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He plays for one of the elite football factories anywhere, St. Thomas Aquinas in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He’s getting top-of-the-line coaching, he’s in one of the most competitive regions of the country, and he has scholarship offers from almost every national power. Clemson, Florida, FSU, Arkansas, Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Stanford, Wisconsin are all in on Holmes.

So how could SU possibly crack into the list of finalists Holmes seriously considers? It’s a two-part plan. First, George McDonald. Second, his dad. GMcD has been indefatigable on the recruiting trail since he took over as offensive coordinator after most of the SU staff left for Buffalo. He has connections all over Florida, was the wide receivers coach for Miami, and is constantly shaking the bushes in the Sunshine State for talent. Just this week The Fizz discussed his potential attempt to lure three Blanche Ely teammates (Pompano Beach) to the Hill.

McDonald helped piece together a respectable class after most felt it would be chipped apart with Doug Marrone’s departure. He also has proven to have charisma, charm, and a unique ability to connect with student-athletes. So you never count out GMcD no matter who he goes up against.

But the secret weapon may well be Corey’s dad, David Holmes, a defensive back for Syracuse in the late ’80s. He told Syracuse.com:

“He knows how I feel about Syracuse. He knows I’m a die-hard Orangeman. But he also knows that the choice has to be his. He’s the one that has to go to school, put on a uniform and represent himself, the family and the university.”

And so like jump-start cables connecting to the car engine, the two elements could mean a huge coup for SU. McDonald started recruiting Corey back with the Hurricanes, and has remained in close contact. Because of his dad’s roots, Corey attended Syracuse’s football camp back before McDonald was even on the Hill. Because of both, Corey was supposed to drop by the Orange Spring Game, but his connection flight was canceled. Either way, Corey plans to visit CNY this summer with his dad.

SU fans should keep an eye on Corey over the next few weeks. He’ll sit down and boil down his list to a more manageable number of schools still in the hunt. If McDonald and his dad have any say it in, Syracuse will be part of that list. Syracuse has sought to win a huge, national recruiting battle for years as it climbs its way back on the map. Sometimes you need a little Lady Luck to beat the big dogs. Maybe this one has it.

Posted: D.A.

But there have also been players like Kris Joseph, who just manage to snag one of those final picks in the second round. This year’s draft is June 27 and it’s very unlikely that Brandon Triche will be selected. But there is still speculation of whether teams will want James Southerland. Will Southerland find a home at the next level? 

In his four years in Syracuse, Southerland’s game has improved, and he had a stellar senior year. He is a player teams can use to space the floor in the NBA, but he might not be selected.

Southerland saw less than eight minutes on the court his freshman year, but every year he was willing to play off the bench and provide minutes whenever needed. His sharp three point shooting improved annually, and was key in Syracuse’s run to the Sweet 16 in ’12 and Final Four this year.

He is a player who can be built up and improved for the pros. While his inconsistency is something NBA teams may worry about, when he is hot he is hot. He shot just under 40 percent from deep this past season, including a breakout game against Arkansas when he made 9-of-13 threes and had 35 points.

The role he played at Syracuse can be a similar in the NBA. He can simply come off the bench and be a go-to three point shooter. James Posey is a great example. When the Boston Celtics won the NBA title in 2008, Posey was primarily used late in games or whenever Doc Rivers needed a clutch three-pointer. Here are a few other NBA players who averaged 20 or fewer minutes per game this past season and could be the mold Southerland fits.

Steve Novak, NY (20.3 MPG, 42 percent 3PT)

Novak was the second pick in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft. Mike Woodson used Novak this season for late-game three pointers, but he can be good when starters are in foul trouble or players are sidelined with injuries. His shot is deadly when left open, although he struggles to create his own shot or keep up with taller guards defensively.

