Syracuse basketball 4-star big-man target skyrockets into top 40 of ratings

Around the time that Syracuse basketball offered a scholarship to fast-rising big man Yves Missi in mid-December, I opined that I thought the 2024 four-star center would enter the national rankings sooner rather than later.

And that’s what has happened for Missi, who is a sophomore at the West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Md. We noted not too long ago how Missi checked in at No. 28 across the country in new ratings of the top-75 prospects in this cycle, according to theseasonticket.com.

More recently, just in the last few days, one of the primary recruiting services, Rivals.com, has refreshed and expanded its national rankings of the top-70 players in the 2024 cycle.

Rivals.com has Missi as four stars. Additionally, he went from unranked by that recruiting service to No. 39 nationwide in the sophomore class.

Syracuse basketball has gotten in early with four-star big man Yves Missi.

The 6-foot-11 Missi competes on the grassroots basketball circuit with the Bronx, N.Y.-based PSA Cardinals, which is one of the best AAU squads around the country.

Several Rivals.com national analysts recently discussed some 2023 and 2024 high-school players whom they think will make a major splash on the AAU circuit this summer.

Rivals.com’s Rob Cassidy said that Missi is a sophomore to keep a watch out for, writing in part that the relatively new Orange 2024 recruiting target, “who is pushing 7-foot, is starting to build some buzz and will have plenty of eyes on him this summer.”

Without question, Missi has a way to go with his recruiting process, but besides Syracuse basketball, he already boasts other scholarship offers from teams including UCLA, St. John’s, DePaul, Norfolk State and USC Upstate.

As he shines for the West Nottingham Academy and the PSA Cardinals, and his national ratings likely continue to soar, Missi is going to see many more high-major offers arrive for him, which will of course increase the competition for the ‘Cuse to prevail in this recruiting battle.

Since Syracuse basketball offered Missi, I’ve come across a handful of comments from analysts and scouts about his skill-set. Experts say that he has great length and agility, which would make him a terrific fit for the Orange zone defense.

Missi runs the court well for a big man, and he can finish through contact in the paint. Additionally, he appears to be a strong rebounder and rim protector, blocking shots with precision.