Syracuse Basketball: 4-star point guard a key piece for second NCAA title

Syracuse basketball has a lot of momentum with its 2022 class, and a lot of attention is now turning to the point-guard position, where the Orange is pursuing three top-flight targets.

One of those prospects is four-star Quadir Copeland, a top-100 player in his cycle who took an official visit to the Hill not too long ago. The 6-foot-6 Copeland, who would thrive in the Orange’s 2-3 zone, spoke glowingly of the Syracuse basketball program after his trip to Central New York.

Copeland has numerous high-major offers, although it does seem that the ‘Cuse and Maryland out of the rugged Big Ten Conference could have the most buzz for him at this juncture. He has unofficially visited the Terrapins.

That being said, Copeland’s recruiting process might have a way to go. His recent stellar play on the AAU circuit, coupled with his transfer to a national prep-school powerhouse, should fuel a continued rise in the 2022 rankings, along with more offers heading in Copeland’s direction.

Syracuse basketball has an excellent shot to land four-star point guard Quadir Copeland.

I’m not seeing any predictions from national analysts or other recruiting insiders for Copeland, at least for the time being. Besides the Orange and Maryland, he has recent offers from teams such as Rick Pitino-led Iona and Oklahoma State, as well as prior offers from the likes of Connecticut, Oregon, Miami, Penn State, La Salle, Saint Joseph’s and Siena.

For his senior year, Copeland is transferring from the Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J., to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., which is also where 2021 five-star commit Benny Williams suited up during his recently completed senior season.

Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim recently watched Copeland play at the 2021 Atlantic City Jam Fest for his AAU team, the Millburn, N.J.-based New Jersey Scholars Elite Basketball Club, according to 247Sports national analyst Dushawn London.

"In an interview with London, Copeland said in part about the ‘Cuse, “They believe I can come in and run the one and help their team a lot and help them win a national championship.”"

In its 2022 class, the Orange has secured four-star wings Justin Taylor and Kamari Lands. Taylor has said that he is trying to recruit Copeland and four-star power forward Kyle Filipowski to join Syracuse basketball.

The competition for both Filipowski and Copeland is intense, however, the Orange appears to be very much in contention for these two elite 2022 prospects.