As Syracuse basketball heads into its holiday break, the Orange sits at 9-4 overall after wrapping up non-conference play. The 'Cuse has a lot of work to do in upcoming Atlantic Coast Conference action if it wants to hear its name called on Selection Sunday for the first time since 2021, but the pieces are there for the Orange to get into the bubble conversation.
One important component is the anticipated return of sophomore power forward Donnie Freeman, who has only played in four games this season due to a lower-body injury. He is expected to be back in the line-up on New Year's Eve when the 'Cuse will host Clemson.