]

I think Kline has done a good job this offseason given the available resources. I'd like to know how many the temperature of Red on here with the following Question:

Option A: Miss the tournament knowing Red is gone suffering through another year
Option B: Finish Top 6 in ACC and get into the tournament as an 8-11 seed.

I think this roster is good enough for Option B. That said I hate to say it, i'd rather option A and suffer another year. I just don't think Red has "it." so I lean towards option A I am generally an optimistic fan and bleed orange I just don't see it

Option B, I prefer when Syracuse makes the tournament, I won’t root for a bad season so our coach gets fired. The other aspect of this is wasn’t Kline hired by Red? If Red gets fired, does Kline stay?

Option C: Syracuse gets a 6 seed, the roster gels and they win 25 games

 

[M2MPrinciples]

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.

 

[Niastri]

Cuffe, Peter, Taylor….I know Red deserves some criticism but wow, those are not quality options. This year’s team will be Betsey, Souare, Kiyan, White….the difference is drastic

Athleticism and shooting off the bench will be nice.