Syracuse basketball big-man commit ‘explosive vertical athlete,’ per analyst

New Syracuse basketball commit Peter Carey, an under-rated big man in the 2022 class, may not be nationally ranked by some recruiting services, but that doesn’t in any way mean he isn’t a talented prospect who can shine on the Hill.

In recent months, the Orange had missed out on several four-star big men in this cycle who opted to play elsewhere. Regardless, I’ve read a bunch of comments from national analysts and recruiting insiders that suggest the 7-foot Carey is in no way merely a consolation prize for the ‘Cuse.

As I say all the time, recruiting rankings are good for context, but they often don’t tell the entire story about a high-school player. That holds true with Carey.

Plus, if he performs at a high level during his senior year at his prep school in Massachusetts, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Carey ends up as a four-star, top-100 prospect in the 2022 class when all is said and done.

Here’s what Syracuse basketball is getting in new 2022 commit Peter Carey.

It’s no secret that a large contingent of Orange fans has grown frustrated in recent years with the team’s lack of production at the center position, particularly on offense.

I’m optimistic that Carey can help reverse this narrative. Analysts describe him as an athletic and versatile big man who can suit up at both power forward and center.

Experts say that Carey has high energy, runs the court well for a player of his size, passes with precision, and is a strong rebounder and shot-blocker.

In a recent tweet, ESPN scout/recruiting analyst Adam Finkelstein said that Carey is an “explosive vertical athlete” who is “quick off his feet & dunks on (the) way up.”

https://twitter.com/AdamFinkelstein/status/1442879680097497093

Finkelstein added that Carey is in the early stages of his development and will need continued game reps to refine his skill-set, but that he has “upside as lob-catcher/finisher, shot-blocker, & rim-runner.”

Carey has mentioned in several interviews since giving his verbal commitment to the ‘Cuse that head coach Jim Boeheim has told him he will fit in well within the Syracuse basketball system.

For me, an agile, versatile big man who is athletic, a great teammate and a stellar rebounder and shot-blocker, and that appears to be Carey, absolutely has a bright career ahead of him in Central New York.