Class of 2026 SF Vaughn Karvala (WI / BellaVistaAZ) Offered

[Cusefan0307]

At one point, this kid was our highest percentage prospect to land.

Today, it is likely we get shut out on all of our top prospects for the class of 2026.

IF (and I say IF) Red has a decent year and we make the tournament, we have a lot of guys that could potentially return that we should focus our NIL on. White, Kiyan, Fennell, Womack, George, Betsey, Souare...Maybe Diawara...I assume we go portal for a center and won't take a freshman unless they are elite. It's time we build some continuity.

 

[hoopsupstate]

Cuse didn’t make the cut

We chose to not be in his top 3. He’s a good player, but SU is happy with who they already have on the roster, that’s why the visit was cancelled.

 

[nyucuse]

We chose to not be in his top 3. He’s a good player, but SU is happy with who they already have on the roster, that’s why the visit was cancelled.

Opinion or fact? Not doubting you but seems somewhat odd to cut bait when who knows what happens in a year from now.

 

[hoopsupstate]

Opinion or fact? Not doubting you but seems somewhat odd to cut bait when who knows what happens in a year from now.

Fact. It’s using your resources wisely!

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Fact. It’s using your resources wisely!

What’s the 2026 recruiting goal, by position or are we just looking to add 2-3 great players,regardless of position. Thanks in advance.

 

[sufan59]

Fact. It’s using your resources wisely!

I see conflicting reports, but does Nate Kingz have two years of eligibility left? If he does, between him and Aaron Womack that they believe in, as well as Kiyan Anthony and Luke Fennell that also have versatility to play the 3, it makes sense that they would be more passive with this recruitment. Obviously things could change, but if all goes well this season and the staff gets extended. I could imagine retention will be a major emphasis. Perhaps they try to flip Karvala if things go so well that either Kiyan Anthony or Nate Kingz are NBA bound.

 

[Hopkins16]

If we make a serious turnaround and make a little noise in the tournament, we will be able to fill positions needed from the portal. This is a big season that will impact the direction of the program and will determine whether or not Autry and staff will stay or go.

 

[Cuse On 3]

At one point, this kid was our highest percentage prospect to land.

Today, it is likely we get shut out on all of our top prospects for the class of 2026.

lol this guy. Bulldog04 said we’re still very much in play for rippey and smith.

 

[cuseallday]

Friends: I get the disappointment about Vaughn, but I actually was told that Syracuse moved on and is focused on other 2026/2027 prospects and its current roster. Just an FYI!

 

[RF2044]

lol this guy. Bulldog04 said we’re still very much in play for rippey and smith.

Bulldog can say whatever he wants. Still only a prediction.

Doesn't mean it will play out that way. Especially not given who we're up against. I'd love for Rippey to select SU. Would be amazing. But in the end, I don't see him coming here -- for multiple reasons, including sneaker company-based considerations.

 

[hoopsupstate]

Bulldog can say whatever he wants. Still only a prediction.

Doesn't mean it will play out that way. Especially not given who we're up against. I'd love for Rippey to select SU. Would be amazing. But in the end, I don't see him coming here -- for multiple reasons, including sneaker company-based considerations.

I think it’s more than a prediction. Rippey loved his visit and his dad is very tight with Griff and Red. Smith will soon visit the Hill. He is very close to Brendan. Like Neal has said, we are in this more than people think. Red is VERY WELL LIKED in the recruiting world.

 

[RF2044]

I think it’s more than a prediction. Rippey loved his visit and his dad is very tight with Griff and Red. Smith will soon visit the Hill. He is very close to Brendan. Like Neal has said, we are in this more than people think. Red is VERY WELL LIKED in the recruiting world.

Correct about it being more than just a prediction -- it's a biased prediction, given his relationship with members of the coaching staff.

I'm fairly certain that if it were up to the dad, Syracuse would be the choice. But it's up to the kit, not just the dad. And because of that, there are a lot of factors working against Syracuse, despite the outcome, we'd all love to see. Pointing that out isn't pessimistic, it's rarely stating that there are factors in our favor, as well as many that are not in our favor.

Believe me, if we land rippey I'll be the first one doing backhand springs down Marshall Street.

