Syracuse Basketball Secures Commitment From 2017 PG Howard Washington
By Neil Adler
The Syracuse basketball squad desperately needed a point guard to fill out its 2017 roster, and now it has one. Inside the Loud House look at Syracuse’s new commit for next year.
Less than a week after receiving a scholarship offer from Syracuse Basketball Head Coach Jim Boeheim and his staff, 2017 target Howard Washington took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to say that he will suit up for ‘Cuse Nation next year.
https://twitter.com/hwashington324/status/842455253723287556
Although Washington, a point/combo guard, reportedly held offers from a handful of other schools, my gut told me that he would end up in Central New York. Especially after Boeheim & Co. bestowed upon him a scholarship offer.
In a recent Syracuse.com report, for instance, he referred to Syracuse as his “dream school.” That, at least in my mind, sealed the deal.
Washington, either a three/four star prospect, depending on recruiting Web site, becomes the third member of Syracuse’s 2017 class. Technically, it’s also the last group to endure Boeheim’s wrath. That’s because, as we all know, JB is scheduled to call it quits after the 2017-18 stanza.
Background, Honors,and National Rankings:
By verbally committing to the ‘Cuse, he will join Syracuse’s two other 2017 recruits. Four star forward Oshae Brissett, his high school teammate, and four star power forward/center Bourama Sidibe. Brissett and Washington currently attend Athlete Institute Prep in Mono, Ontario.
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Just a few days ago, a TSN announcement revealed that both Washington and Brissett were chosen to play in BioSteel. BioSteel is an annual Canadian all star contest. It features 24 premier high school standouts. The event, in its third installment, will take place on April 10th in Toronto.
Many Syracuse faithful have expressed concern about Boeheim and his assistants missing out on an abundance of top flight prospects for next season. I get it. However, with Washington in tow, we possess two commits who are among the finest ballers in Canada. A country, which, by the way, has produced some fine talent for Syracuse Basketball over the years.
A Buffalo, N.Y. native, he previously had committed to Butler within the Bulldogs’ 2016 class. He decided to renege on that commitment though, reclassifying to 2017.
ESPN.com gives him a grade of 80, while 247Sports.com rates him as 17th nationally at combo guard. Obviously, he is not ranked as high as other ‘Cuse targets that spurned the Orange for greener pastures.
Washington Fills a Huge Void for Syracuse:
However, the 6’3 Washington will, in my estimation, have a pivotal role as one of the lead guards at the top of Boeheim’s 2-3 zone. Since Graduate transfer John Gillon is exhausting his eligibility this season, that leaves sophomore Frank Howard as the only pure point guard. Freshman Tyus Battle could play point too, but he’s more of a wing.
Washington, therefore, fills a major void. Plus, similar to present SU freshman Matthew Moyer, who sat out this year due to injury, Washington bleeds Orange. He also is likely staying for at least three seasons, if not four. I’ll take loyal guys such as Moyer and Washington any day of the week.
Syracuse may not prove finished with its 2017 class. Syracuse reportedly has taken an interest in three star combo guard Chris Duarte, as well as four star point guard Tremont Waters. Waters asked for a release from his commitment to Georgetown this past weekend.
Additionally, 2018 four star point guard Eric Ayala has received a scholarship offer from Syracuse, and he may reclassify to 2017.
Next: Syracuse Basketball Extends Offers To Recruits In 2018 Class
With one guard locked up, and others apparently still in the mix, the outlook for Boeheim’s swan song is looking that much sweeter.