Syracuse guard JJ Starling will miss the team’s upcoming game against No.3-ranked Tennessee due to an injury. The news comes as the Syracuse Orange prepare for a tough matchup with the undefeated Volunteers. Now, many are concerned about how Starling got injured.
Let’s take a closer look at J.J. Starling’s injury.
How did JJ Starling get injured?
Syracuse guard JJ Starling will be sidelined for the team’s upcoming game against No. 3 Tennessee after suffering a left hand injury during practice on Monday. The injury, later confirmed to be a broken hand, will keep Starling out indefinitely. This news was first reported by the Voice of the Orange, Matt Park. Syracuse later confirmed the details through its official channels.
Starling was seen wearing a cast on his left hand during the team’s travel to Tennessee for the SEC/ACC Challenge. Although Starling is Syracuse’s leading scorer, he will not play against the undefeated Volunteers (7-0). The Volunteers have won every game this season by at least 15 points.
Starling, who transferred to Syracuse from Notre Dame before last season, has been a key player for the Syracuse Orange. He averaged a team-high 19.8 points per game through the first six games of the 2024 season. His performance has been critical to Syracuse’s success, as the team enters the game against Tennessee with a 4-2 record.
In Starling’s absence, freshman Elijah Moore is expected to take on a larger role, likely starting alongside Hofstra transfer Jaquan Carlos in the backcourt. Junior guard Kyle Cuffe Jr., who saw a season-high six minutes against Cornell, could also see an increased role moving forward. The loss of Starling is a significant blow to Syracuse, especially as they head into a tough match against one of the nation’s top teams.
