Syracuse Basketball: Don’t have a good feeling about Micawber Etienne

Syracuse basketball is still in the mix for 2021 four-star center Micawber Etienne, but some recent reports don’t sit well about the Orange’s prospects.

Syracuse basketball has recruited 2021 four-star center Micawber Etienne for quite some time and made him a high-priority in this cycle.

Recent media articles say that the Orange remains in the running for the 6-foot-10, top-65 prospect, although Etienne has a slew of offers from high-major squads. He has spoken positively in the past about his relationship with ‘Cuse coaches, particularly Gerry McNamara.

He’s also a senior at the Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., a powerhouse prep-school program that has sent multiple guys to the Hill in recent seasons.

I don’t pretend to reside within Etienne’s inner circle or possess any inside information on his decision-making as it pertains to his recruitment. Yet my gut is telling me that, when all is said and done, I don’t believe that Etienne is ultimately going to select Syracuse basketball as his collegiate destination.

Naturally, I sincerely hope that my instincts are wrong as it relates to Etienne. He’s extremely talented and a likable young man who would thrive in Central New York.

Syracuse basketball faces an uphill battle to win the intense recruiting bout over 2021 four-star center Micawber Etienne.

Etienne has pro potential and a recruitment that analysts have characterized as tough to read on multiple occasions. He recently told 247Sports national recruiting analyst Dushawn London that he is taking his time with this process, and London writes that Etienne “won’t be cutting his list anytime soon.”

Another national analyst at 247Sports, Eric Bossi, said in this piece that the two teams he’s “heard mentioned the most with” Etienne are Illinois and fellow Atlantic Coast Conference member Miami.

"Here’s an interesting take from 247Sports analyst Travis Branham. “The Brewster Academy prospect has received wide ranging interest and a decision is not expected anytime soon. Along with that, as more bigs come off the board, I think he is going to seeing his phone and interest light up from programs as his size, strength and high floor as a prospect will continue to be more coveted.”"

Great. So Etienne already boasts offers from the likes of Kansas, Louisville, Illinois, Miami, Connecticut, Marquette and UCLA, with recruiting juggernaut Kentucky also showing interest. And he could also get more offers arriving at his doorstep in the future? Yikes.

In London’s recent story, Etienne discussed a handful of squads, such as Kentucky, Illinois, Miami and Marquette, but there proved no mention of Syracuse basketball – not that this means anything, really.

However, Etienne has landed one expert prediction on Rivals.com in the direction of Illinois. If I had to throw out a prognostication, I’d say that his shortlist may eventually include Kentucky, if the Wildcats offer, as well as Illinois, Miami, Marquette, Louisville, Kansas, UCLA and, hopefully, the Orange.

One encouraging facet for Syracuse basketball is that Etienne has said that he hopes to suit up with a first-rate point guard. Well, the ‘Cuse has sophomore Joe Girard III on its roster, as well as 2022 commit Dior Johnson, a five-star point guard.

Come on, Dior, please help us get Etienne to the Hill.