Syracuse Basketball: Analysts pointing to Orange for Frank Anselem
By Neil Adler
Several recruiting analysts have projected 2020 big man Frank Anselem to Syracuse basketball.
Frank Anselem, a four-star center in the 2020 class, is down to five finalists, including Syracuse basketball, and some encouraging signs have headed the Orange’s way of late.
Over the past few days, three analysts on Rivals.com and one analyst on the 247Sports Web site have prognosticated that the 6-foot-10 Anselem will ultimately select the ‘Cuse.
It’s always more encouraging than not when recruiting experts forecast that a talented prospect is going to pick Syracuse, however, let’s make one thing abundantly clear.
These types of projections are often mainly speculation and gut feelings, and the Orange has gotten burned numerous times over in the past as it relates to the ‘Cuse possessing momentum for a particular target. The recruiting world is fickle, and it is heart-breaking.
Still, it would seem that Syracuse has a realistic – even strong – chance at landing Anselem, who is out of Prolific Prep in Napa Valley, Calif.
The pros and cons of Syracuse basketball for 2020 center Frank Anselem.
In early April, media reports said that Anselem had trimmed his list of contenders to a final trio of Southeastern Conference members Alabama, Georgia and LSU.
Yet, as frequently transpires with high-school players, his recruiting process dramatically changed. These days, Anselem is considering the Orange, Arkansas, San Diego State, Seton Hall and Western Kentucky.
The ‘Cuse has a lot working in its favor, namely that Syracuse competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference, has a Hall of Fame head coach, suits up in a massive facility, and has churned out a bunch of NBA players in recent years.
On the other hand, the Orange does have three centers on its current roster, two of whom are underclassmen. Court action would likely prove on the table for Anselem as an incoming freshman, but it’s no guarantee by any means.
Rivals.com’s Dan McDonald said in an article earlier this week that all five teams “appear to have a real shot at scoring a commitment from Anselem.”
As a top-30 center in the 2020 class who is rated at No. 142 overall by 247Sports, Anselem has a ton of promise. The ‘Cuse is in a great spot with him. But nothing is for certain until Anselem chooses his collegiate course.