Syracuse Basketball: Here’s why five-star Kamari Lands is a stellar fit

At 6-foot-8, new Syracuse basketball recruit Kamari Lands will provide the Orange with a ton of versatility on both the offensive and defensive ends when he arrives on campus in the future.

The elite 2022 wing, a junior at Prolific Prep in Napa Valley, Calif., revealed his verbal commitment to the ‘Cuse earlier this week. Lands is rated five stars and No. 19 overall in his class, according to ESPN.

Most of the recruiting services list Lands as a small forward, however, he said in multiple recent articles that he feels comfortable suiting up at point guard, shooting guard or small forward.

Even though he won’t step foot on the court as an Orange player for a while, I can’t help but get excited about what Lands will potentially bring to the table down the road.

According to recruiting analysts, Lands scores effectively from deep, in the mid-range, and around the rim. He possesses a strong court vision and an excellent basketball IQ.

Lands also spoke about his defense in several interviews, saying that it is a priority for him as well. With his height and length, I have every confidence that he could thrive in the ‘Cuse 2-3 zone.

Syracuse basketball is getting a gem in 2022 five-star wing Kamari Lands.

Orange head coach Jim Boeheim and his assistants are known for recruiting athletic, long and versatile forwards who often have the skill-sets to compete at more than one position. Lands fits that mold well.

Given his national rankings within the 2022 cycle, ‘Cuse fans are pumped about his decision to come to Central New York. Whether Lands will stay for more than one year before eying the professional ranks remains to be seen, but he does look to make an impact for Syracuse basketball as a freshman.

Lands is undeniably confident in his game, yet he also talks frequently about how he continues to hone his craft. And not just improvements in his scoring and play-making, but his defense and ability to create steals, too.

We wrote a few months ago in a piece on Lands that he grew up a fan of the ‘Cuse program and former stars such as Michael Carter-Williams, a tall point guard who helped lead Syracuse basketball to the 2013 Final Four.

Similar to Carter-Williams, Lands has terrific length, and my hope is that he will play an integral role in guiding the Orange on a deep March Madness run when he suits up in a ‘Cuse uniform.