Jimmer Fredette, SAC (14 MPG, 41.7 percent 3PT)

Fredette was a star at BYU and drafted 10th overall. He was a sharp three-point shooter in college, but has been relegated to bench duty to score 7.2 points per game. Like most role players, he’s a good option to go to when starters are in foul trouble or injured. He has had a tough time creating his shot like Novak at the next level.

Roger Mason Jr., NO (17.7 MPG, 41.5 percent 3PT)

Mason is another player who doesn’t start but can give valuable minutes off the bench. He was the second pick in the second round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, and drains more than 40% of his treys.

Anthony Morrow, DAL (9.3 MPG, 37.2 percent 3PT)

The three point numbers were a little down for Morrow this past season, but in his career he is a 42 percent three-point shooter. He’s bounced around in his young career, but has continually found more than 20 minutes per game until this year. He led all players in 3-point shooting percentage his rookie season.

Southerland’s role is one that is unique, and combined with his height and length, that deep stroke should find its way onto an NBA roster.

Posted: Austin Pollack

“I was thrilled, but more shocked I have to say. I got home from practice last Friday and got a call from Coach Bullough and he offered me. It’s a blessing to get an offer from a great program like Syracuse.”

Philips has interest from a total of nine schools, including ACC partners Pittsburgh and Boston College, as well as his home state Connecticut, Maryland, Temple, Villanova, and Maine. SU was the first to offer the 5’11” 176 lb. running back. Syracuse Defensive Coordinator Chuck Bullough relayed the news to him, but Philips told The Fizz about his specific talk with OC George McDonald:

“He was great. He really thinks my agility and speed stand out. He told me he watched my highlight tape, and that’s exactly what he told me stood out. He really liked my quickness on the field.”

McDonald is at it again trying to add personnel and eventually build a potent SU offense. It’s bold that SU is the first to offer Philips, but McDonald must vision that agility and quickness in his playbook. He’s establishing his roots in the Sunshine State, while also staying local in the West Haven High School star. Philips has the numbers to back up his abilities. He rushed for over 750 yards last year to go along with 19 touchdowns. Although his primary position is in the backfield, Philips told The Fizz what separates him from other typical RBs:

“My versatility helps me stand out from other players. I play running back, but I can also play in the slot. I’m a good catcher. I can even play quarterback sometimes if needed. I think that’s what makes me a difference maker, my versatility.”

Versatility is certainly a quality SU football wants more of. It’s the framework Scott Shafer values. Philips caught over 300 yards receiving for West Haven and scored 3 touchdowns in the process. He even took reps at QB.

• Watch Philips highlights here:

Philips also spoke repeatedly about his love for competition. With the Orange on its way into its debut season in the ACC, Philips was amped about the possible opportunity:

“I admire competition, and especially when a team or program is moving into a new conference. I know they look like the underdog. I like the idea of coming into something like that and competing day in and day out. Coach McDonald sounded excited over the phone with me so that got me even more excited.”

The move to a major conference obviously is a carrot for high school athletes. Even if Syracuse isn’t immediately successful (Debby-Downer Alert), the word and attention is out there for this football program. Darryl Gross has tried to push the brand of SU football back to where it once was in the past. Kids such as Philips noticing the impact is great to see.

Philips hopes to hear soon from Pittsburgh and a potential offer from them.Syracuse lost out on three-star OL Alex Officer and DE Justin Moody to the Panthers in February’s draft class. But Philips mentioned multiple times he can’t forget Syracuse being the first school to offer him. The Orange provides his first opportunity to play football at the next level of his career. Philips hopes to visit the team and personnel during summer camp, and eventually make a trip up to the Hill. It’s still plenty early in the recruiting brigade, but watch for possibly yet another battle between SU and Pitt for an ambitious prospect.

Posted: Brendan Glasheen

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Looks like SU has offered LB Terry McCray (’14) and wideout Therrell Gosier (’15). McCray is listed as a three-star OLB and has scholarships from Minnesota, Miami, Florida Atlantic and Tulane. He says the Hurricanes are at the top of his list, but he plans on visiting the Orange and Gophers before making a decision. Gosier is a huge target, listed at 6’6″, 200 lbs., and has an offer from USF.

