Even though the focus is rightfully on the upcoming regular-season campaign, the Syracuse basketball squad is entering a monumental recruiting juncture.
College-basketball programs around the country, including Syracuse basketball, have begun practicing in anticipation of the 2017-18 stanza coming to fruition in just a few mere weeks.
This is annually one of the most exciting times of the year for me, as my favorite sport becomes a reality for the next several months.
However, as I recently wrote, my exuberance is significantly diminished this go-round, the result of a dark cloud hovering over collegiate hoops.
By now, we all know about the federal-government investigation into alleged bribery and other corruption in the recruiting world that will likely affect coaches, at least one shoe company, agents and financial advisers.
Rick Pitino, the Hall of Famer who is the only head coach to win national titles at two different schools, is on his way out at Louisville. Pitino, I might add, is a former assistant to ‘Cuse boss Jim Boeheim in the late 1970s.
Beyond Pitino, federal-government officials have arrested four assistant coaches at other
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universities. Prognosticators view this as only the tip of the iceberg, with much more in store.
It’s a sad state, indeed, and such a shame.
Regardless, the show must go on, so I’m trying to hone in on some fun, and potentially juicy, developments that surround SU.
As Boeheim & Co. get set for the 2017-18 term, the next two weeks are incredibly important, recruiting-wise, for the Orange – for the following season, that is.
The two primary high-school players that Syracuse is targeting to fill out its 2018 class are expected to reveal their decisions in the near future.
Four-star guard Jalen Carey, widely regarded as a top-50 stud in that class, is down to either Connecticut or the ‘Cuse, per various media reports. The 6-3 Carey, a native of Harlem, N.Y., who attends the Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, N.J., plans to announce on Oct. 11, his birthday.
Six days later, on Oct. 17, power forward Nate Roberts will choose between Washington, led by former long-time Orange assistant Mike Hopkins, SU and Nebraska.
Roberts, who hails from Baltimore, is listed as three or four stars, at a height of 6-9 to 6-11, depending on the recruiting service.
While not super highly ranked nationally, this big man has the goods, in my opinion. Roberts is currently at the Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., where another 2018 commit, Buddy Boeheim, also goes.
As is presently stands, Syracuse’s 2018 class members feature three-star shooting guard/small forward Buddy Boeheim, the son of JB, and five-star forward Darius Bazley. And don’t forget that East Carolina transfer Elijah Hughes is eligible to suit up in 2018-19.
Since other recent prospects like Eric Ayala and Louis King are no longer options, I get the sense that the Orange’s 2018 class really comes down to Carey and Roberts.
Recruiting is a crapshoot and extremely fickle, and I have no inside information about either of them. My gut, though, tells me that both Carey and Roberts are coming to Central New York.
In terms of Carey, UConn is already loaded with guards. As far as Roberts, I just don’t see him picking Nebraska or Washington over the ‘Cuse.
Both would prove monster gets and could propel SU’s 2018 class into the top 15 overall, and maybe even the top 10.
Expectations are pretty low for our boys in 2017-18, and I understand why. We have a ton of new faces, an inexperienced roster, and a young – albeit talented – group.
Jim Boeheim has surprised the pundits before when they figured Syracuse wouldn’t amount to much (remember 2002-03?). I hope that JB does it again.
Looking further out, however, the future is bright.
I recognize that the Orange has swung and missed a bunch over the last 12 months as it pertains to recruiting, but landing Bazley has proven critical. Combining him with Buddy Boeheim, Carey, Roberts and Hughes?
That’s downright scary.
Additionally, 2019 three-star guard Brycen Goodine has pledged his commitment to the ‘Cuse, with other recent schollie offers going out to 2019 five-star forward Precious Achiuwa and 2020 five-star forward Scottie Barnes.
Next: Syracuse Basketball: Top 30 Players in School History
If the proverbial stars align, it’s safe to say that Jim Boeheim’s remaining years at the helm on the Hill could end up seriously special. It’s never anything close to a guarantee, but the next handful of recruiting cycles, if they emerge with shiny results, that could help facilitate JB to another Final Four run.
Compete for a national championship as he nears retirement, with one of his sons in a SU uniform?
Yes, please.