Syracuse women's basketball welcomed two five-star guards on visits this weekend.
On Sunday, 2027 five-star point guard Kaleena Smith from California went on an official visit to the Orange program. Dushawn London, a 247Sports national analyst, previously had reported this news. The 5-foot-6 Smith had an Instagram story post that also confirmed she was in Syracuse this past weekend.
Amel Cook, a five-star guard/forward in the 2028 class from California, took an unofficial visit to the 'Cuse on Sunday, London noted in a post via X on February 8. The 5-foot-11 Cook also confirmed her Sunday visit to Syracuse women's basketball, according to Instagram story posts.
Amel Cook, a four-star prospect in the class of 2028, is currently on an unofficial visit at Syracuse, @247Sports is told. pic.twitter.com/gjl6vDW6O0
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) February 8, 2026
At the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday, the Orange started slow against No. 6 Louisville. The 'Cuse fought back and hung tough with the Cardinals, but the 'Cuse ultimately lost, 84-65. Still, Syracuse women's basketball (19-5 overall, 9-4 in ACC) is having a special 2025-26 campaign. Barring a late-season collapse, the Orange is expected to receive an invite to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Syracuse women's basketball hosted five-star guards on visits over the weekend.
Smith is the No. 1 national prospect in the 2027 class, according to numerous recruiting services. She's a significant contender for national player of the year honors during the 2025-26 season.
A standout at the Ontario Christian School in Ontario, Calif., near Los Angeles. Smith's full scholarship offer sheet includes schools such as the Orange, UCLA, Southern California, Arizona State, Florida, Wisconsin, Iowa, Auburn, Baylor, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Oregon, Notre Dame, Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio State, Michigan, Maryland, LSU, South Carolina, Louisville and UConn, among others.
Cook is a sophomore at the Windward School in Los Angeles. She is a top-10 national prospect in the 2028 cycle, per several recruiting Web sites. Rivals places her as five stars, No. 6 overall, No. 3 at shooting guard and No. 3 in California.
Cook's full scholarship offer list features teams such as UCLA, USC, San Diego State, North Carolina, Syracuse, Arizona, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona State, Oklahoma, TCU, Louisville, Michigan State, UCF, Florida State, Utah State and California.