Syracuse Basketball: Interest in 2022 big man whose stock is set to soar

As Syracuse basketball continues to prioritize elite 2022 big men Donovan Clingan and Kyle Filipowski, the Orange is also reportedly taking a look at another talented big man in this cycle.

Per a tweet from I Know Jack Sports, Christ Essandoko says that the ‘Cuse is among the college teams that have recruited “him the hardest recently.”

Essandoko is a 7-foot power forward/center from Paris who suits up for the Winston Salem Christian School in Winston-Salem, N.C., according to his bios on several recruiting Web sites.

The 2022 big man is unranked by the primary recruiting services for now, but from what I’ve read about Essandoko, his stock is on the way up.

Other squads that are showing interest in him are Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, St John’s, Missouri, USC and Tulsa. According to the tweet we noted above, Essandoko has an unofficial visit to Wake Forest slated for June 17.

Syracuse basketball has reached out regarding 2022 center Christ Essandoko.

In reviewing various recruiting Web sites, it seems that Essandoko holds scholarship offers from a range of high-major teams, such as Maryland, Providence, Georgetown, Nebraska, Rutgers, Wake Forest, Seton Hall, San Diego State and Pittsburgh.

His bio on Rivals.com says that Essandoko has interest from the aforementioned Jayhawks, Florida State, Virginia Tech and Cincinnati. That’s pretty impressive.

Filipowski, a four-star power forward, visited the Hill this past weekend. Clingan, a four-star center, is planning to make a trip to Central New York later this month.

By all accounts, the Orange is squarely in the mix for both of them, however, it’s entirely possible that Filipowski and Clingan could end up at schools other than the ‘Cuse.

Should that occur, it would prove great to see Syracuse basketball coaches keep on pursuing Essandoko, as the Orange securing a credible center for its 2022 class is important.

Some comments that I’ve perused online suggest that he is an excellent shot-blocker, rebounder and passer. He is an athletic big man who scores well in the paint and finishes with precision around the rim.

Based on the offers and interest that Essandoko possesses, he is clearly in high demand, and he also appears to be an under-rated prospect in this cycle. We’ll continue to monitor his recruitment moving forward.