Micawber Etienne would bring low-post talent to Syracuse basketball

Syracuse basketball coaches virtually met with 2021 four-star center Micawber Etienne on Saturday.

Syracuse basketball remains in contact with a high-priority target in the 2021 recruiting cycle, Micawber Etienne, but the Orange faces unbelievably tough competition for the four-star center.

Recruiting analyst Jake Weingarten, the owner of Stockrisers.com, tweeted out that ‘Cuse head coach Jim Boeheim and his staff members had a virtual meeting with the 6-foot-10 Etienne on Saturday.

Several recent media reports have indicated that Etienne, who attends the Suffield Academy in Suffield, Conn., is considering a potential reclassification to the 2020 class.

That possibility is an interesting development as it relates to Syracuse’s recruiting efforts. On the one hand, heading into the 2020-21 campaign, the Orange still has a pair of scholarships available.

The ‘Cuse also has three centers on its current roster, two of whom are underclassmen. Additionally, Syracuse is a serious contender for 2020 four-star center Frank Anselem.

Upon first glance, it might seem that the Orange could prove a better fit for Etienne if he stays in the 2021 class, but at the same time the ‘Cuse appears to have made him a top target regardless of which class he ultimately resides in. Of course, in the recruiting arena, much of this is speculation until decisions are actually made.

Micawber Etienne has a strong relationship with Syracuse basketball coaches.

Analysts say that Etienne is a tremendously skilled big man who can score effectively in the paint, passes and rebounds well, has improved his long-range shot, and excels with his interior defense.

On the AAU circuit, Etienne runs with the Bronx, N.Y.-based PSA Cardinals. A few days ago, Syracuse offered a scholarship to one of Etienne’s colleagues with the PSA Cardinals, 2022 three-star small forward Yann Farrell.

The Orange is just one of a boatload of high-major programs that have offered Etienne. Others include Kansas, which ended 2019-20 ranked No. 1 in the polls, Louisville, Illinois, Ohio State, Connecticut, Miami, Georgetown, Seton Hall, UCLA, Iowa, Providence, Pittsburgh, Marquette, Xavier, St. John’s and Wake Forest.

Suffice it to say, the ‘Cuse is enduring an elite-level challenge in trying to land Etienne, who is rated a top-60 prospect in the 2021 class according to both 247Sports and Rivals.com.

Last month, Etienne did a Q&A with Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Eric Bossi, in which Etienne said some encouraging things about the Orange.

“Syracuse, I’ve built a very close relationship with coach Gerry McNamara and I talk with coach (Jim) Boeheim and coach Red (Adrian Autry) all the time. I went there for their game versus Duke and honestly there was no environment like that. There was 33 thousand people in there just screaming at the top of their lungs and all rooting for their team. That just shows you how much support they have behind their program and just shows you that their fans actually enjoy being there.”

Etienne added, “Playing in that type of conference [the ACC], you play the best competition every night. That’s something I’m potentially looking forward to. Dior Johnson is always in my ear about it …”

Well, then. Johnson, a five-star point guard in the 2022 class who committed to the ‘Cuse earlier this year, has said that he plans to bring more stellar recruits with him to the Hill. It won’t prove easy, but if Syracuse can hear its name called for Etienne, that would amount to an enormous recruiting win.