Syracuse Basketball: Adam Weitsman details why 4-star was top NIL target

In mid-January, businessman and top SU booster Adam Weitsman told me that his current No. 1 target for name, image and likeness opportunities in the 2024 class was four-star shooting guard Elijah Moore from New York City, who was being recruited hard by Syracuse basketball dating back to last spring.

And in a recent phone interview, Weitsman provided me with a lot of insights into why the 6-foot-4 Moore was, in fact, his top NIL target in the junior class. More important than his stellar skill set on the court – and the top-80 national prospect is a terrific talent – what impressed Weitsman the most about Moore is who this young man is off of the court.

More than a week ago, Moore gave a verbal commitment to the Orange, giving the ‘Cuse its first pledge in the 2024 class after Moore picked Syracuse basketball over other finalists Alabama, Arkansas, Miami and Oklahoma State.

Weitsman has said that he would like to offer a NIL deal, depending on NCAA rules, to Moore. Weitsman declined to provide further specifics here.

Adam Weitsman details what he admires about Syracuse basketball 2024 four-star commit Elijah Moore.

As I first reported, Weitsman had Moore and his father up to Central New York on an unofficial, “NIL visit” on January 24 for the ‘Cuse home contest against North Carolina. They all got to know one another better during this visit.

Weitsman’s other courtside guests at the UNC encounter were hip-hop artists/songwriters A Boogie and Fabolous. After the game, Weitsman, Moore, Moore’s father, A Boogie and Fabolous had dinner.

"Weitsman says they talked about life – the good and the bad that can come with it – and Moore was just listening and taking it all in. “He’s soft-spoken and a great listener,” Weitsman says of Moore. “He works hard and gets great grades. Such a respectful kid with a wonderful family. A total gentleman and a class act.”"

As it relates to NIL, Adam Weitsman does not discuss Syracuse basketball or any other collegiate team with high-school players and their families, because his NIL deals can’t be used as a form of inducement for a recruit to commit to a particular college or university, including SU.

Weitsman has told me on numerous occasions that his NIL opportunities with high-school players and current ‘Cuse student-athletes will center on non-profit, civic and philanthropic efforts in the 315 and 607 area codes, rather than the marketing of his various businesses.

Regarding his potential NIL discussions with all student-athletes, these players can live anywhere they want and attend any school that they choose.

Weitsman also says that no matter what school players end up attending, he is interested in NIL discussions with them, because they are the kinds of people he would like to represent his charitable endeavors.

Moore shines on the court as well. Recruiting analysts and scouts say that he is one of the best shooters across the country in his class, but his athleticism, defensive instincts, court vision and rebounding, among other attributes, are strong, too.

Moore, who was offered a scholarship by the Syracuse basketball coaching staff in April of 2022, is a junior at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, N.Y., and he competes on the AAU circuit with the Bronx, N.Y.-based Wiz Kids in the Adidas league.

When I wrote this piece, the industry-generated 247Sports Composite had Moore at No. 97 overall in the 2024 cycle, although other recruiting services rate him inside the top 75.