Charlotte, N.C. - He declined to say how he broke the middle finger on his shooting hand. But Syracuse basketball guard JJ Starling said it won’t impact the way he plays in 2025-26.

“Just had a little hiccup,” Starling said here at ACC Media Day. “That’s all. I’m good now, 100%.”

Starling said he broke the finger during the summer and has already finished rehabilitation and recovery. It was, SU personnel said previously, a non-basketball injury.

SU coach Adrian Autry said he was unconcerned about Starling’s finger. It happened early enough to allow Starling to recover completely, he said.

Starling said he no longer needs tape or splints or anything to protect the finger.

“Once you break something, obviously, you got to be relaxed for a little bit,” Starling said. “But now, I’m back. N

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