Another tall WR, Kenneth Rawls (6’3″, 179 lbs.) was also a subject of GMcD’s scouting. He has offers from Minnesota, Bowling Green and Florida Atlantic, but says SU would become the front-runner if the Orange offered. While Rawls has plenty of nice things to say about SU, he’s still unrated according to Rivals. Gosier, on the other hand, has a made a name for himself in two other sports. He came off the bench for Ely’s hoops team which won the state in April, and broke Cardinal Gibbons’ (his previous school) 34-year-old freshman record for the 300-meter hurdles last spring.

McDonald has plenty of recruiting ties in the state of Florida, and how interesting would it be if he’s able to scoop up a player in McCray away from The U. McDonald was the Wide Receivers Coach for the Canes in ’11 and ’12. It’s also intriguing whenever GMcD goes after wideouts since he’s worked closely with them in the past. So both Rawls and Gosier should be on Orange Nation’s radar.

McDonald’s arrival on the Hill is perfect timing. While SU has always had a foot in Florida, and Doug Marrone tried to build a better pipeline down there, it’s nearly impossible to compete in the ACC without having athletes from the Sunshine State. Obviously FSU and Miami will always own the region in conference, but all schools grab players from the endless Florida supply. Clemson (Sammy Watkins – Ft. Myers), VaTech, (Luther Maddy – Delray Beach) and N.C. State (Jarvis Byrd – Pahokee) have all culled major talent from there.

There’s always talent in Florida, but potentially offering three teammates is still fairly unique unless it’s a factory like Booker T. Washington or St. Thomas Aquinas. But McDonald could be betting on encouraging all three player to come up to the Hill together, a chance to bring friends together so far away from home. It’s time to stretch even deeper for athletes in Florida, and McDonald is the best guy to do that. Looks like he’s making his footprint at Blanche Ely right now.

Posted: D.A. 

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This possibility has been on the minds of teams and fans ever since realignment took place and destroyed the Big East we came to love. But does the southern-based ACC want to move away from its longtime center, and further from several of its original fan bases. The current contract with Greensboro expires after the 2015 season. Plus, MSG is starting to fill its calendar with a tourney for  the new Big East, and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn is hosting the Atlantic-10. Jim Boeheim and Pitt head coach Jamie Dixon have been pushing the conference to explore playing in New York, and no legitimate talks are going about a move.

Although a vote is still down the road, sources have been saying it is only a matter of time until the ACC tournament is moved to NYC. Several legal issues have to be sorted out. MSG can opt out of its contract with the new Big East if the conference does not reach certain benchmarks. Getting the Orange playing its postseason in New York would be the best possible move to keep the basketball success rolling. Fans are already salivating at next season’s schedule, and a postseason tournament in New York is the biggest thing we all miss about the old conference.

It would also work well for the ACC. A spot in the World’s Most Famous Arena would give the conference tremendous exposure to an area filled with sought after basketball recruits, and loads of alumni from several of its cornerstone schools. Plus the ACC would be picking up where the old Big East left off. Add in schools such as Duke and UNC to the existing members from the old conference, and the ACC Championship would become must-watch TV in March.

A move to the Barclays Center is a solid backup option. Brooklyn offers much of the same exposure the ACC is looking for. While it’s not MSG, Barclay’s is a fantastic facility and is less than a year old. Greensboro is the heart of the old ACC, but like with every decision, money and ticket sales are a driving factor. Although games such as SU/Duke or Duke/UNC would sell out any arena, would Clemson/Wake Forest work up North? The ACC will have to gauge how well southern fan bases are willing to travel. The conference has held its tourneys outside of North Carolina before, but never as far north as New York.

Orange Nation has had time to accept college sports are going in a different direction. It’s sad to see the best basketball conference ruined right in front of us. However, a tournament move to the ACC might just create some magic of its own.

