Q and A with Nunes Magician Orange Insider Ben Sigel
Orange hoops season is here. While football is buzzing with Fran Brown, Adrian Autry’s group is in for another fascinating season. Can they reach the Big Dance? Let’s break it all down here in a Syracuse basketball Q and A with Nunes Magician Orange insider Ben Sigel.
ML: What makes you most excited about the upcoming season?
BS: I’m excited to watch Adrian Autry continue to grow as the leader of the program. I think he’s the right guy for the job, and I hope he brings Syracuse back to where it should be. Like everyone else, I can’t wait to see Elijah and Donnie finally suit up as well.
ML: X-factor on the team?
BS: Chris Bell. I think as he goes, the team will go. He’s a really fun guy to watch. If he’s shooting it well, SU will be in a lot of games – even some they probably shouldn’t be.
ML: Just how good of a recruiter is Red Autry?
BS: Red is a strong recruiter. Nobody works harder than he does. Obviously, he has a different role now and isn’t focusing so much on one area – which helps Syracuse. He’s great at building relationships and, as we saw with his first class, he can recruit at a high level.
ML: You’ve been at this a long time. Favorite moments or memories covering the team?
BS: My favorite memory is probably the Tyler Ennis shot at Pittsburgh. It felt like Syracuse was down and out. It’s such a tough place to play, and BANG – Ennis walked it off. That is the first that comes to mind. Another game from that season would be the win over Duke at the Dome – what a game.
Malachi’s NCAA tournament performance against Virginia was special too. We were at Dave & Busters for it!
ML: How much has the up tempo style helped recruiting?
BS: It plays to their strength of getting athletic guys who like to run. Forcing more turnovers and getting buckets in transition is when Syracuse has been at its best. SU wants to run and when you can recruit great athletes, results will follow.
ML: NCAA Tournament for the Orange this season?
BS: I don’t think so. It could be another long year in Syracuse. They were picked to finish 11th in the ACC. I hope I’m wrong.
ML: Thanks Ben. Keep crushing.
BS: Thanks Mike!
Follow Ben Sigel on X @cusesigel.
Subscribe to Mike Lindsley’s YouTube page @mlsportsplatter. Mike has been in sports media for 25 years and is the host of the ML Sports Platter Podcast.
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