Syracuse Basketball: Micawber Etienne ‘rapidly accelerating, no ceiling’

Syracuse basketball is still in the mix for 2021 four-star center Micawber Etienne, even if other schools are getting more buzz for him.

Even though other squads like fellow Atlantic Coast Conference member Miami and Illinois are receiving more buzz as it pertains to 2021 four-star center Micawber Etienne, Syracuse basketball remains in contention, until we hear otherwise of course.

Etienne, a top-65 prospect nationally in his class, is a senior at the Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., and runs on the AAU circuit with the Bronx, N.Y.-based PSA Cardinals.

Adam Zagoria of Zagsblog wrote an article earlier this week, in which he reported that the 6-foot-10 Etienne recently held a virtual meeting with former Big East Conference rival Marquette.

Speaking of Illinois, Etienne is slated to hold a Zoom call with that Big Ten Conference team this Sunday, Zagoria says, adding that the talented big man also recently conducted virtual talks with Miami and UCLA.

Syracuse basketball high-priority target Micawber Etienne is receiving high praise from analysts, coaches and journalists about his skill-set.

In his piece, Zagoria spoke with Terrance “Munch” Williams, who is the executive director of the PSA Cardinals, about Etienne. Williams has a ton of positive things to say about the elite 2021 player.

"“Mac is the prototypical big for today’s game,” Williams said of Etienne. “He’s long, incredibly athletic, and extremely versatile at this stage of his development. He can guard multiple positions, is excellent switching in ball screens, rebounds and blocks shots with a passion. He is aggressive offensively and finishes at a remarkably high clip.”Williams continued on by saying of Etienne, “He is constantly progressing as both a mid-range and long-distance shooter. With such a high basketball IQ, he will be virtually unguardable as he begins to excel with his half-court ball handling. Mac’s talent is a convertible sports car – rapidly accelerating with absolutely no ceiling. And with all that, his greatest attribute is that he’s still a phenomenal person and leader with a tremendous work ethic. He is always hungry for the next challenge and has always welcomed new responsibilities. Our program has been blessed to have him.”"

I’ve said it on numerous occasions that Etienne’s talent is tremendous, but his character is even better. Syracuse basketball got in early with him, representing one of the first high-major teams to offer a scholarship to Etienne, with that offer coming in July of 2019.

However, his offer sheet is extensive and impressive, and I just haven’t had a great feeling of late about the Orange’s chances to land Etienne. Plus, with other schools like Kansas, Louisville and Connecticut in the mix, plus Kentucky showing interest, it will prove an uphill battle for the ‘Cuse to prevail in Etienne’s recruiting bout.