Syracuse Basketball: Frank Anselem is a ridiculously athletic big man

New Syracuse basketball commit Frank Anselem works hard, studies hard, and is extremely coachable.

There are comparisons out there, at least to some degree, of new Syracuse basketball commit Frank Anselem to a pair of former Orange hoops players in Hakim Warrick and Chris McCullough.

That sounds good to me. Warrick, an All-American during his tenure on the Hill, helped lead the ‘Cuse to the 2003 national title. McCullough only suited up for Syracuse for part of one year before suffering an unfortunate ACL injury, but he still managed to get selected in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft.

In reviewing a bevy of articles on Anselem, the 2020 four-star center who chose the Orange last week over Georgia, San Diego State and New Mexico, a lot of positive characteristics are shining through about the 6-foot-10 prospect who hails from Atlanta but most recently has attended Prolific Prep in Napa Valley, Calif.

Recruiting analysts and Anselem’s coaches at Prolific Prep describe Anselem as extremely athletic, agile, mobile and a terrific shot-blocker who will have no problem succeeding in the ‘Cuse 2-3 zone. His 7-foot-5 wingspan will have Orange fanatics drooling.

On offense, Anselem is quite proficient at running the court. He’s quick for a big man, is always hustling up and down the floor, and finishes strong around the rim, recruiting experts say.

Interestingly enough, despite the fact that in recent stanzas Syracuse has often struggled to effectively rebound at a high clip on defense, “I know Frank would rebound really well out of the zone,” Prolific Prep head coach Joey Fuca told Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog. “He can play the middle or the bottom spot because Jim [Boeheim] really has his guys get out to the corner.”

Fuca added, “He did a great job for us in ball-screen coverage. He can really get out for a guy his size, he can hard-hedge, he can double. He’s very, very mobile for a big guy.”

Frank Anselem, who recently pledged to Syracuse basketball, spends tons of time in the gym improving his craft.

Equally as important as his basketball talents, Anselem’s coaches at Prolific Prep said in several media reports that Anselem is a wonderful student who has incredible drive and focus. He’s low maintenance, a leader, and a first-class young man, his coaches say.

Without question, Anselem will want to put on weight and add strength to compete in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference. His offensive repertoire is still progressing, yet Anselem is a determined person who has confidence in his abilities and knows he needs to keep on enhancing his skill-set.

The ‘Cuse will undoubtedly benefit from having secured Anselem’s services, and he is a welcomed addition to the team’s well-rounded 2020 recruiting class.