On Wednesday night, we learned that former Syracuse men's basketball standout Elijah Hughes will head back to Germany for his next professional opportunity.

On Thursday afternoon, we learned that former SU sharp shooter Cole Swider will represent Team USA in the next round of FIBA World Cup qualifying.

The Americans, who are coached by former NBA head coach Terry Stotts, will play at Chile on Aug. 27 and home vs. Colombia on Aug. 31.

While the qualification process is complex, 80 national teams are working to become one of the 32 teams to play in the FIBA World Cup in 2027.

Team USA is certainly a heavy favorite to advance to - and win - the World Cup.

A Providence, R.I. native, Swider spent three years playing at Villanova before transferring to Syracuse in 2021-22. Because he played during the COVID-19 time period, he had a fifth year of eligibility available to him, but elected not to use it.

In his one year at Syracuse, he started 33 games, averaging 13.9 ppg while shooting 41.1 percent from three-point range. He also pulled down 6.8 rebounds per night, helping the Orange to a 16-17 record.

The Orange did not make the NCAA Tournament and have now gone five years without making the field. New head coach Gerry McNamara is working to change that.

After Syracuse, Swider worked his way into the NBA, playing parts of three years with the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors. He's played 35 career games in the NBA, averaging 3.1 ppg.

Having not played in the NBA since 2024-25, Swider most recently played in the 'TBT' for 'Boeheim's Army,' the Syracuse alumni team. 

Playing for a $2 million prize, Swider and the group beat the Seton Hall alumni in the first round series before losing to Kentucky in the alumni semifinals.

--Former Syracuse quarterback Rickie Collins, who transferred after the 2025 season, is set to be named the starting quarterback at Kennesaw State this season. Ironically enough, Kennesaw State's former quarterback (Amari Odom), is now one of the backups at Syracuse. 

--As for the current team, our own Tom Goslowski sat down with Jamie Tremble on Thursday for a 1-on-1 interview, talking about his positional versatility, his ability to play on both offense and defense, and more.

The Orange open up their 2026 season on Sept. 5 against New Hampshire at the JMA Wireless Dome.