For Syracuse Orange coach Adrian Autry, the path back to the NCAA Tournament runs directly through his star freshman, Kiyan Anthony.

College basketball analyst Jeff Goodman has delivered a stark warning about the high-profile recruit, suggesting that how Autry handles Carmelo Anthony’s son could either end the program’s four-year NCAA Tournament drought or extend the frustration for another season.

Why Is Kiyan Anthony’s Role the Key to Syracuse’s March Madness Hopes?

During a recent appearance on “Cuse Sports Talk,” college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman laid out the high stakes, and his pointed warning should have the Orange faithful paying close attention.

The ‘Field of 68’ expert emphasized that while Syracuse is “definitely capable” of being the fifth or sixth ACC team to make the tournament, a major pitfall awaits Autry if he mismanages his prized freshman. Goodman identified Kiyan Anthony as the ultimate X-factor for the team’s success, but his assessment came with a crucial catch regarding the freshman’s role.

“To me, the X Factor is none other than Carmelo’s kid, Kiyan Anthony,” Goodman stated, before adding, “He’s the X Factor, and I’m just not sure, guys.”

The analyst then clarified the right and wrong approaches. “If he’s coming off the bench and giving you 18 minutes a game and is part of that second unit and giving you scoring, I’m fine with it.”

However, Goodman cautioned against relying too heavily on the newcomer. “If you’re saying you’re going to really give Kiyan Anthony the ball and let him be your leading scorer, one of your leading scorers, yeah, I’m not buying into that of Syracuse being a great team, as him as a freshman. I’m just not,” he emphasized.

This assessment directly addresses Syracuse’s biggest challenge. Anthony, the son of Orange legend Carmelo Anthony and the 36th-ranked player in ESPN’s 2025 recruiting class, arrives on campus with enormous expectations.

Goodman’s warning carries extra weight given Autry’s situation. After a promising 20-win debut season, the Orange fell to 14–19 last year. The program has not reached March Madness since 2021, and the pressure is mounting.

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“This is a make-or-break year” for Autry, Goodman noted, adding that the coach “better win at least 20 games this year.” With an improved roster that includes returning stars JJ Starling and Donnie Freeman, plus a top-10 recruiting class, the expectations are higher than ever.

The message is clear: Anthony can provide tremendous value if used correctly as a high-energy scorer off the bench for about 18 minutes per game. But if Autry makes the freshman a primary offensive engine, Goodman believes the Orange’s hopes for a deep tournament run will likely fade.

With the fan base desperate to return to March Madness, Autry’s decision on Anthony’s role is pivotal. If he gets it right, the drought could finally end. If not, it may drag on for another long year.