Last year, a detached retina caused Laila Phelia to lose partial vision. It also made her miss Texas’ Final Four run. Now, at Syracuse, she’s rebuilding her confidence with full focus on bringing the Orange to March. For @DOsports’ Basketball Guide 🧵⬇️

“(We showed) a lot of character, and that’s the strength of our team.” Syracuse defeated Virginia Tech in the first round of the ACC Tournament Wednesday night behind Tim Brdaric’s brace, from @HarrisPemb6. https://t.co/lnIAgBqzg0

Syracuse is on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament as it stands. The Orange will need a win tonight and likely another in the second round if they want to return to the dance for the first time since 2023. Follow along for @DOsports updates all night long ⬇️.

Syracuse women’s basketball defeated Stony Brook 74-50 in its season opener Tuesday. Despite shooting just 1-of-12 from 3, 11 different SU players scored, contributing to a 49.2% field goal percentage, from @HarrisPemb6. https://t.co/HsJD95dyOo

Happy to be reining in the new Syracuse women’s basketball season with @JordanKimball_. Follow along for @DOsports updates all night — and all season.

Syracuse women’s basketball tips off its 2025-26 season by welcoming Stony Brook to the JMA Wireless Dome Tuesday. @HarrisPemb6 details what to know about the Seawolves ahead of SU’s season opener. https://t.co/OXzHVHFN1p

Syracuse women’s basketball acquired eight new players and lost leading scorer Georgia Woolley after last season. Our beat writers predict how the new-look Orange will fare in their upcoming campaign. https://t.co/iTfOhOJ6Aq

“I’m feeling like my old self again.” An eye injury sidelined Laila Phelia for Texas’ Final Four run last season. Transferring to Syracuse has Phelia focused on reestablishing herself as one of the best two-way college guards, from @HarrisPemb6. https://t.co/vR9r7ZJbsH

With basketball season on the horizon, there’s nothing better to do than read the @DOsports Basketball Guide. Check out @JustinGirshon, @AidenStepansky, @cooper_andrews, @mpalmarDO, @HarrisPemb6 and @JordanKimball_'s stories and predictions here: https://t.co/cBt1t7kilf

Julie McBride. Alexis Peterson. Tiana Mangakahia. Dyaisha Fair. Syracuse has a legacy of elite point guards. As the reigning Gatorade Connecticut Player of the Year, four-star freshman Camdyn Nelson has a chance to reestablish that lineage. 🧵⬇️

With SU’s season tipping off on Tuesday, she’s fully focused on putting her misfortune in the rearview and becoming a star for the Orange. Full story on Phelia ⬇️ https://t.co/a2NDE5gFky

In her final collegiate season, Phelia wants to reestablish herself as the lethal two-way guard she was for Michigan. In SU’s exhibition vs. Daemen on Tuesday, she showed glimpses of that, dropping 17 points in her first game for the Orange.

Come the end of UT’s season, Phelia knew she wanted to use her final year of eligibility elsewhere. She wanted somewhere new to rebuild herself as a player and a coach who would give her the patience to do so. Felisha Legette-Jack and Syracuse checked the boxes.

Phelia regained enough sight to begin the season, but it didn’t last long. She played just eight games for Texas before electing to sit out and pursue a medical redshirt. Meanwhile, Texas had its best season in four decades, culminating in a Final Four appearance.

Those plans changed in June 2024. Phelia woke up one morning and had what she described as a “black curtain” covering a portion of her eye. She didn’t think much of it at first. But after her vision worsened the next day, she had emergency surgery for a detached retina.

Phelia entered the portal in April 2024 as a four-star transfer and chose preseason No. 4 Texas. Entering the season, Phelia was set to play a key role in the Longhorns’ national title push as their starting shooting guard.

After winning 72 consecutive games at Mount Notre Dame HS in Ohio, Phelia committed to Michigan as a four-star recruit in the 2021 class. She gradually improved each year with the Wolverines, leaving Michigan with two 16+ point per game seasons and an Elite Eight appearance.

Sophie Burrows started her Syracuse career in the shadows, learning behind two of the program’s best guards — Dyaisha Fair and Georgia Woolley. With both gone, it’s Burrows’ turn to step into the spotlight as SU aims to return to March Madness. 🧵on Burrows’ rise to the top:

Tajon Buchanan’s path from Syracuse to Villarreal wasn't traditional. After shining in the U.S., he faced injuries and struggled to get minutes at Club Brugge and Inter Milan from 2022-24. He’s now resurrected his career after a loan to Villarreal. My story for @DOSports (🧵):

“Our guys were warriors today.” In its 1-0 win over No. 22 UNC, Syracuse had two starting defenders injured and one sent off with a red card. Even with players out of position, the Orange battled through for a crucial victory, from @HarrisPemb6. https://t.co/X1i2Rz3CGV