Syracuse Basketball: Jarace Walker would bring unique skill-set to Orange

Jarace Walker, offered a scholarship by Syracuse basketball on Monday, has “an elite talent level,” one expert says.

Go big or go home may prove the mantra for the Syracuse basketball 2022 class, as the Orange is now vying for top-15 prospect Jarace Walker.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Walker, a rising junior at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., is a five-star small forward who, if he ultimately selected the ‘Cuse, would join five-star point guard and fellow top-15 player Dior Johnson in Syracuse’s 2022 recruiting cycle.

Naturally, the Orange will face stiff competition for Walker, who landed his scholarship offer from Syracuse on Monday, according to his bio on the 247Sports Web site and several recruiting analysts posting on social media.

As we’ve noted on many occasions at this juncture, Johnson has said that he plans to bring more stellar recruits with him to the Hill. Additionally, the Orange recently picked up pledges from 2020 four-star center Frank Anselem and 2021 four-star small forward Benny Williams, so the ‘Cuse possesses some nice recruiting momentum of late.

Per a review of the primary recruiting Web sites, other teams to offer Walker include Maryland, Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Bryant, Howard, Kansas State, and fellow Atlantic Coast Conference member Virginia Tech.

Syracuse basketball is in the mix for 2022 five-star small forward Jarace Walker.

Across the 2022 class, Walker is ranked No. 6 by 247Sports, No. 8 from the 247Sports Composite, No. 10 on ESPN.com, and No. 11 at Rivals.com. In summation, Syracuse coaches will face an incredible challenge winning the recruiting bout over Walker, but if the Orange prevails, its 2022 class has the makings of an epic one.

Walker, who hails from New Freedom, Pa., goes to the same prep school, the IMG Academy, that ‘Cuse rising sophomore center Jesse Edwards also attended.

In an evaluation on the 247Sports Web site, analyst Brian Snow said that Walker is a “unique and versatile prospect” who “looks far more advanced physically than most players his age.”

"Snow added that Walker “has an elite talent level. A physical and skilled wing, has the ability to score the ball at a high-level going to the rim. One of the best things that he does is attack the rim off the dribble and make a good pass to a teammate. Even though he isn’t a point guard, Williams has good floor vision and a solid basketball IQ. Given his strength and physique, he also is a good rebounder and should be a strong defender in time.”"

Since Walker has two more years of high-school ball remaining, he will assuredly receive a boatload of additional offers. Hopefully, the appeal of suiting up with guys like Johnson and Williams will keep Syracuse in serious contention for Walker’s services.