Joseph Estrella wants a second family; that’s what Syracuse basketball is

Syracuse basketball fanatics, myself included, will have a long couple of weeks to sweat out before the top-20 prospect and ultra-talented big man Joseph Estrella announces his future collegiate home.

The four-star Estrella, a 6-foot-11 power forward/center, recently said via social media that he expects to unveil his college choice on September 2 at the XL Sports World in Saco, Maine.

According to a variety of media reports, the ‘Cuse is firmly in the mix for Estrella, who took an official visit to the Hill not too long ago. Estrella has also officially visited Iowa, Tennessee and Marquette.

Numerous comments from national analysts and other recruiting insiders point to Joseph Estrella likely picking one of those four schools, although to be fair, he has more than two-dozen scholarship offers.

Syracuse basketball recruit Joseph Estrella details what he’s looking for in a college program.

In a recent interview with 247Sports national analyst Brandon Jenkins, Joseph Estrella said that he’s looking for a collegiate team that is a good fit for him, allowing him to play right away.

Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, Estrella told Jenkins that a program’s culture is pivotal. “I want that second family feeling,” the Orange target said.

I can’t speak for his other suitors, but I can say with utmost confidence that the ‘Cuse coaches, players and staff members are a tight-knit group.

Estrella himself echoed that sentiment when he talked about how his official visit to Central New York went in a recent chat with SyracuseOnSI publisher Mike McAllister.

"“The biggest thing that stood out is that they’re one really big family,” Joseph Estrella said. “They all hang out on and off the court. They’re all really close to each other. The coaches as well. They’re all really close in general. It was awesome to see and it was awesome to be a part of that during the visit to try to mesh in and hang out with all of them.”"

As far as contributing right away, I’ve read multiple recent reports stating that Syracuse basketball head coach Jim Boeheim and his assistants have told Estrella that he will have the opportunity to earn run in his freshman year.

Assuming that rising-senior center Jesse Edwards doesn’t return for a fifth year, while it’s true that the Orange does have other big men on its present roster, Estrella’s versatility as a power forward/center who shoots with precision, runs the court well and can help anchor the squad’s zone defense should enable him to immediately receive ample playing time.

Syracuse basketball coaches have prioritized Joseph Estrella for a while now. His first offer came from the ‘Cuse about a year ago at the team’s annual Elite Camp.

From what I can tell, the Orange has been in regular communication with Estrella dating back to the early stages of his recruiting process, and I’m hopeful that loyalty will pay off for the ‘Cuse.

During the 2022-23 campaign, Estrella will suit up as a senior for the Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., a group that has sent numerous players to the Hill in recent years.

At present, Estrella is in the top 20 of the 2023 cycle, per On3. The two industry-generated ranking systems both have him in the top 60.

Whichever suitor ends up landing Joseph Estrella will have a game-changing prospect in its 2023 class. A talented, hard-working, humble young man.

I hope Syracuse basketball prevails. From my perspective, the team’s culture, fit and loyalty align with what Estrella seeks out to a tee.