Multiple Syracuse basketball targets in top 60 of new ESPN 2022 rankings

Let’s examine where Syracuse basketball 2022 prospects arrived in updated national ratings.

Syracuse basketball, even minus a verbal commitment from point guard Dior Johnson, is still going after some top-flight talents in the 2022 class.

ESPN recently published new national rankings for this cycle, and the recruiting service is focused on the top-60 players within the 2022 class.

Leading the way, at No. 4 overall, is Brandon Huntley-Hatfield. The power forward out of Scotland Campus in Scotland, Pa., recently landed a scholarship offer from the Orange and reportedly has the ‘Cuse among his half-dozen finalists, with the others being Auburn, Kansas, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Wake Forest.

At No. 9 is Jarace Walker, whom the Orange offered over the summer. Walker, a power forward, attends the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., along with Syracuse basketball 2021 commit Benny Williams.

For the moment, several other schools seem to be in better shape with Walker than the ‘Cuse, but the recruiting game is fluid, so we’ll see what happens.

Johnson, who verbally committed to the Orange this past February but more recently re-opened his recruiting process, checks in at No. 15. He presently goes to Corona Centennial High School in Corona, Calif.

Kamari Lands, out of Prolific Prep in Napa Valley, Calif., is No. 19. A recent report suggested that Lands is getting prioritized by Syracuse basketball, although I have also read on message boards that it’s a bit up in the air exactly how aggressively Orange coaches are pursuing the talented wing.

Guard Zion Cruz, from The Patrick School in Hillside, N.J., is No. 26. His recruitment is tough to read, although I haven’t seen a lot of stuff lately that suggests the ‘Cuse is in a strong position with him.

Ty Rodgers, whom it appears the Orange is going hard after, is No. 47. The small forward attends Grand Blanc Community High School in Grand Blanc, Mich.

Another likely high-priority target for Syracuse basketball, center Donovan Clingan, is placed at No. 49. ‘Cuse fans would love to land him, although Clingan has a ton of suitors.

Guard Chance Westry, from the Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, Calif., is No. 55. Westry has said positive things about his relationship with Orange coaches, and they offered Westry a while back. Regardless, I don’t foresee him ultimately picking the ‘Cuse.

Finally, point guard and Central New York product J.J. Starling is No. 59. He is suiting up for the La Lumiere School in La Porte, Ind.

Four other 2022 prospects who aren’t in these ESPN rankings but seem to be on the radar of the Syracuse basketball coaching staff are point guard Quadir Copeland, wing Justin Taylor, small forward Yann Farrell and center Riley Mulvey.