4-star Asher Elson is headed to Big East, but he's got love for Syracuse basketball

As expected, Syracuse basketball didn't prevail for 2026 four-star big man Asher Elson from New York City, who picked Xavier out of the Big East Conference when making his college decision on Wednesday, which was the final day of the early signing period for high school seniors.

The 6-foot-10 Elson picked the Musketeers over other finalists Auburn, Maryland and the Orange. I had heard some chatter in recent days that Xavier had potentially pulled out in front for him. Wishing Asher all the best at Xavier!

While the Musketeers won out for Elson, a versatile wing/power forward in the 2026 cycle, he did have positive things to say about the 'Cuse and its coaching staff. "This was the hardest decision of my life," he told 247Sports national analyst Dushawn London. "Syracuse is the home team, and I love Syracuse and Coach Red (Adrian) Autry. I love those guys over there."

Syracuse basketball is still on the hunt for its first 2026 commit.

Autry and assistant coach Allen Griffin prioritized Elson for a while. They first offered him a scholarship in April of 2024. Last month, Elson took an official visit to the Orange, and it went well.

He is a senior in the Atlanta-based professional league Overtime Elite. Before that, Elson suited up for South Shore High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., and he was named to the New York City's Public Schools Athletic League ("PSAL") 4A All-League first team during the 2023-24 season.

This past summer, Elson helped lead the 17U team of the New York-based New Heights to the quarterfinals of the Adidas 3SSB league's playoffs in Rock Hill, S.C. He played alongside 2026 five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. from New York City, who officially visited the Orange in late September of this year and, earlier this week, didn't include the 'Cuse in his final five.

Elson is an emerging prospect in the 2026 class. He's currently No. 133 nationally, according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. That being said, New York City hoops experts whom I've talked to in the past say Elson has tremendous upside.

With the 'Cuse out of contention for Rippey, and Elson off the board as well, the Orange staff turns its attention toward 2026 five-star shooting guard Jordan Smith Jr. from the Washington, D.C., area. Smith, the nation's No. 2 senior, has Syracuse basketball in his top six and took his second unofficial visit to the Hill earlier this month, as I first reported.

Orange coaches may also consider evaluating 2027 targets as potential re-class candidates into the 2026 cycle.