Most Memorable Recruiting Misses

[Cuse_NYC]

Doron Lamb. And I think Brunson?

 

[cliftonparksufan]

are the "misses" only for those who we really wanted but didn't come? Or does it include those who actually came but probably better off not?

One guy I really wanted was Kevin Jones, but we chose Mookie Jones instead. But I thought they could play different positions, but I think the staff didn't.

 

[Oakland]

One guy I really wanted was Kevin Jones, but we chose Mookie Jones instead. But I thought they could play different positions, but I think the staff didn't.

Back in the day there was a long thread on Kevin vs Mookie between two knowledgeable posters who brought up good take after good take; one of the best threads ever.

 

[miamicuse]

Funny how Kenny Anderson and Marbury both said they wanted to come to cuse but didn't because "reasons" not because of a bag.

 

[Noexcuse]

I was never convinced Huerter was coming here.

I'm surprised no one mentioned Ticky Burden. One of the best pure shooters ever. And who's grandson is projected as a late 1st or early 2nd round pick. Luther Burden III.

If we’re going back that far then we need to mention Bob Lanier and Calvin Murphy. Not sure they were “near” misses but both were on the radar at the time. Also Sam Bowie, Terry Mills and Jalen Rose. And thinking about it Billy Owens had a buddy who was highly recruited by Syracuse by the name of Alonzo Mourning. They were talking about going to the same school together. If I remember correctly it was down to SU and UNC but Mourning ended up at Georgetown.

 

[CusefanATL]

Donovan Clingan

 

[orangenauburn]

Donovan Clingan

Unfortunately he was never leaving Connecticut

 

[cusefan88]

Back in the day there was a long thread on Kevin vs Mookie between two knowledgeable posters who brought up good take after good take; one of the best threads ever.

Unfortunately there was a run of disappointing local talent like Mookie, Josh Wright, and Dayshawn Wright before Rautins and Triche corrected the ship.

 

[Idiocuse22&]

First thoughts for me are listed already.
Deeper thoughts listed as well...Adonal Foyle, Huerter & Mookie Jones...i know.

Taurean Thompson, counts in my book. He was never mentally here and what is sad is that his best season by a longshot was Freshman year here.
I am sure he and mom were tough to deal with but the right coach and supporting staff should have been able to guide them on the right path. or not
Mental illness is no joke.
He could have become quite the player.

Optics wise we dodged the biggest recruiting miss possible.
Thank You Kiyan & Anthony family.

 

[HakAttack]

TinyManInside didn't you tell me once that we passed over Joakim Noah?

 

[CapitalO]

Ok here comes some names from the late 70's early 80's C. Tony Costner - . Dennis Scott - PG. Mandy Johnson - . Dallas Comegys - G. Sugar Ray Hall.

 

[CapitalO]

Charlie Smith ( Pitt. )

 

[SimonSays]

A recent one that could have changed not jjst our last few years but also CBB in general - Andre Jackson

the story with that is crazy

 

[SimonSays]

I once asked a person very close to Andre Jackson why Jackson did not choose Syracuse. The person replied that Jackson felt that the Syracuse basketball players were not serious about playing basketball, but Connecticut players were.

eh. andre was committed to cuse up until the last day - and got flipped by his high school coach. that same coach asked gmac for a coaching recommendation a couple years later goes without saying he did not give that. also andre grew up a cuse fan and everyone close to him was told he was going to cuse till that last day. it was a suprise.

 

[tbonezone]

also rans for Mateen Cleaves , Rudy Gay , Mike Chappell, Jamaal Mcgloire and Ed Obannon .

 

[miamicuse]

Was Alonzo Mourning ever seriously considered coming to Syracuse? How did GT end up with both Mourning and Mutumbo?

 

[Cusefan95]

eh. andre was committed to cuse up until the last day - and got flipped by his high school coach. that same coach asked gmac for a coaching recommendation a couple years later goes without saying he did not give that. also andre grew up a cuse fan and everyone close to him was told he was going to cuse till that last day. it was a suprise.

Yeah…”They weren’t serious about basketball” is just vague enough to work when the real answer isn’t one you’re willing to share. And guys don’t flip at the last possible moment when it’s a reason they’d be willing to share publicly, at least not in college basketball…

 

[Sherman20]

Ones I can think of:
Tobias Harris
Nerlens Noel
Brandon Knight
Quade Green
Marbury
Kenny Walker

Who else?

SGA, Shea Gilgeous Alexander. Could have had him over Quade, if not for JB and his poor late-career decision making in recruiting.