2026 Recruiting updates

[cuseallday]

Since there's a thread on 2026, I did a piece today where I took a look at the Orange's top targets in this class!
Analyzing which 4-stars, 5-stars are Syracuse basketball's top targets in 2026 class

 

[Niastri]

Since there's a thread on 2026, I did a piece today where I took a look at the Orange's top targets in this class!
Analyzing which 4-stars, 5-stars are Syracuse basketball's top targets in 2026 class

It looks like Syracuse is heavily invested in recruiting guards and wings. The centers they are recruiting mostly are PF/C types who will be athletic and rely less on strength and more on skill.

I wonder if this indicates the staff believes high level skill players translate immediately to college better than big men... Would they prefer to get older, more physically developed big men from the portal?

Of course, it could also mean that they have had better relationships with highly ranked smaller players purely by coincidence this cycle, and my conjecture is incorrect.

EDIT : It could also mean they never see a need for another center as long as Tiefing Diawara is on the Hill.

 

[cuseallday]

It looks like Syracuse is heavily invested in recruiting guards and wings. The centers they are recruiting mostly are PF/C types who will be athletic and rely less on strength and more on skill.

I wonder if this indicates the staff believes high level skill players translate immediately to college better than big men... Would they prefer to get older, more physically developed big men from the portal?

Of course, it could also mean that they have had better relationships with highly ranked smaller players purely by coincidence this cycle, and my conjecture is incorrect.

EDIT : It could also mean they never see a need for another center as long as Tiefing Diawara is on the Hill.

I do agree that the focus in 2026 seems to be more on guards/wings/small forwards. The big men are definitely as you describe, and perhaps that's the way Syracuse will be recruiting power forwards/centers moving forward...and to your point, look at the centers on the Orange's current roster. Not as "tall" as a traditional center, but athletic as heck (I think) ...

 

[cuseallday]

List of prospects watched by Syracuse basketball during this weekend's live period (mainly 2026s)!
https://x.com/LoudHouseFS/status/1944773991538847963

 

[Oakland]

Now that the ‘25 team has mostly been assembled, hopefully the coaches will soon refocus heavily on the ‘26 class and we will get updates on the status of our top recruits, Jordan Smith, Deron Rippey and Alex Constanza.

Cuseallday, do you have any updates?

Glad to see this thread. We should have one of these every year and it should be pinned to the top.

 

[mark79]

Hey, my friend. 2026 is interesting. Lots of offers out there and interest, although some of the older offers, not sure Syracuse is pursuing those guys as much these days. Definitely Jordan Smith Jr., Deron Rippey and Alex Constanza. Some of the guys from CIA Bella Vista ... Miles Sadler, Aliou Diuom and Rokiem Green. Qayden Samuels from the DMV has mentioned a visit, not sure how much Syracuse is currently pursuing his teammate, Prince-Alexander Moody. I'd also keep an eye on Dakari Spear and Vaughn Karvala. Hoping that Syracuse eventually offers Dylan Mingo. His LuHi teammate, MJ Madison, just got a 'Cuse offer. Four other guys who hold 'Cuse offers, not sure what the latest is, but perhaps keep an eye on: Neiko Mundey, Anthony Brown Jr., Imahri Wooten and Abdou Toure. The first three unofficially visited in the past!

Thanks brudda

 

[AngryOtto]

Early signing period is early November. Any word on if we might get a commit prior to signing period.
I wonder if players will wait to sign now with nil playing a big part in recruitment.