For years, the narrative surrounding Syracuse men's basketball has been singular: to return to the NCAA Tournament, the program needs more resources to compete in the new era of college athletics.

As the transfer portal enters its second week, that narrative is fueling anxiety among the Orange faithful. While there are legitimate concerns about the program's direction, fixating solely on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funds misses a larger point. Yes, financial backing helps, but it is not the only path to building a winning roster.

New head coach Gerry McNamara is actively shaping his team, having already secured four transfers and one freshman to join two returning rotation players. With six scholarships still available, the construction phase is far from over. The challenge isn't just about outbidding others; it's about smart team building.

The recent panic, especially after seeing ACC rivals land notable transfers, is understandable but perhaps premature. Last season's roster itself was largely built from Power-5 transfers and high-level recruits, yet the results were disappointing. This underscores that simply collecting talent, regardless of its pedigree or cost, doesn't guarantee success.

Winning requires the right blend of talent, fit, and coaching—a formula that is still being written for this Syracuse squad. McNamara, a beloved figure whose hiring was celebrated, now deserves the runway to complete his vision. The pieces he has added so far show promise individually. How they coalesce into a team is the next chapter.

Instead of letting NIL anxieties dominate the conversation, the focus should be on the coaching staff's ability to identify and develop players who fit the Syracuse system. The rebuild is a process, and judging it before the roster is complete is a disservice to the very project fans have been craving.