The Syracuse Orange basketball program is no stranger to game-winning shots over the course of its history. With Nate Kingz knocking down the game-winning shot against SMU, he joins a group of rarified players who have hit memorable shots in Orange.
First, a definition of what qualifies as a game-winning shot. To be a true game-winning shot, it must come within the final 20 seconds of a game that authorizes a final lead and decides the outcome of the game. This differs from a go-ahead shot in which the player scores but leaves time for another offensive possession after the opponent fails to tie or take the lead.
Advertisement
So while there have been some clutch shots, like Michael Gbinije’s go-ahead layup versus Gonzaga in the 2016 NCAA Tournament or Kris Joseph’s clutch three in overtime against Georgetown in 2012, some don’t make this list.
There have been plenty of other clutch shots in Syracuse history that won’t make this list, such as Tyus Battle’s clutch jumpshot against Michigan State in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Or game-tying shots such as Andy Rautin’s game-tying three in the third overtime of the six OT classic against Connecticut. Or John Gillon’s game-tying three over NC State in 2017. You get the idea.
Here’s the comprehensive list of game-winning shots in the last 50 years of Syracuse basketball history:
Nate Kingz vs. SMU, 2026
Advertisement
Quadir Copeland vs. Miami, 2024
Brycen Goodine vs. Wake Forest, 2020
Tyus Battle vs. Georgetown, 2018
John Gillon vs. Duke, 2017
Tyus Battle vs. Clemson, 2017
Michael Gbinije vs. Virginia Tech, 2015
Rakeem Christmas vs. Louisiana Tech, 2014
Tyler Ennis vs. Pittsburgh, 2014
CJ Fair vs. NC State, 2014 (goaltend)
Eric Devendorf vs. Georgetown, 2006 Big East Tournament
Gerry McNamara vs. Cincinatti, 2006 Big East Tournament
Terrence Roberts vs. Rutgers, 2006
Gerry McNamara vs Georgetown, 2004
Gerry McNamara vs. Notre Dame, 2003
Jeremy McNeil vs. Pittsburgh 2002
Marius Janulis vs. Iona, 1998 NCAA Tournament
Ryan Blackwell vs. St. John’s, 1998 Big East Tournament
Advertisement
John Wallace vs. Georgia, 1996 NCAA Tournament
Lawrence Moten vs. Villanova, 1995
Michael Lloyd vs. Providence, 1995
Conrad McRae vs. Villanova, 1993
Dave Johnson vs. Georgetown, 1992
Pearl Washington vs. Georgetown, 1985
Pearl Washington vs. Boston College, 1984
Leo Rautins vs Boston College, 1981
Jim Lee vs. North Carolina, 1975
What did we miss? Be sure to let us know in the comment section.