Posted: Zephan Mayell

Let that sink in. Every lax player who has suited up for the Orange in the last three and a half decades, and stayed for four seasons, has reached championship weekend. Simply amazing.

This was an embattled senior class. Last year the Orange suffered through a tremendously disappointing campaign, with Duke putting a final sharp nail in the coffin in the first round of the NCAA tournament. SU had notched the top seed in the tourney this year, but three underachieving seasons on the Hill in ’10, ’11, and ’12, left many wondering if the Orange lax magic had vanished for good.

Instead this senior class bonded with a group of talented youngsters and clicked into gear during crunch time, ripped off a trio of goals to take the lead, and eventually hang on to win the game. Every lax player who has ever been recruited to the Hill essentially had an unbreakable promise: You become an Orange, you’ll play in the Final Four. Guaranteed.

It looked like that sturdy certainty might come to an end yesterday in College Park, Maryland. Instead, one of the most mind-blowing records is still in tact.

You play four years at Syracuse, you’ll go to a Final Four. Thirty-four years and counting.

Posted: D.A.

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No one likes to tip the cap to SU’s past more than me. I own a Sherman Douglas throwback. I still rock the ’88 Sugar Bowl t-shirt. I get a kick out of the black-and-white pics at the Varsity. But doesn’t it feel a little forced to have both a McNabb AND McPherson day inside the Dome this season? From SUathletics.com:

McPherson will return to campus on October 5 to be recognized when the Orange hosts Clemson and McNabb will take center stage on November 2 when Syracuse faces Wake Forest.

“It is our pleasure to honor Donovan McNabb and Don McPherson and recognize their importance to the history of Syracuse football. We want to recognize these extraordinary men during our inaugural season in the ACC as we look to establish new success,” said Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross.

It would seem to make more sense to have celebrated their importance during the final season of Big East football… ya know, the conference where they both played. It just feels like an overt attempt by Gross to push tickets to a luke warm fan base. While Orange Nation is certainly excited about the ACC future, a new coaching staff and first-year starting quarterback has expectations fairly low.

“We truly hope all SU fans will join us during the season to salute the jersey retirement of these two tremendous individuals and their families as we look to compete at the highest level in the ACC as New York’s College Team.”

And there it is. The request for fans to show up at the Dome. Attendance was mediocre last season, and the numbers at the Spring Game fell below SU’s hopes (George McDonald wanted 20,000).

All fans are invited to join ‘Orangenation Rising,’ a state of mind where passion, tradition and die-hard loyalty intersect, by renewing their season tickets or purchasing new 2013 season tickets. Individual game tickets go on sale August 1. Fans can use the internet (SUAthletics.com), telephone (888-DOME-TIX), or visit the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B). Season tickets start at just $99 each.

Orangenation Rising is a state of mind, huh? Seems pretty forced, but this is what Gross does. He can be heavy-handed in his promotion and salesmanship. Understandably, you have to try to sell the product. You need revenue to compete in the ACC, and the athletic department is looking to raise funding for the new football facility. Maybe Gross is looking for a deeper financial commitment from these two living legends, so to bring them into the family and retire their jerseys is a way to embrace them. But it comes off as a transparent attempt to get people to the Dome. Do we really need TWO jersey ceremonies in one season? Can’t SU make it a pseudo-annual affair, and do McPherson this fall, and McNabb in ’14?

Sometimes honoring the past means not cramming it into a 6 game schedule in a blatant attempt at selling tickets.

Posted: D.A.

Rant Sports Graphic

The most popular one and done player in Syracuse history dates back a decade to 2003 when Carmelo Anthony played a single season for the Orange, led them to the championship, and then left for the NBA Draft.

There are two rules that make a player eligible for the draft. The player must be at least 19 years old, he may not go directly from his senior year of high school to the NBA. For those with pro talent in high school, most play at least a year in college to strengthen the skills and improve their stock.

