Fizz Learns 2013 #1 Big Man Nerlens Noel Will Attend Syracuse’s Madness
D.A. | Oct 13, 2011 | Comments 13
The Orange is in hot pursuit of the nation’s top-ranked 2013 center Nerlens Noel, and a source has informed The Fizz the junior from Tilton, New Hampshire will visit campus this weekend and attend Midnight Madness.
Syracuse has had its issues cementing this year’s ’12 class, is it too early to look ahead more than a year from now? Not for this coaching staff. Recruiting never sleeps and the efforts in building relationships always overlaps between classes.
If you plan on heading to the Carrier Dome tomorrow night, the 6-foot-10, 205 pounder won’t be very hard to spot, and not just because of his height.
There was once a time when Noel would have faced much heavier competition in this department, but by modern day standards, he sports an unbeatable hi-top fade. He might not be a natural 7-footer just yet, but his hair easily vaults him over that plateau (if that counts for anything).
Oh right, his basketball skills. The reason he’s the best class of 2013 center is a refreshing one. Noel brings a true defense-first approach to the game. His shot-blocking ability is unparalleled in his class.
Noel’s high school coach, Marcus O’Neil, stopped by Orange Fizz Radio recently. The man in charge of the Tilton School hoops program values Noel’s unique game.
“Everyone wants to play offense and you have a lot of guys whose transition on the offensive end is better than their transition back on defense. Nerlens is kind of the opposite.”
Syracuse’s is trademark is obviously Jim Boeheim’s 2-3 zone. But the scheme holds particular significance to a player like Noel whose biggest strength is his shot-blocking. O’Neil says that the zone is an excellent fit for his star big man.
“If you’re playing man-to-man, you always want him in position to be the help-side rotation guy to block the shots. We actually play some 2-3 zone, and it is a good defense for him, because you’ve got a unique talent as a shot-blocker standing right there making sure you can’t get to the rim.”
Noel is primarily a weak-side shot-blocker. As O’Neil alludes, the zone guarantees that Noel will be able to operate that way on nearly every defensive possession. It is easier for a superb shot-blocker to be neutralized if he plays in a man-to-man system.
Previously, there were rumors that Noel would reclassify to the ’12 class, but he now says he’ll definitely play two more years of high school ball.
His coach says Noel’s recruitment is still wide open. He holds an ultra-impressive list of offers. Duke, UConn, Kentucky, Kansas, Florida, and Pitt are all pursuing Noel, in addition to Syracuse.
The Orange was in on the lengthy center recruit very early, though, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if SU finds itself on Noel’s short list soon. If you see a 6-10 dude with a crazy haircut around campus this weekend, make sure to be friendly.
Posted: Andrew Kanell
Filed Under: FB Recruiting • Featured
anyone else on campus for midnight madness? The fizz see that the big east goin after boise? I told everyone on here over the summer tcu an boise where key. I could have saved the the big east. The dude in charge now is a bum.
where is he really from before he got to prep school
having Noel in the Dome for Midnight Madness is huge! We have got to get this kid!!! I’ve seen him play live on the circuits and he has unbelievable physical abilities. Absolutely ferocious dunker and shot-blocker.
Carlton, we do know that Noel’s high school teammate Jaylen Brantley will be there. Though Brantley doesn’t have nearly the potential or hype of Noel, he doesn’t hold some decent offers from Missouri, Rhode Island, and Iowa State.
And Jeff, thanks for asking for that clarification. His hometown is actually Everett, MA.
Who cares now again. My ball of interest now has pointed ends. And by the way FB is number 1 in popularity. BB will be here for nearly 6 months way to long lets enjoy america’s game for now please!!! Imagine a naional playoff in College FB.
Terry – come one man, we’re locked into football season, don’t worry. But recruiting is pretty much a year-round process for both sports, so there’s no reason not to cover our share of hoops and football all the time. You can still find tons of pigskin content right now on the site. Thanks for reading though.
That’s right – much of bball recruiting occurs off season. I have a fix for Terry, though: if you see what appears to be a basketball related story – don’t read it.
Problem solved!
What about amile jefferson? I’ve seen him say he doesnt even think SU has room for him. Seems to me right now hes more of a UK or UCONN lean.
Terry, what is there to talk about /w SU football? They are awful. Barely beating URI and Tulane doesnt get me excited.
Other recruits in attendance were:
2013 recruit, Tyler Ennis from St. Benedict’s (NJ). As well as a pair of 2015 recruits, Isaiah Briscoe from St. Benedict’s (NJ) and Zack Radz from Troy (NY).
A spectacular midnight madness showcase from the Cuse however one troubling thought to take away from the night is that DaJuan Coleman was in Rupp Arena rather than the Dome tonight.
Zach with an H not a K. my mistake
Thanks, CoachDuff!
Noel is the kind of kid that can carry a team on defense Similar to Jabbar. When yo can dominate the inside as he apparently does it makes the whole team better. Syracuse would have a strong supporting cast with him getting to and past the Final Four goal. We all want another NC as does Jimmy.
i knew he had to be from Boston area, Boeheim likes the kids from the NH prep school circuit (CJ Fair), they’ve usually stayed back a year and less of an academic risk