JJ Starling to Syracuse: Looking at former McDonald's All-American’s stats and transfer from Notre Dame to Orange basketball 

Former Notre Dame freshman JJ Starling has announced he's changing teams for the upcoming 2023-24 NCAA season. One of the top players on the transfer portal, Starling announced that he will be committing to play for the Syracuse Orange next spring.

Starling came into the 2022-23 NCAA season as a potential one-and-done. He committed to playing at Notre Dame and was expected to be an exciting offensive force for the Fighting Irish. After an inconsistent season, Starling entered the transfer portal on the first day it was opened.

Less than 24 hours later, Starling announced he would be heading to Syracuse despite heavy interest from other schools. In his only season at Notre Dame, Starling averaged 11.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 42.1% from the field.

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JJ Starling Heading to Play For Syracuse

JJ Starling is heading to suit up for the Syracuse Orange next season

It wasn't the freshman year that many were expecting out of JJ Starling. The talented combo guard came into the 2022-23 NCAA season with plenty of excitement. Starling was a McDonald's All-American and the No.19 ranked recruit in the class of 2022.

While it wasn't a dream freshman season, Starling has the potential to make a serious splash with the Orange next season. There's a chance that Syracuse could return talented guard Judah Mintz as well. Mintz has the tools to be one of the top breakout candidates in college basketball last year.

If Mintz does decide to return for his sophomore season, he could pair with Starling to give the Orange one of the most dangerous backcourt duos in the country. Mintz averaged 16.3 points per game for Syracuse this season and could test the waters for the 2023 NBA draft, although he's expected to return.

Starling has the tools to be a dynamic combo guard for the Orange. He's a stocky, physically imposing ball handler who can get hot and light up the scoring column. At 6'4", 200 pounds, Starling will have the potential to be a lottery selection for the 2024 NBA draft.

Former legendary Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim recently stepped down after his illustrious career with the Orange. In a corresponding move, the program named Adrian Autry the new man in charge. Starling was the first addition for Autry as the head coach of Syracuse, giving the Orange one of the biggest names in the transfer portal.