Syracuse Basketball: 5-star wing eyes visits – did Orange make the list?

I wouldn’t expect Syracuse basketball to win out in the recruiting sweepstakes over 2023 five-star wing Justin Edwards from Philadelphia.

The junior could have a way to go in his recruitment, however, he said in a recent interview that he has a few upcoming visits in mind, and a trip to the Hill doesn’t appear to be a part of his plans.

That doesn’t mean the ‘Cuse is automatically out of the running for the 6-foot-7 Edwards, but it’s also not an encouraging sign for the Orange, either.

Edwards attends the Imhotep Institute Charter High School in Philadelphia, which is one of the top programs throughout the country. He was offered a scholarship by Syracuse basketball coaches over the summer.

Syracuse basketball is probably a long shot to land five-star wing Justin Edwards.

Edwards is a consensus top-20 prospect in the 2023 cycle, and some recruiting services place him within the top-10 across the country. At the small-forward position, he’s rated in the top-five overall.

Not too long ago, Edwards took an official visit to recruiting juggernaut Kentucky, and the Wildcats have offered him a scholarship.

Other offers that Edwards has received include from Connecticut, LSU, Ohio State, Virginia, Maryland, Auburn, Miami, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Temple, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, Marquette, St. John’s, VCU, South Carolina and Tennessee.

According to a recent article by 247Sports national analyst Dushawn London, besides the Kentucky trip, Edwards has taken unofficial visits to UConn, Penn State and Maryland.

Additionally, per London’s article, Edwards is looking to visit Auburn, Tennessee and Miami “in the future with no date set.” Obviously, no mention of Syracuse basketball here, which is a bummer.

If Edwards never makes a visit to Central New York, I can’t imagine the Orange being a significant contender for him when all is said and done.

In recent months, I’ve seen media reports suggesting that Connecticut is in consistent communication with Edwards. My sense is that the Huskies will likely be in the running until the very end of his recruiting process.

Some national analysts and recruiting insiders have commented that Kentucky is likely to be a serious contender for him, which makes sense, given the Wildcats’ recruiting prowess.

Auburn and Tennessee are both strong Southeastern Conference groups that have fared well on the recruiting trail in recent years, so I could foresee the Tigers and the Volunteers being in contention for Edwards, too.