Syracuse Basketball: Naheem McLeod Returns ‘100%’ Healthy For Orange

After missing the entire 2022-23 season due to a torn ACL, Syracuse forward Naheem McLeod is set to make his return to the court this upcoming season. McLeod, a 6’8″ sophomore, was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school and is expected to play a major role for the Orange this season.

Expectations for McLeod

McLeod was one of the most highly recruited players in the 2022 class. He was a consensus four-star recruit and was ranked as high as 35th overall by ESPN. McLeod is a versatile forward who can play both inside and outside. He is a good shooter, rebounder, and defender.

McLeod was expected to be a major contributor for Syracuse last season, but his injury derailed those plans. However, he has worked hard to rehab his knee and is now 100% healthy. McLeod is excited to get back on the court and help the Orange win games.

Syracuse’s Outlook with McLeod

Syracuse finished 16-17 last season, which was good for ninth place in the ACC. The Orange lost several key players from that team, including Buddy Boeheim, Cole Swider, and Jimmy Boeheim. However, McLeod’s return gives Syracuse a much-needed boost.

McLeod is a talented player who can make an immediate impact for the Orange. He is a good shooter, rebounder, and defender. McLeod can also play multiple positions, which gives Syracuse some flexibility. With McLeod in the lineup, Syracuse should be a more competitive team this season.

Challenges Facing McLeod

McLeod will face some challenges in his return from injury. He has not played in a game in over a year, so he will need to get back into game shape. McLeod will also need to adjust to playing with a new team. Syracuse has a lot of new faces this season, so McLeod will need to build chemistry with his new teammates.

Another challenge for McLeod will be staying healthy. He has a history of knee injuries, so he will need to be careful not to re-injure himself. If McLeod can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a star for Syracuse.

Conclusion

Naheem McLeod is a talented player who can make a major impact for Syracuse this season. He is a versatile forward who can play both inside and outside. McLeod is a good shooter, rebounder, and defender. With McLeod in the lineup, Syracuse should be a more competitive team this season.

However, McLeod will face some challenges in his return from injury. He has not played in a game in over a year, so he will need to get back into game shape. McLeod will also need to adjust to playing with a new team. Syracuse has a lot of new faces this season, so McLeod will need to build chemistry with his new teammates.

If McLeod can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a star for Syracuse. He is a talented player who can make a difference on both ends of the court. With McLeod in the lineup, Syracuse should be a team to watch this season.