Syracuse basketball, in top 8, appears front-runner for 4-star point guard

Ever since Syracuse basketball offered a scholarship to 2022 four-star point guard Quadir Copeland last November, the Orange coaching staff has made him a priority in this cycle, at least as far as I can tell.

Several national analysts on the 247Sports Web site and Rivals.com have logged predictions for the 6-foot-6 Copeland in the direction of the ‘Cuse, which doesn’t guarantee anything but is nonetheless an encouraging sign.

Now Copeland, a top-100 prospect across the country according to Rivals.com, feels that he is ready to make his collegiate destination known.

In a recent tweet, Copeland revealed a top eight that includes Syracuse basketball, and he plans to announce his commitment on August 10.

The list of contenders still in the running for Copeland features the Orange, Maryland, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Miami, Penn State, DePaul and La Salle.

Maryland, out of the Big Ten Conference, has gotten buzz for Copeland, according to comments from some analysts and other recruiting insiders.

I’ve thought for a while now that the Terrapins could prove the biggest competition for the ‘Cuse as it pertains to Copeland. However, at this juncture I think that the Orange is going to win this recruiting battle, and I’ll explain why.

Syracuse basketball is perceived as the favorite for four-star Quadir Copeland.

In June, Copeland made an unofficial visit to Maryland as well as took an official visit to the Hill. That he is set to make his decision without likely taking any further visits is good for the Orange’s chances, in my humble opinion.

Copeland suited up at Gettysburg Area High School in Gettysburg, Pa., before playing this past season at the Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J.

For his senior year, he is heading to the powerhouse IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where he will get tons of additional exposure. That Copeland plans to commit in a matter of days is great for the ‘Cuse, from my perspective.

If he held off until later this year, or even into early next year, it’s certainly feasible that more high-major offers could arrive for Copeland, assuming that he competes at a high level for the IMG Academy, which is a big-time national stage.

Copeland, who is vastly under-ranked in his class by several recruiting services, had additional offers from teams such as Rick Pitino-led Iona, Connecticut, Saint Joseph’s and Siena.

In recent interviews, Copeland has spoken highly of the Syracuse basketball program, its coaches and its players. He had a terrific visit to Central New York in June.

On August 10, anything can happen, but I would be pretty surprised if the Orange doesn’t hear its name called for this talented 2022 point guard.