Starling’s first game back from injury: His assessment, his free throw explanation

Syracuse, N.Y. – He described what was essentially his first game of the 2025-26 season as a disappointment.

JJ Starling, Syracuse’s senior guard, had been sidelined since the opening minutes of opening night. An injury, described by SU officials as a “lower body” situation, kept him out of the Orange men’s first three games.

On Tuesday in the JMA Wireless Dome, he started at shooting guard and played a total of 26 minutes. He scored 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting and made the only 3-pointer he attempted. He struggled at the free throw line, going 2-for-5 as the Orange worked to close out Monmouth, 78-73 .

“I just know who I am, OK? And I know what I showed over the years. And injury or not, that wasn’t me,” Starling said. “I can do better to help the team, not even just offensively.”