Carmelo Anthony Expresses Dismay Over Syracuse Basketball's Decline

Orange legend calls out his alma mater's struggles amid coach's hot seat

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:15am

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Syracuse basketball legend Carmelo Anthony has voiced his frustration with the program's recent struggles, commenting 'SMFH' (shaking my f***ing head) on an in-game highlight during the team's 87-77 loss to North Carolina. The Orange have slipped to 13-10 overall with a 4-6 record in the ACC, sitting in 16th place in the 18-team conference. Anthony, who led Syracuse to the 2003 national title in his only college season, has remained deeply involved with the program, including donating millions to build a state-of-the-art practice facility. His son, Kiyan, is a freshman on the current Syracuse roster, adding to Anthony's vested interest in the team's performance.

Why it matters

As one of Syracuse's all-time greats, Carmelo Anthony's public criticism of the team's decline carries significant weight. The Orange's struggles this season, including ranking near the bottom of the ACC in several key statistical categories, have been a disappointment for the program's loyal fanbase. Anthony's comments highlight the high expectations he and others have for a team that was once a perennial powerhouse under legendary coach Jim Boeheim.

The details

Syracuse has lost five of its last six games, plummeting to 13-10 overall and 4-6 in ACC play. The team ranks near the bottom of the conference in several key statistical categories, including 14th in points, 16th in 3-pointers, 14th in assists, and 15th in rebounds. The Orange are also 363rd out of 365 Division I teams in free-throw percentage, making just 63.3% of their foul shots. Head coach Adrian Autry, who previously served as an assistant under Jim Boeheim, has acknowledged the team's inconsistency and the need to improve before facing a tough upcoming schedule that includes matchups against ranked opponents Virginia, Duke, North Carolina, and Louisville.

  • On February 3, 2026, Syracuse lost 87-77 to North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
  • Carmelo Anthony commented 'SMFH' (shaking my f***ing head) on an in-game highlight during the first half when Syracuse fell behind 46-32.

The players

Carmelo Anthony

A Hall of Fame forward who led Syracuse to the 2003 national title in his only season of college basketball. He has remained deeply involved with the program, including donating millions to build a state-of-the-art practice facility.

Kiyan Anthony

Carmelo Anthony's son, who is a freshman on the current Syracuse roster.

Adrian Autry

The third-year head coach of the Syracuse basketball team, who previously served as an assistant under Jim Boeheim.

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What they’re saying

“SMFH”

— Carmelo Anthony

“On both sides, we have to get better and more consistent. That's what we have to do. For us to go where we want to go, this is part of the season, this is part of the journey. It's more games to be played. I like this group. We just have to be more consistent in what we're trying to do.”

— Adrian Autry, Head Coach, Syracuse Basketball

What’s next

Syracuse takes on No. 18 Virginia in Charlottesville on February 7, 2026, as the team looks to turn things around before it's too late.

The takeaway

Carmelo Anthony's public criticism of Syracuse's struggles highlights the high expectations for a program that was once a perennial powerhouse. The Orange's decline this season, including poor statistical rankings in the ACC, has been a disappointment for the loyal fanbase. As an all-time great who has remained deeply involved with the team, Anthony's comments carry significant weight and underscore the need for the current squad to improve and regain its former glory.