Syracuse's Adrian Autry Reflects on Loss to SMU in ACC Tournament

Head coach Adrian Autry and players Nate Kingz and Tyler Betsey discuss the team's performance and future after being eliminated from the ACC Tournament.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry, along with players Nate Kingz and Tyler Betsey, spoke to the media following the team's 86-69 loss to SMU in the ACC Tournament. Autry cited the team's struggles with rebounding and outside shooting as key factors in the defeat. Kingz and Betsey discussed their efforts to leave it all on the court in what could be their final games. Autry also reflected on the challenges of adapting to the changing landscape of college athletics and the impact of variables like NIL and the transfer portal.

Why it matters

Syracuse's early exit from the ACC Tournament is a disappointing end to a season that had high expectations. Autry's comments provide insight into the team's shortcomings and the broader challenges facing the program as it tries to return to national prominence. The players' perspectives offer a glimpse into the emotions and mindsets of the student-athletes as their seasons and, in some cases, college careers come to a close.

The details

In the loss to SMU, Syracuse struggled to contain the Mustangs on the glass, allowing them to capitalize on second-chance points. Offensively, the Orange were unable to consistently make shots from the perimeter, relying heavily on strong performances from Kingz (25 points) and Betsey. Autry acknowledged the team's inconsistencies throughout the season, which he attributed to the learning curve for a roster that included several new and inexperienced players.

  • The ACC Tournament game against SMU took place on March 11, 2026.

The players

Adrian Autry

The head coach of the Syracuse men's basketball team, who is in his third season leading the program after taking over for legendary coach Jim Boeheim.

Nate Kingz

A veteran player for Syracuse who scored 25 points in the team's loss to SMU.

Tyler Betsey

A Syracuse player who contributed significantly from three-point range in the second half of the loss to SMU.

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What they’re saying

“I thought today's game really came down to, for us, the ability to rebound, second-chance points. And then offensively our guards, our perimeter, we didn't make enough shots, didn't play well enough. You've got to keep score with a team like SMU. I thought that was the difference.”

— Adrian Autry, Head Coach (on3.com)

“You know, really it was just a win or go home mentality. I was just trying to leave it all out there on the court and go as hard as I could. My last game, I don't know what the future holds for me, so I just wanted to leave it all out there and do whatever I could.”

— Nate Kingz, Player (on3.com)

“Yeah, like he said, just win or go home. There's nothing to leave on the table. I just wanted to play good for my team, my coaches, Coach that believed in me. I just wanted to prove them right, so left it all out there.”

— Tyler Betsey, Player (on3.com)

What’s next

The Syracuse coaching staff will meet with the team and administration on Monday to discuss the future of the program and Autry's role as head coach.

The takeaway

Syracuse's early tournament exit highlights the challenges Autry has faced in rebuilding the program to the high standards set by his predecessor, Jim Boeheim. While the team showed flashes of potential, inconsistency and a changing college basketball landscape have made Autry's job more difficult than expected. As he reflects on the season, Autry will need to find ways to better adapt to the evolving realities of college athletics to get the Orange back to national prominence.