Will this be the final player added to Gerry McNamara's first team?
Gerry McNamara and his staff for the Syracuse Orange men's basketball team may have finalized their roster for the 2026-27 season this weekend.
Ethan Butler, a 6-foot-6 guard, formerly of St. Francis Prep in New York City, announced his commitment to Syracuse via social media.
Who is Ethan Butler?
Although Butler spent the early part of his career at St. Francis, Butler played last season as a part of the Overtime Elite program based in Arizona. In 17 games, Butler posted 5.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game.
Butler does have ties to the Central New York area. His father, Eric Butler, was a member of the Syracuse soccer team in 1991 and 1992. His uncle, Keith Butler was a 1,000 point scorer at Westhill High School in the Central New York area.
The newest Orange signee was offered a scholarship to join McNamara when he was leading the Siena Saints, and he's now followed McNamara to SU.
What does the roster look like now?
After the signing of Butler, here is what the projected Syracuse basketball roster would look like if the season started today.
Guards: Kiyan Anthony, Noah Lobdell, Gavin Doty*, Aiden Tobiason*, Garwey Dual*, Ryan Moesch**, Ethan Butler
Forwards: Sadiq White Jr., Calvin Russell III, Tasman Goodrick*, Mark Morano Mahmutovič*, Francis Folefac*
Center: Luke Wilson*, Abdramane Siby*, Iker Martinez*
*Denotes transfer portal addition or international signing
NCAA basketball roster rules for upcoming season
While Orange fans are watching the roster come together, it is important to remember the NCAA new rule that came down less than one year ago: Division I men's basketball teams are allowed 15 roster spots. As the NCAA's website notes:
"NCAA D1 schools will be able to offer scholarships to every athlete on their roster, eliminating previous sport-specific limits. This means schools will have more flexibility financially supporting their athletes, increasing the number of potential college sports scholarships."
The roster is likely now set for Syracuse, as they've hit the 15 player limit. McNamara and his staff can utilize scholarships as they see fit, but the above is projected to be the final roster for the upcoming season. Of course, there's the chance that Russell elects to only play football moving forward, which would open up another spot. He's given no indication that that will happen.
More basketball news
--Our own Brady Farkas shares something he finds clear about one of the Orange's additions, Gavin Doty.
--In case you missed it, more details have been finalized involving two Syracuse non- conference games this upcoming season. We have details involving the ACC/SEC Challenge. Plus, Syracuse and Providence will renew their former BIG EAST conference rivalry. Find out more on the Friars and Orange matchup later this year.
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