Syracuse Basketball: With 4-star big man out, this 2022 prospect is crucial

Syracuse basketball recruiting target Dominick Barlow, a 2022 four-star big man, has opted to sign a professional deal with Overtime Elite, according to media reports.

With the 6-foot-9 forward no longer an option for the Orange, and the ‘Cuse having missed on two other 2022 four-star big men earlier this summer, it seems that Syracuse basketball would now focus its attention on talented and under-rated 2022 prospect Peter Carey.

The ‘Cuse coaching staff offered a scholarship to the 7-foot Carey in mid-July, and from what I’ve read about him, Syracuse basketball coaches have made him a high-priority, and they believe that he would fit in well within the Orange system.

Carey, who can play power forward and center, is heading into his senior year. He attends Northfield Mount Hermon School in Mount Hermon, Mass., and Carey runs on the AAU circuit with the West Hempstead, N.Y.-based New York Lightning Select.

Syracuse basketball 2022 target Peter Carey would provide a big boost to this class.

The Orange already has verbal commitments from a four-star point guard and a four-star wing in the 2022 cycle. The ‘Cuse also continues to pursue several other 2022 prospects, including a four-star combo guard and a four-star wing.

However, I’m not aware of Syracuse basketball presently having any other offers out there to 2022 big men. Of course, the transfer portal will be readily available to the team after the upcoming season.

However, I believe there is a strong need for a power forward or center in the 2022 class. Center Bourama Sidibe, a graduate student, will have used up his eligibility after the 2021-22 term.

Presently, the Orange also has centers in Jesse Edwards, a junior, Frank Anselem, a sophomore, and John Bol Ajak, a redshirt sophomore.

Who knows if Edwards, Anselem and Ajak will all return to the Hill after the 2021-22 stanza. As such, I would love to see the ‘Cuse land a commitment from Carey.

He recently attended the Orange’s annual Elite Camp. I’ve heard rumblings on social media and in chat rooms that Syracuse basketball coaches would like to bring in Carey for an official visit in the near future.

According to recruiting services, Carey’s other offers include from St. Bonaventure, Rutgers, Iona, UMass, Bryant, Brown and Albany. He reportedly has received interest from other teams such as Virginia Tech and Penn State.

Analysts and recruiting insiders say that Carey is an excellent defender with a long wingspan. He has a high motor and runs the court effectively. Let’s see if the Orange can prevail in this recruiting battle.