Syracuse basketball 4-star, 5-star targets to monitor for possible re-class into 2026

Syracuse basketball is still on the hunt for its first 2026 commit as the early signing period for this class ends on Wednesday. Although, 2026 five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell lll, who is expected to sign with Syracuse football next month during the early period for that sport, may also suit up for the Orange hoops program, at least initially.

Still, the 'Cuse is not expected to prevail for 2026 four-star big man Asher Elson when he announces his college decision on Wednesday. The Orange is also not thought to be the leader for either of its other top targets in the 2026 cycle, five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. and five-star shooting guard Jordan Smith Jr.

While some Syracuse basketball fans may be concerned with the fact that the 'Cuse doesn't yet have a 2026 pledge at the high school level, let's keep in mind that the Orange could bring back nine or even 10 guys from its current roster for the 2026-27 season; plus, SU coaches are likely more focused on transfer portal recruiting than prep recruiting these days.

One thing that I'll keep stressing is that Syracuse basketball continuing its strong start on the court will resonate with recruiting targets across all classes, as it should provide more clarity on the longer-term stability of the current Orange coaching staff, led by head coach Adrian Autry.

If the 'Cuse keeps winning on the court, that could help them with Rippey and Smith, both of whom are expected to sign during the regular period that begins on April 15 of next year. What also might emerge as a realistic strategy for the Orange is to look at 2027 targets who, in the coming months, could decide to potentially re-class into the 2026 cycle. Quick update: After I wrote this column, but before it was published on Inside The Loud House, Rippey dropped a top five that didn't include the Orange (sigh).

By the way, to date, Syracuse basketball has offered a scholarship to at least 15 players in the 2027 class, although Orange coaches are likely honed in on a smaller group of targets in this cycle.

While no decisions have been made, here are five Syracuse basketball 2027 recruits to monitor for a possible re-class to 2026.

Clyde Walters
2027 four-star wing/small forward
Atlanta-based professional league Overtime Elite
I was told earlier this fall that the Orange staff is evaluating the 6-foot-6 Walters as a 2026 re-class candidate and may look to get him on the Hill at some point for a visit. He was offered by the 'Cuse in late June of this year.

Theo Edema
2027 four-star big man
Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Mass.
In September, the Orange staff was in for the 7-foot Edema at Cushing. That month, he also took an official visit to Syracuse basketball. The 'Cuse offered Edema in late June. In recent months, the chatter has been that Edema could be a re-class candidate into 2026.

Moussa Kamissoko
2027 five-star wing/small forward
Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, N.Y.
The Orange offered the 6-foot-8 Kamissoko in late December of last year. He plays at the same high school where Syracuse basketball freshman shooting guard Kiyan Anthony competed before joining the 'Cuse. Not too long ago, national analyst Sam Kayser noted in an interview with Jackson Holzer of the Locked On Syracuse daily podcast that Kamissoko could be a 2026 re-class candidate.

Anderson Diaz
2027 four-star point guard
Atlanta-based professional league Overtime Elite
The 'Cuse offered the 6-foot-1 Diaz in mid-July of this year. This spring and summer on Nike's EYBL circuit, Diaz played well - and up a level - with the 17U team of the New York City-based Renaissance Hoops, which reached the title game at July's Peach Jam in that division. This past September, at Overtime Elite's fifth-annual pro day, Syracuse basketball assistant coach Allen Griffin was in attendance to watch various Orange recruits.

Paul Osaruyi
2027 five-star power forward/center
CIA Bella Vista in Phoenix
Last fall, the 'Cuse offered the 6-foot-9 Osaruyi. CIA Bella Vista competes in the loaded Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Scholastic ("EYBL Scholastic") alongside other powerhouse programs such as Long Island Lutheran. Candidly, it's not clear how aggressively Syracuse basketball is courting Osaruyi these days.