Frank Anselem, a highly rated center in the class of 2020, has cut his list down to six schools. Syracuse basketball has made that cut.
Frank Anselem, a 6-foot-10 center from Suwanee, Georgia, plays at Prolific Prep. He previously had nineteen schools listed as prospective options, but has now trimmed that down to just six. Syracuse basketball has made that cut, which is nothing but positive for the Orange.
Anselem made this cut via his Twitter page, as the ‘Cuse made his final six schools along with Arkansas, Kentucky, San Diego State, Seton Hall, and Western Kentucky. Those six schools make up an interesting bunch, considering their geographic locations. With that being said, they’ve all either boasted recent success with big men, or in Syracuse’s case, are in dire need of a solid big for the near future and beyond.
After much deliberation, I have decided to list my final six schools as follows : ARKANSAS, KENTUCKY, SAN DIEGO STATE, SETON HALL, SYRACUSE and WESTERN KENTUCKY. Thanks to all the schools and coaches that have been recruiting me. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
— Frank Anselem- Ibe (@the2kfranky) May 1, 2020
Currently, head coach Jim Boeheim has three centers at his disposal, in Bourama Sidibe, Jesse Edwards, and John Bol Ajak. However, with Sidibe set to graduate in May of 2021, it leaves the Orange with just Edwards and Ajak. Last season, Edwards was used sparingly, and Ajak redshirted, so at the moment, the Orange aren’t quite sure what they’ll be working with down low past this season.
While 247sports.com does point out that Anselem can be inconsistent, they do highlight his defensive abilities, and potential as an ACC starter:
"Athletic center with outstanding frame. Good size, wide shoulders and very long arms. Strong kid but not maxed out. Still raw on offense but physical tools give him very high upside. Has budding elbow jumper and hook shot but footwork and post moves can improve. Has chance to be high level rebounder and rim protector given size, length and athleticism. Still inconsistent but upside is very high. Projects as high major starter with professional upside dependent on development of skill."
What the Orange are working against are tough, but if Anselem wants to have the opportunity to play right away, Syracuse, New York may just be the destination for him. This Syracuse basketball team could use his size, as he is already more muscular and has a bigger frame than the two Orange big men starters in Sidibe and Marek Dolezaj. This only would be a welcome sign, as the Orange have struggled with their size – or lack there of – in the low post in recent years.
It will be interesting to see if the Orange can come out on top, as the competition between the other five schools is hefty. Dealing with a blue-blood in Kentucky, and a recent program on the rise in Seton Hall – who has done outstanding with big men over the past few seasons – is tough in its own. Arkansas, San Diego State, and Western Kentucky will also pose a threat, as those three school have really upped their recruiting as well.
There’s no set date yet on when Anselem will cut his list further, or perhaps choose his destination from that group of six. However, it would be a great get should Anselem choose Syracuse basketball.