Syracuse basketball picked up a pledge from New York City guard Ethan Butler on Saturday, likely finalizing the Orange's 2026-27 roster under first-year head coach Gerry McNamara, who had offered Butler a scholarship when he was previously guiding the Siena Saints.
This past season, the 6-foot-6, 202-pound Butler played in the Atlanta-based league Overtime Elite for the Phoenix-based PHH Prep, which operates as the Diamond Doves in OTE. Before that, Butler was a standout at the Saint Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, N.Y., which competes in the rigorous New York state Catholic High School Athletic Association ("CHSAA").
Zach Smart, a New York-based scout who extensively follows high school hoops in the Big Apple and throughout the Empire State, speaks highly of Syracuse's latest commit. "He's an awesome kid, and you guys are gonna love him," Smart tells me.
PHH Prep's Ethan Butler, w/versatility as shot maker w/dynamic finishing/ on-glass presence at 6-6, is currently available in '27 class.
— Zach Smart (@ZSmart914) November 11, 2025
Former All New York G/W slated 4 in prestigious Tark Classic (LV) Hoophall Showcase in Mass@PhhPrep @RecruitTheBronx @3thanbutler2026
Butler started to get on the radar of Division I programs amid his strong 2024-25 season at Saint Francis Prep and then continuing into 2025-26 while with Overtime Elite. He was named to the 2024-25 CHSAA "AA" All-League second team.
Smart believes that Butler holds a lot of long-term upside and should fit well in the culture that McNamara's building at his alma mater. Butler "is a high academic kid," Smart says. "A kid who is extraordinarily well-liked."
The new 'Cuse guard also has various ties to SU and the Central New York region. Among them, his dad, Eric Butler, played for Syracuse men's soccer in 1991 and 1992, and he attended Westhill Senior High School in Syracuse.
Syracuse basketball has landed New York City guard Ethan Butler.
Butler, at Saint Francis Prep and then PHH Prep, has battled many quality opponents over the past few seasons. "He knows what high-level competition is and has seen a lot of it. I am super excited for him and his next chapter," Smart says.
The New York scout notes that Butler is a proficient outside shooter, can score at all three levels and "is an explosive finisher. He has a knack for delivering in traffic dunks where he switches to his off hand," Smart adds.
Throughout his recruitment, Butler notched scholarship offers from teams such as Siena, Fairfield, Long Island University, Fordham, Iona and Manhattan. Smart, in an article last July on zagsblog.com, wrote that Butler was also hearing from schools such as Boston University, Colgate, DePaul, University of California San Diego and Drake.
Blessed to receive a division 1 offer from Siena, thank you Coach Lee and Coach McNamara . pic.twitter.com/jRtd4vGbtj
— Ethan Butler (@3thanbutler2026) April 2, 2025
Via his X page, Butler announced on April 1, 2025, that he was offered by Siena, which at that time was led by McNamara. According to Syracuse.com, McNamara and the new Orange staff reached out to Butler a week or so ago to offer him a spot on SU's 2026-27 roster.
"I’m looking to help however I can," Butler told Syracuse.com. "I’m super-hyped to get there."
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