So far Orange Nation’s summer has been filled with football recruiting news, but not to be left behind basketball is quickly catching up in the rear view mirror. With that in mind, let‚Äôs take a look at some of the players who could potentially be playing in the Dome in 2012-’13.
- Dajuan Coleman, 6-9 (C) Jamesville Dewitt High
Consensus 5-star recruit. Not related to former Syracuse great Derrick Coleman, but is built to dominate just like him. This powerful center has huge potential and is highly coveted by several of the leading programs in the nation. Topping his list, however, sits Syracuse and Kentucky. In fact, Wildcats coach John Calipari paid a personal visit to Coleman following their NCAA Tournament win over West Virginia. When Coleman talked to The Fizz back in April, he emphasized his long relationship with Jim Boeheim and the coaching staff. He already has a well-developed low post game and can defend when he wants to. Several other top 25 schools are on to Coleman as well including Louisville, North Carolina, UConn and Texas. Despite the whispers about his hustle, with the question marks at center for the Orange, Coleman is a very key prospect
- Ricardo Ledo, 6-6 (SG) Notre Dame Prep, MA
Consensus 5-Star Recruit. This shooting guard has an elite ability to score and has great size for his position. He had committed to Providence, but with the coaching turmoil he has decommitted and is back open to several schools including the Orange. There will be an opening at the guard spot with Scoop Jardine graduating and Ledo is a perfect candidate to fill the void. He hasn‚Äôt made any visits yet and has a pretty long list, but he would be a huge get for ‘Cuse. Many believe he is the best scoring guard in the class and the picture will become clearer once he makes a few visits.
- Amile Jefferson, 6-7 (PF) Friends Central School: Philadelphia, PA
Consensus 4-5 Star Recruit. A very smooth player who can run the floor at high speed, perfect for the uptempo style of the Orange. Syracuse hasn’t offered him a scholarship, but several other schools including Pitt and Villanova from the Big East reportedly have. Forward will be a need for the Orange with Kris Joseph on the way out and a lack of depth behind him. Jefferson does need some work on his ball-handling, but any time Syracuse has a chance to steal a top prospect from other Big East schools it’s an extra bonus.
- Andre Drummond, 6-11 (C) St. Thomas More, CT
Consensus Top 3 Recruit. Drummond is likely staying in-state and headed to UConn, but is worth a mention because of his freakish athleticism. He has unbelievable finishing ability around the rim and the potential to simply dominate games. Syracuse has offered him already and even the slightest possibility of stealing him from the Huskies is tantalizing.
- Jerami Grant, 6-7 (SF) Dematha Catholic, MD
Consensus 4-Star Recruit. A great rebounder, which would be huge for the Orange who often struggle to board from the wing position. Scouts also think he can develop a solid mid-range game, which would be the perfect compliment to his glass work. He also has excellent basketball roots, both his father and uncle played in the NBA. Multiple Big East schools are after him including Notre Dame and Georgetown leaving plenty of incentive for Syracuse to make a strong move. The Orange hasn’t offered him yet, but don’t be surprised if it does in the near future.
- Ricardo Gathers, 6-6 (SF) Riverside Academy, LA
Consensus 4-Star Recruit. According to scouts and his videos, athletically he completely dominates the competition. He already has a great post game, is powerful down low and has a decent jump shot. Syracuse has already offered him a scholarship despite being on the opposite side of the country. He could similarly fill the gap that will be left for an offensive forward and, with his athleticism, he is the type of player Boeheim loves. Several West Coast schools are in on him along with are some familiar Big East schools such as UConn and St. John’s.
As the summer wears on the basketball recruiting trail will continue to heat up and The Fizz will have the latest every step of the way.
Posted: Alex Plavin
