Syracuse Basketball Recruiting: Class of 2016 Update

Even after the sanctions that came out in March, Syracuse basketball has not had a hard time with recruiting the top of the crop. On July 13, Syracuse added its second recruit to the class of 2016. The class began with Matthew Moyer. Moyer is a 6’8″ forward out of Columbus, Ohio, who had 21 other offers from Division I schools. Moyer is ranked at no. 51 out of ESPN’s 100 for the class of 2016.

Tyus Battle, who Syracuse was hot and heavy on for months had committed to Michigan, letting down Boeheim and Syracuse fans alike. The guard ranks in at no. 27 in ESPN’s class of 2016 and in June went back on his commitment to the Wolverines, leading him to accept an offer from the Orange in mid-July. Battle, who attends Gill St. Bernard in Gladstone, New Jersey felt that his commitment to Michigan in May was just a bit rushed. After backing out from Michigan, Battle accepted the offer from Syracuse which is just three hours away from home.

At 6’6″, Battle will be a large guard, putting him in a similar category to Orange legend Michael Carter-Williams. A five-star recruit, Battle has the ability to score and will be a great component for the Orange in the 1-2 zone. After all of the sanctions it is crucial that a recruit like Battle has decided to come to ‘Cuse and make the basketball program even better, despite all of the punishments that have been or will be enforced in the future. This shows other recruits that Syracuse is still a serious contender to make all of their basketball dreams come true.

Jan 13, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Jim Boeheim has words with guard Kaleb Joseph (14) during the first half of a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

After Kaleb Jospeh’s performance last season, incoming freshman Malachi Richardson or 2016 commit, Tyus Battle could easily fill his role on the court within the next two years because both are considered “combo-guards.” Battle has already discussed with Boeheim and staff that he will have a huge offensive role for the Orange as a versatile guard. So far the basketball recruiting class of 2016 is looking pretty sharp.

Not to mention, this year Syracuse’s class of 2015 has four ESPN 100 players, ranking in at number seven nationally. So where will the 2016 class fall, even with the NCAA sanctions that have reduced scholarships and put the Orange on probation? Easily another top ten, if not top five recruiting class.

Other than Battle and Moyer there are no recruits lined up to attend SU in 2016 yet. In May,q the Orange offered 6’5″ point guard, Kevin Huerter, from Shenendehowa, New York. Huerter was encouraged to spend a year at preparatory  school and then would be able to receive a spot on the Orange squad for 2017, once he developed his strength and game better.

So far it seems as if the Orange are focusing more on the recruitment of the 2017 class, but that is another discussion for another time. The Orange have bounced back well from the NCAA sanctions, especially from the recruitment standpoint. The reduction of 12 scholarships is where Boeheim and staff may run into a bit of trouble though. Before the 2016 season, not including graduating seniors, the Orange will at least need one transfer or early draft declaration in order to grant all scholarships that have been promised thus far. Moving forward, this means any more additions to the class of 2016 and the Orange will have to part ways with another member of the 2015-16 roster.

On another note, the Orange could be very contempt with their current class of 2016 and leave it as is. Two players could be more then enough, given there are four incoming freshman this season and a recent transfer. Paschal Chukwu, a center at 7’1″, will start his three years of eligibility as an Orange in 2016 due to transfer rules. So this technically brings three news players in for 2016, with at least two expected to be on the court immediately. That leaves us with these question though, who will leave after this season? Will one of the freshmen be one-and-done, any early draft declaration, or even the possibility of a transfer?