Syracuse basketball target, Tyus Battle cut his list to 7 schools Monday with the Orange making the cut. Battle will choose between Syracuse, Duke, Louisville, Connecticut, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Ohio State.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle for the Orange landing Battle disappeared when the 5-star guard cut Kentucky from his list. The Wildcats stockpile talent, but apparently will not be in contention for Battle going forward.
Landing Battle would be a huge pickup for Syracuse at the guard position. The Gill St. Bernard‚Äôs product is ranked #15 in the ESPN 60 and would most likely be the top player in Syracuse‚Äôs 2016 recruiting class if he decides to join the Orange. He is listed as the 4th best shooting guard in the 2016 rankings. SF Matthew Moyer is the only commit currently in Syracuse’s 2016 class.
But what are Syracuse’s chances of landing Battle? There is a good chance the Orange will be in contention when he makes his final decision. He has expressed interest in the Orange from the beginning of his recruiting process and is currently scheduling official visits to several schools that made his list. He already took an unofficial visit to Syracuse in October. Duke and Louisville should be Syracuse’s major competetion as both programs also have hall of fame coaches who are eyeing Battle.
Jim Boeheim, Mike Krzyzewski, and Rick Pitino have all been to Gill St. Bernard’s to see Battle play and like what they see. Boeheim even made an effort to reach out to Battle’s father, Gary after Syracuse announced its postseason ban to ensure it would not affect his son.
Battle is likely to pull the trigger on committing to a school once he falls in love with one. Gary Battle told Scout.com, “Tyus doesn’t really enjoy the process. We aren’t in a rush, but he’s not the kind of kid that is going to wait just because.”
This puts additional pressure on each of Battle’s official visits, which should start next month. Syracuse will have its hands full when it comes to beating out other top schools for the best New Jersey recruit in the 2016 class.
Posted: Zephan Mayell