 

[hoopsupstate]

I see conflicting reports, but does Nate Kingz have two years of eligibility left? If he does, between him and Aaron Womack that they believe in, as well as Kiyan Anthony and Luke Fennell that also have versatility to play the 3, it makes sense that they would be more passive with this recruitment. Obviously things could change, but if all goes well this season and the staff gets extended. I could imagine retention will be a major emphasis. Perhaps they try to flip Karvala if things go so well that either Kiyan Anthony or Nate Kingz are NBA bound.

Betsy can also play both forward spots.

 

[hoopsupstate]

Correct about it being more than just a prediction -- it's a biased prediction, given his relationship with members of the coaching staff.

Believe me, if we land rippey I'll be the first one doing backhand springs down Marshall Street.

We’re all just going to have to wait. One thing is for sure, we all want the same thing.

 

[sufan59]

Betsy can also play both forward spots.

I completely forgot about him.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

I completely forgot about him.

Oh, heavens.

 

[cuseallday]

A couple of things. Number one, I'm trying to catch up with Deron's dad today to chat about stuff. Number two, I think - I think, not I know - that Syracuse is in it for both Deron and Jordan. But ... but I would take the field over Syracuse for both prospects, at least right now. I've seen the stuff about Deron, Adidas schools, etc. I'll ask his dad about that. He's visiting Tenn. this weekend! Also: This 2026 class at the prep level for Syracuse could be small. They could have up to nine guys returning, and SU is likely focusing its resources (i.e., revenue-sharing/NIL) on retaining existing players and hitting the portal hard again. Additionally: Both Smith and Rippey could sign in the regular period next spring. Should that happen, it's imperative that Syracuse have a good season, for obvious reasons, given the closeness of the current staff to both players. For the time being, I'd say the 2026 high school focus is Deron, Jordan and Asher Elson. I'll check in with sources to see if Syracuse is still looking at Clyde Walters or other 2027 guys as possible re-class candidates to 2026.

 

[OCESIP]

I think it’s more than a prediction. Rippey loved his visit and his dad is very tight with Griff and Red. Smith will soon visit the Hill. He is very close to Brendan. Like Neal has said, we are in this more than people think. Red is VERY WELL LIKED in the recruiting world.

He also said SU is an underdog to the rest of the field right now.
Recruiting for SU, like 99% of similar programs, needs a lot of things to fall into place to attract the very top level talent. It's not a slam at Red or the program. It's reality.

 

[Hopkins16]

I believe Rippey and Smith, just like many other recruits, love Syracuse and the coaches. What is and has hurt is we’ve been an average and at times below average program for years. It’s just hard to compete against Duke, the best program in the chase for the recruits, especially when they can point to all the guys they have placed in the NBA (as of opening night 24, the most of any college, 8 or 9 in the past 3 years). We only have 1 player, Jerami Grant from over 10 years ago.

Although I believe the likes of Filpowski, Anthony Davis, are lottery players if they went to Syracuse, just as Rippey and Smith will be, most if not all of us, if we had a son who is a top 10 recruit, we would play it safe and have him go with the program that is an NBA factory and has a proven track record.

Our best shot at getting Rippey and Smith (if they don’t commit early) is by having an above average season and Freeman and possibly another player are seen as first rounders.

 

[cuseallday]

I believe Rippey and Smith, just like many other recruits, love Syracuse and the coaches. What is and has hurt is we’ve been an average and at times below average program for years. It’s just hard to compete against Duke, the best program in the chase for the recruits, especially when they can point to all the guys they have placed in the NBA (as of opening night 24, the most of any college, 8 or 9 in the past 3 years). We only have 1 player, Jerami Grant from over 10 years ago.

Although I believe the likes of Filpowski, Anthony Davis, are lottery players if they went to Syracuse, just as Rippey and Smith will be, most if not all of us, if we had a son who is a top 10 recruit, we would play it safe and have him go with the program that is an NBA factory and has a proven track record.

Our best shot at getting Rippey and Smith (if they don’t commit early) is by having an above average season and Freeman and possibly another player are seen as first rounders.

So well said, so well said! And I totally agree - assuming Rippey and Smith don't sign early, and I don't think they will, Syracuse having a solid season and the staff being in a good spot will help, plus some NBA buzz for Donnie and others...great points, my friend.

 

[walsh2012]

like the legendary 49ers coach Bill Walsh (no relation, but ironically my dad is also a Bill Walsh) said

The score takes care of itself

Win all the games, control what we can, things will work out. or they won’t! what the hell do i know