But should players be able to go directly to the NBA without the year in college? Dion Waiters is an example of an SU player who may have tested their pro stock directly from high school. Although talent-wise he may have been ready, the benefit of the two years in Syracuse was the mental maturity. For players who need to develop mentally and to polish their skills, college is the way to go.

Michael Carter-Williams may have been tempted to leave for the league after just one year on the Hill. He was obviously frustrated by his lack of playing time. But by staying two years at SU, he has undoubtedly improved his draft stock. This year’s lottery will take place on Tuesday, so let’s take a look at where the one-year college players and where they’re projected to go.

NBADraft.net

Ben McLemore, Kansas, 1^st overall to Orlando

Nerlens Noel, Kentucky, 2^nd overall to Charlotte

Anthony Bennett, UNLV, 6^th overall to Sacramento

Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA, 10^th overall to Portland

MCW, Syracuse, 13^th overall to Dallas

Steven Adams, Pittsburgh, 28^th overall to San Antonio

Archie Goodwin, Kentucky, 37^th overall to Washington

Ricardo Ledo, Providence, 60^th overall to Memphis

CBS Sports

Nerlens Noel, Kentucky, 1^st overall to Orlando

Ben McLemore, Kansas, 2^nd overall to Charlotte

Anthony Bennett, UNLV, 3^rd overall to Cleveland

MCW, Syracuse, 6^th overall to Sacramento

Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA, 10^th overall to Portland

Draft Express

Nerlens Noel, Kentucky, 1^st overall to Orlando

Ben McLemore, Kansas, 2^nd overall to Charlotte

Anthony Bennett, UNLV, 3^rd overall to Cleveland

Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA, 10^th overall to Portland

Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse, 12^th overall to Oklahoma City (from Toronto)

* * *

If MCW does go to Dallas, he will be sitting behind Darren Collison who is only 26 years old. He in the prime of his career and after a decent 12 points per game season for the Mavericks, he may be the future point guard.

If Carter-Williams goes to Sacramento, he would be possibly the third string point guard behind Isaiah Thomas and Jimmer Fredette. Thomas is a quick, 24-year-old point guard from Washington who averaged just under 14 points per game for the Kings. Jimmer is a deep shooter from BYU, and MCW would have to once again wait his turn and scrap for minutes.

Oklahoma City has one of the best PG’s in the league in Russell Westbrook, a young, established team. That could be good for MCW, but he would be sitting behind Westbrook and Reggie Jackson. This would actually be a nice destination for Carter-Williams because he has the chance to learn from an established point guard like Westbrook. MCW’s best attributes are his height, length and long arms at the position.

No matter the destination, MCW definitely was helped by playing two years of college ball on the Hill. He raised his profile with the Final Four run, and learned how to begin polishing his game, while developing maturity as well.

Posted: Austin Pollack

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The Orange have the third-best odds of winning the title in the ACC, behind Duke and UNC. The team SU was eliminated by, Michigan, is at 33-1. Louisville is trying to repeat, and the Cards odds of doing so is at 17-1. Of the mid-majors, Memphis is tops at 33-1.

Here’s the complete odds:

Kentucky 5/1

Kansas 11/2

Louisville 17/2

Michigan State 12/1

Duke 14/1

Arizona 15/1

North Carolina 16/1

Florida 18/1

Ohio State 20/1

Syracuse 25/1

33/1: Connecticut, Indiana, Memphis, Michigan

40/1: Colorado, UCLA

50/1: Baylor, Creighton, Georgetown, Gonzaga, Iowa, Marquette, Missouri, NC State, New Mexico, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, VCU, Wisconsin

66/1: Butler, Illinois,  Minnesota, St. John’s, Tennessee, UNLV, Villanova, Virginia, Wichita State

75/1: Florida State, Notre Dame

100/1: Alabama, Arizona State, BYU, California, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas State, Miami (FL), Ole Miss, Oregon, Purdue, San Diego State, Stanford, Texas, Vanderbilt, West Virginia

What you start to realize is just how bad a bargain betting on the college hoops national champion is. While upsets and Cinderellas are happening all the way to the Final Four, only powerhouses ever win the whole thing. You’re telling me, if I plunk down $100 on Minnesota and somehow the Gophers make a magical run, pull off at least three monumental upsets and become the most improbable champ since ’85 Villanova, I’m only cashing out $6,600? That’s ridiculous. I know one thing: those odds for Gonzaga are WAY too high. We know they’ll get bounced on opening weekend again.

