Syracuse Basketball: 5-star Jarace Walker says 3 schools prioritizing him

Syracuse basketball was one of the first teams to offer a scholarship to 2022 five-star forward Jarace Walker, with that offer coming last June.

Walker is a junior at the powerhouse IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., a school that 2021 commit Benny Williams, a five-star forward himself, also attends. Williams has even spoken in the past about taking a visit to the Hill in the future and bringing Walker with him.

Based on a lot of articles that I’ve read about the 6-foot-8 Walker from recruiting analysts, as well as interviews that Walker has himself given, it doesn’t appear that Syracuse basketball has a whole lot of buzz as it pertains to his recruitment.

That being said, the recruiting world is fickle and can prove unpredictable, so for me, counting the ‘Cuse out at this juncture is premature. Until Walker trims his list further, let’s hope that perhaps the Orange possesses at least a small chance to prevail in the recruiting sweepstakes for this elite power forward.

The IMG Academy is participating in the St. James NIBC Invitational, an absolutely stacked prep-school tournament being held in Springfield, Va.

Eric Bossi, the national basketball director for 247Sports, has been watching games at this event, and he also caught up with Walker. Bossi writes, in part, in an article that “Walker mentioned Auburn, Michigan and North Carolina as the three teams working him the hardest …”

Syracuse basketball faces an uphill battle to land 2022 five-star forward Jarace Walker.

One of Walker’s more recent offers came from fellow Atlantic Coast Conference foe UNC, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if the Tar Heels secure his services. Michigan is also faring quite well on the recruiting trail of late.

On Sunday evening, the showcase encounter of the St. James NIBC Invitational occurred. The Montverde Academy in Montverde, Fla., ranked No. 1 in last week’s top-25 rankings from MaxPreps, defeated No. 2 IMG Academy, 55-51.

According to statistics provided by legitstats.com, Walker logged 27 minutes and finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one block and three steals.

Walker is ranked inside the top 10 nationally for the 2022 class by the majority of recruiting services. He’s also a top-three power forward and a top-three prospect in the state of Florida.

Bossi said this about Walker regarding his performance versus the Montverde Academy.

"“A beast of an athlete with power and grace, Walker was asked to wear several hats for his team. He had to score for them, he had to rebound for them and for a stretch he took on the challenge of manning up with [Jalen] Duren as a one on one defender on the block. While he only had one assist, Walker can really pass the ball for a four man and his defensive versatility and toughness makes him quite valuable. His jumper is still a work in progress but where he would pass on open looks over his first two seasons, he’s now got the confidence to take open shots.”"