SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse University men's basketball team rolled over the visiting Delaware State Hornets 83-43 on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome.

At 2-0, the Orange are off and running in this young season, but there is one negative development looming over this team: The status of star guard J.J. Starling.

After leaving Monday's season-opener with a right leg injury, Starling also sat out Saturday's win against the Hornets. After the opener, head coach Adrian Autry said that Starling was "fine," but he still wasn't able to go five days later.

So what does that mean heading into this next week, where the Orange aren't scheduled to play again until Saturday (Nov. 15)? Autry provided little in the way of answers after the blowout victory.

When asked if holding Starling out was more of a precaution than anything, Autry said just this: "No, I think it's just... he's not ready yet, but we expect him back soon." There was a discernible pause between "we expect him back" and "soon," so who knows if Autry was being intentionally vague or if he really means it as far the return to play timeline goes.

Regardless, the Orange are a better team with Starling and they'll look forward to him returning whenever it is. He led the group in scoring last season at 17.8 ppg. The Syracuse native is in his third year with the Orange after spending his freshman season at Notre Dame.

Talented freshman Kiyan Anthony started in place of Starling and immediately made his presence felt, scoring 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting. When Starling comes back, is Autry prepared to put Anthony back on the bench, or is that too difficult now that the genie is out of the bottle?

If Anthony stays in the lineup, Autry could relegate one of his other guards to the bench. Nate Kingz had seven points and an assist on Saturday, and he added five rebounds.

Naithan George also had seven points and added three assists, but he did have five turnovers.

The Orange will take on Drexel next Saturday in Philadelphia. Though the game is away from the JMA Wireless Dome, it's not a true road game. It's part of the 'Autumn Invitational,' which also features La Salle and Penn State.

Syracuse will return home on Nov. 18 against Monmouth and we'll have live coverage from that contest.

HIGH PRAISE FOR KIYAN: After his first career start, Kiyan Anthony drew high praise from his coach, and Delaware State head coach Stan Waterman. CLICK HERE: 

MAJOR FOOTBALL RECRUIT JOINS ORANGE: The 'Cuse football program is down on its luck right now, but the future got a little brighter this week. CLICK HERE: 

INCLUSION IN VIDEO GAME: The Orange are going to be one of 16 teams included in the add-on for NBA 2K26. Here's what it means. CLICK HERE: 

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