Four-star junior big man Matthew Gilhool from Philadelphia, who has visited Syracuse basketball at least three times and has proven a priority 'Cuse target in the 2025 class, says his recruiting process has become "wide open."
The 6-foot-10 power forward/center, rated in the top 80 nationally of his cycle by most recruiting services, recently discussed the latest in his recruitment during an interview that was published on inquirer.com.
Up until recently, per that interview, Gilhool's top three college suitors consisted of the Orange, Washington and Penn State.
However, last month, Washington head coach Mike Hopkins, a former long-time assistant under the Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim at the 'Cuse, was fired. Toward the end of March, Syracuse basketball associate head coach Gerry McNamara was named the head coach of Siena.
Per reports, McNamara appeared to be the Orange's lead recruiter for Gilhool. Amid these recent changes, Gilhool says he's hit the reset button on his recruiting process, according to the article on inquirer.com.
Syracuse basketball did recently offer another big man in the 2025 class.
According to recruiting services, college schools that have offered a scholarship to Gilhool, besides the 'Cuse, include Iowa, Indiana, Indiana State, Washington, Maryland, Bryant, Miami, Mississippi State, Penn State, Rutgers, Temple, Virginia Tech, Cincinnati, Fairfield, Iona, St. John’s, West Virginia, Marshall and Pittsburgh.
The inquirer.com story states that Alabama is in contact with Gilhool, who says that he's hoping to receive a scholarship offer from the Crimson Tide.
Gilhool landed various awards and honors for his strong junior year during the 2023-24 campaign for the William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia. This spring and summer on the AAU circuit, he will suit up for the 17U squad of the Philadelphia-based Team Final in Nike's EYBL league.
In late August of last year, Gilhool went on an unofficial visit to Syracuse basketball to play in the team's annual Elite Camp, around which time he was offered by the 'Cuse staff.
Gilhool then went on an official visit to the Orange in late September of 2023. Earlier this year, in late February when SU Athletics celebrated Boeheim's career, Gilhool took another unofficial visit to the 'Cuse.
ICYMI: Jr. F Matt Gilhool was named an All-Area 1st Team Selection by @Miller_Report @hooplove215 @RareFootageNews & Philly Hoop Group. He was recognized at a ceremony held at the @Mitchellandnes1 corporate headquarters in downtown Philadelphia. Congrats Matt! #C2T💛💙 pic.twitter.com/JmYv81yE6J
— Penn Charter Boys Basketball (@PCquakersBBall) March 28, 2024
At this juncture, Syracuse basketball coaches have offered a scholarship to around 20 prospects in the 2025 class, with the Orange prioritizing a handful of these high school juniors.
I do not know if Gilhool's recruitment reset was a factor, but in recent days, the 'Cuse coaching staff offered a scholarship to 2025 three-star power forward/center Asher Elson out of South Shore High School in Brooklyn, N.Y.