Syracuse Basketball: Top remaining targets for Orange in 2022 cycle

Syracuse basketball has scored a trio of four-star, top-100 players for its 2022 class, but the team doesn’t appear to be done in this cycle.

For one, the Orange should have room for multiple additional prospects in 2022, particularly given that student-athletes can transfer once and retain immediate eligibility, fueling an explosion in the transfer portal.

Since it’s certainly possible that the ‘Cuse could see one or more guys on the current roster leave after this upcoming season, beyond those who graduate, I envision that the Orange will have at least three scholarships remaining to fill with 2022 players or via the transfer portal for the 2022-23 term.

Things can always change in the recruiting world, but for now, I get the sense that five 2022 prospects remain most realistically in the mix for the ‘Cuse in this class.

Let’s look at possible 2022 options for Syracuse basketball.

Quadir Copeland, a 2022 four-star point guard, recently picked the Orange after having the ‘Cuse in his top eight. But even with Copeland on board, it wouldn’t surprise me if Syracuse basketball coaches remain intent on picking up a combo guard in this cycle.

That’s where 2022 four-star guards Chance Westry and Central New York native J.J. Starling factor into the equation. Westry recently put the Orange in his top 10, and he has visited the Hill.

Some recruiting analysts continue to opine that Syracuse basketball is potentially among the front-runners for Starling, although if he takes an official visit to Duke, that’s concerning.

On the wing, 2022 four-star prospect Chris Bunch is a versatile player who can suit up at multiple positions, according to media reports that I’ve read about him. Bunch has made a trip to Central New York, although it wouldn’t surprise me if he takes more official visits before committing anywhere.

After missing out on several four-star big men of late, Syracuse basketball coaches have recently offered scholarships to a pair of under-rated 2022 players in Peter Carey and Dominick Barlow, each of whom is racking up high-major offers these days.

Carey can suit up at either power forward or center, while Barlow is more of a traditional forward. I’ve seen some chatter on social media and in chat rooms that speak to Carey and Barlow both possibly making visits to the Hill at some point.

If that occurs, I think it improves the Orange’s chances of landing one of these big men. I’m totally guessing here, but I could envision the Syracuse basketball class consisting of Copeland, four-star wing commits Kamari Lands and Justin Taylor, Bunch and Carey.

Not too shabby, if you ask me.