Syracuse basketball remains in search of its first verbal pledge in the 2026 class. But I'm going to look into my crystal ball and come up with my ideal 2026 cycle for the Orange.
Naturally, the 'Cuse isn't going to land all of these targets. What's more, the Orange staff could be in pursuit of other 2026 players whom I don't even know about at this juncture. Additionally, I'm only listing below those rising high school seniors who appear heavily involved with the 'Cuse these days.
Furthermore, it's tough to gauge just how many prep commits Syracuse basketball coaches would ultimately like to take in 2026, because the staff needs to see what current players elect to return after the upcoming 2025-26 season.
What's more, amid revenue-sharing, NIL, ongoing conference realignment and other factors, transfer portal recruiting has become even more and more important for the Orange and its peers around the country.
With that said, here's my Syracuse basketball dream 2026 class, with one pick at every position group.
Point Guard
Five-star Deron Rippey Jr.
Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J.
The 6-foot-2 Rippey, offered a scholarship by the Orange nearly two years ago, will officially visit the Hill in late September. The New York City product unofficially visited the 'Cuse in late February of 2024. He has Syracuse basketball in his top 12. I think Orange has a shot with Rippey, whose recruitment is fairly wide open.
Other target to note: Four-star Miles Sadler of CIA Bella Vista in Phoenix
Shooting Guard
Five-star Jordan Smith Jr.
St. Paul VI Catholic High School
The 6-foot-3 Smith and Rippey are the top two targets for Syracuse basketball in 2026. Smith has the Orange in his top six, unofficially visited SU last September and is likely to officially visit the 'Cuse before he makes his college decision. While Duke is the rumored leader here, Smith is extremely close with Orange assistant coach Brenden Straughn.
Other target to note: Four-star Dakari Spear of Dynamic Prep in Irving, Texas
Wing/Forward 1
Four-star Vaughn Karvala
CIA Bella Vista in Phoenix
The 6-foot-6 Karvala appears to be another top target of the 'Cuse in this cycle. He unofficially visited the SU campus last November and will go on an official visit to Syracuse basketball in late September during the same weekend as Rippey. One of the Orange's biggest threats for Karvala is Xavier.
Other target to note: Four-star Ralph Scott of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Wing/Forward 2
Five-star Alex Constanza
Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio
The 6-foot-8 Constanza has yet to drop any sort of list cut. He officially visited the 'Cuse last October, and his dad has told me that Constanza may take a second trip to Central New York. Other suitors for Constanza include Georgetown, Illinois and Miami.
Other target to note: Four-star Maximo Adams of the Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, Calif.
Power Forward/Center
Four-star Asher Elson
Atlanta-based professional league Overtime Elite
This is a tricky one. To my knowledge, Syracuse basketball has only offered one center in four-star Aliou Dioum of CIA Bella Vista in Phoenix. The 6-foot-10 Elson, who is more of a power forward, will take an official visit to Syracuse basketball in October. He's supremely athletic and will have plenty of time to fill out his frame.
Other target to note: Four-star MJ Madison of Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, N.Y.