Syracuse Retains Top Freshmen Kiyan Anthony and Sadiq White

Decisions provide early boost for new head coach Gerry McNamara as program transitions

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:09am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of orange, blue, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The return of top freshmen Kiyan Anthony and Sadiq White provides a foundation for Syracuse's basketball program to build upon under new head coach Gerry McNamara.Syracuse Today

Syracuse will retain its top two freshmen from the 2026–27 season, as guard Kiyan Anthony and forward Sadiq White both announced their returns via social media. Their decisions provide an early boost for new head coach Gerry McNamara, who was hired in March following the dismissal of Adrian Autry.

Why it matters

Anthony and White were highly ranked recruits who showed promise as freshmen, and their return is crucial as Syracuse transitions to a new era under McNamara. Retaining top talent is a priority for the new coach as he looks to rebuild the program.

The details

Anthony, the son of former Syracuse standout Carmelo Anthony, appeared in 29 games and averaged 8.0 points in 18.7 minutes, while White played in 31 games and averaged 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 15.1 minutes. Both players dealt with typical freshman growing pains but are expected to take on expanded roles next season.

  • Kiyan Anthony and Sadiq White announced their returns via social media.

The players

Kiyan Anthony

A four-star recruit and the son of former Syracuse standout Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan Anthony showed flashes during an uneven freshman campaign, appearing in 29 games and averaging 8.0 points in 18.7 minutes.

Sadiq White

Also a four-star prospect, Sadiq White played in 31 games and averaged 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 15.1 minutes, displaying development despite typical freshman growing pains.

Gerry McNamara

The new head coach of the Syracuse basketball team, hired in March following the dismissal of Adrian Autry. McNamara emphasized the importance of retaining talent already on the roster during his introductory remarks.

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What they’re saying

“During his introductory remarks, McNamara emphasized the importance of retaining talent already on the roster, pointing to the program's existing foundation.”

— Gerry McNamara, Head Coach, Syracuse Basketball

What’s next

McNamara has further rounded out his staff with the additions of assistants Arinze Onuaku, Jamal Brunt, Ben Lee and Ryan Daly, continuing a busy offseason as he reshapes the program.

The takeaway

The decisions by Kiyan Anthony and Sadiq White to return to Syracuse provide an early boost for new head coach Gerry McNamara as he looks to rebuild the program. Retaining top talent is a priority, and the return of these two highly recruited freshmen will be crucial as the Orange transition to a new era.