Jonathan ‘JJ’ Starling is transferring to Syracuse. He is not transferring to a program in The Big Apple, despite what a graphic announcing his decision might suggest.
Starling, a former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, committed to Notre Dame in the Class of 2022. He chose the Fighting Irish over offers from Duke, Northwestern, and Stanford, among others.
From Baldwinsville, New York — a town of just under 8,000 located less than 15 miles from downtown Syracuse — there was thought that he might end up staying home to play for the Orange. That was not the case out of high school, but that is the case today.
Starling decided to transfer from Notre Dame after the departure of head coach Mike Brey after averaging 11.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while playing in every game during his freshman season. He ended up returning back to upstate New York to play for Adrian Autry and Syracuse over interest from Alabama, Kansas, North Carolina, UCLA, Tennessee, Auburn, Indiana and Oregon.
The NCAA basketball transfer portal opened on Monday morning. A record amount of players decided to seek a new opportunity with a new program.
Among them was Starling, who chose his new school Tuesday. He is a potential first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and a fantastic “get” for Jim Boeheim’s replacement.
Starling announced his decision through On3 Sports, which made an awesome graphic of Starling in a Syracuse jersey in the heart of New York City.
There is just one problem… (Starling definitely didn’t have any say in the graphic.)
Syracuse University is located in Syracuse, New York.
It is not located in New York City. It is located 250 miles north of New York City. The drive from Syracuse to New York City is four hours long if (big if) you avoid Holland Tunnel traffic.
As with anything on the internet, fans had a field day in the comments.
here’ s Syracuse pic.twitter.com/TRkOcHQWKK
— Jess Belmosto (@jessbelmosto) March 14, 2023
Man I didn’t realize they finished the renovations to Crowne Plaza!!
— Australopithecus jacobius (@jakewright2453) March 14, 2023
Syracuse is not NYC, but I guess it makes for a better graphic than this: pic.twitter.com/BNQgZJl5cQ
— J.P. Scott (@TheJPScott) March 14, 2023
Wow Syracuse built a bunch of skyscrapers recently I guess
— Colonial Hoops (@GWcolonialhoops) March 14, 2023
Ppl in Virginia are closer to NYC than Syracuse is lmaoooo
— UConn 4 National titles (@4Nationaltitles) March 14, 2023
Googles where Syracuse is
— Dan Baxter (@baxter4133) March 14, 2023
Ah yes, Syracuse New York city
— Kenny_Blankenship (@Blank3nship89) March 14, 2023
If he’s going to Syracuse why is he on UConn’s campus in this graphic?
— PK85 Dual Champs (@ArrogantHusky) March 14, 2023
Syracuse happen to move 250 miles southeast overnight? Or am I missing something here?
— MckeePlacePanther (@MckeePl_Panther) March 14, 2023
Heh. Last time I was in Syracuse I don’t remember that building being in the city. Granted, it was 28 below and a four of snow on the ground so maybe my senses were dulled…
— jk12955 ???? (@jk12955) March 14, 2023
You can drive from NYC to 4 different states faster than it takes to get to Syracuse…
— Den (@DDunn_14) March 14, 2023
Congratulations to Syracuse University of New York City on its tremendous transfer portal addition! Starling is going to be right at home in The Big Apple upstate New York. Literally!