Two more prop bets for you from Bovada:

Andrew Wiggins – Will he be selected #1 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft?

Yes -300 (1/3)

No +200 (2/1)

Andrew Wiggins – Average PPG in the 2013-14 NCAA Basketball Season?

Over/Under 18

This feels a little high. Then again, Carmelo Anthony averaged 22.2 PPG in his only season on the Hill. And if Wiggins can deliver on the hype surrounding him, then maybe you gotta take the over.

The Fizz: Trying to help you make some money!

Posted: D.A.

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SU and Duke were two of a handful premier schools to not offer Wiggins. His decision came down to the Jayhawks, Florida State, UNC, Kentucky and Ohio State. Wiggins told Rivals.com he can now exhale.

“It’s just a weight lifted off my shoulders. I can relax now. The anticipation is over for everybody else. I was thinking a lot today about what I was going to say and how I was going to approach it. I just followed my heart. Kansas had my heart, so that’s where I wanted to go. I just felt like that was the right place for me.”

The Jayhawks seem to have been on Wiggins’ mind from the very beginning of his recruiting brigade, but why did the Orange back off on the star forward? SU’s recent basketball success and NCAA tourney runs has the program looking as flashy as ever to recruits. Syracuse is now a consistent entrant into preseason top 10 lists, and have made an Elite 8 and Final Four the last two years. To not even offer Wiggins must mean Boeheim and company thought there was absolutely no shot to land him.

A Toronto native, Wiggins provides a familiar recruiting nugget since SU is a short drive from Canada. Andy Rautins, Kris Joseph, and the most recent superstar commit Tyler Ennis, all were drawn to Syracuse from north of the border. But that connection obviously never made an impact on the relationship between Wiggins and SU. Recruit Scoop analyst Alex Kline tells The Fizz Syracuse was always on the outside looking in.

“Never had a shot. They have not been on his list in the longest time. [Syracuse] probably realized the odds were stacked against them. Would’ve been worth the risk, though, high reward.”

Syracuse was all in on Ennis to bolster much-needed guard depth. Ennis was SU’s top priority last summer, especially when Rick Pitino and Louisville almost slipped in and snagged the five-star PG. Syracuse’s full attention has been on Ennis, and maybe that factored in. Boeheim has said that SU “needs” Ennis for the coming season, especially now that Michael Carter-Williams has declared for the NBA draft. SU’s focus was on Ennis, and it paid off. Wiggins is also considered a lock to be one-and-done, and while the Orange made a hard push for Nerlens Noel last year, maybe the early signs he wasn’t interested meant it was easy for SU to allocate resources to longer term solutions.

Kansas’ recruiting class is eye-popping. Kentucky is always considered the top-dog in the recruiting battle, especially after landing Nerlens Noel last year and Dakari Johnson this season. However, the Jayhawks landed the top-prize in Wiggins, and then some. According to Rivals, Kansas commits Wayne Selden (No. 12 overall) and center Joel Embiid (No. 25) are also five-star prospects. Add highly touted four-stars Brannen Greene (No. 29) and Conner Frankamp (No. 34), and it’s good for the nation’s second best behind the Wildcats.

The bright side is Wiggins stays out of the ACC, where the Noles and Heels were pushing hard. While the Orange wasn’t a finalist for him, the fact it was in the discussion at one point during Wiggins’ process shows how far this program has come in the past few years.

Posted: Brendan Glasheen