JJ Starling Enjoying Being Closer to Family

The Syracuse basketball guard discusses the upcoming season.

We caught up with Syracuse guard JJ Starling to discuss his season at Notre Dame, being at Syracuse and family. 

Q: How does it feel to finally put on the Orange and represent Syracuse?

Starling: "It feels amazing. Having this opportunity, I'm beyond blessed. Being able to play in front of my friends and family, it's a surreal moment. I think I look good in Orange, so the color's grown on me pretty quick." 

Q: What was it like playing for Mike Brey at Notre Dame?

Starling: "It was a great experience. The record might not show it, but I learned so much with him. Even with the season that we had. All credit to him. He's the reason I am how I am right now. Determined and wanting to be the best player for myself. He forced me to be a competitor. He was on me. He just wanted me to be the best version of myself." 

Q: Do you have a specific memory from when you were younger about Syracuse Orange basketball?

Starling: "The biggest and most obvious is the Duke games. You can't beat the sold out arena, crazy atmosphere. Those are easy ones to think of." 

Q: Was there a game on the schedule where you thought this will be a surreal moment?

Starling: "Honestly no. Everybody on our schedule, I've got to key on them. I just want to win games. Unfortunately, we weren't able to do that at Notre Dame lats year. So being able to have a second opportunity against these great teams is going to be a great moment." 

Q: What are some of the differences being at Syracuse compared to Notre Dame?

Starling: "Last year at Notre Dame, it was a vet team. We didn't have to go through as much. They weren't new to the system. Everything was kind of already centered around them, so they helped me along. Here, we're all growing together. Coach Red is new, there's a bunch of sophomores on the team. We're all growing in this process together." 

Q: Does that make it easier to come to a program where everyone else is also in that adjustment phase?

Starling: "I wouldn't say it's easier. Both has its perks. I'm just taking the moment day by day." 

Q: How has being around family this summer and fall impacted you?

Starling: "I'm able to get back and see my parents way more often. Even seeing them on weekdays after classes and practicing. I'm big on family, so that's huge for me. If I'm in a bad mood, I"m able to see my mom, see my dad, that just puts me in a better mood already." 

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