fivestarbasketball.comAces 
Syracuse¬†occupies the top spot in the nation¬†with authority, and with the Three Amigos waiting in the wings, plus the powerful DC 2.0 arriving on campus next season, the future is as bright as the present. But what will SU’s competition look like down the road? In less than two years, the Orange goes coastal¬†against two of the nation’s most elite programs – UNC and Duke.¬†The Fizz will regularly look at which talented players will be suiting up against Syracuse in its new conference. We count down the top 5 talents of the ’12 class.
5)  Brice Johnson/PF
Cordova, SC
Height: 6’9″ Weight: 210
Signed: UNC 10/26/2011
Johnson is a guy who’s size does not always translate to his presence on the court. ¬†Though he is tall, his skill is not in occupying the paint on D. Instead, he’s agile and quick on the dribble. His shot is very good, extending out about 15 feet, but scouts say he’ll need to bulk up to be a truly effective big man:
“Johnson must add weight to be able to bang down low at the next level. His narrow frame is our biggest concern for him based on the position he plays”
4) Marcus Paige/PG 
Marion, IA
Height: 6’1″ Weight: 160
Signed: UNC 1/8/11
Paige makes it two top 50 pickups for the Tar Heels, and is an all around threat. He’s quick, aware of the whole court, and controls the pace of games. He’s also a potent scorer from all areas of the key. The only knock on him? At 160 pounds, opponents frequently post him up:
“Paige is young and needs to add strength but finishes at a high rate in traffic once he gets deep into the lane. He will need to get bigger and stronger in order to sustain his position when attacking off the dribble so stronger guards can’t knock him off the ball.”
3) T.J. Warren/SF
Durham, NC
Height: 6’7″ Weight: 205
Signed: N.C. State 11/2/11
N.C. State has a tremendous history in the ACC. But it’s been decades since the Wolfpack has been able to recruit with the Heels and Devils. Mark Gottfried, though, is trying to change that. He’s got two recruits on our list, and Warren represents an elite wing player. Add this SF to #2 on our list, and N.C. State should have a terrific nucleus. Warren brings the “size for drive” aspect along with fantastic off-ball movement, which makes him a paint monster. Once he’s open, he can find the basket:
“He is a fantastic natural scorer. T.J. can score inside and out. He uses his size very well inside on post ups.¬†He moves well without the ball and utilizes screens to free himself; after the catch he has a great shot fake and drive.”
2) Rodney Purvis/SG
Raleigh, NC
Height: 6’4″ Weight: 190
Signed: NC State 9/30/11
Big splash in Raleigh, Part II. Purvis has gained the nickname “The Slasher” for his ability to get to the rim. Give this guy a lane, and he’s through it no matter how much traffic there may be. This physicality balances out a notably weak jump shot for a guy so highly ranked. He compares to Dion Waiters at this age, because he is an amazing talents, but hasn’t quite developed his shot yet. The combo of Purvis and Warren should make the Wolfpack an immediate player in the conference, since its Warren’s ability to cut out space and Purvis’s quickness¬†in¬†space that sets them apart.
1) Rasheed Sulaimon/SG
Houston, TX
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 175
Signed: Duke 2/10/11
The Cameron Crazies have yet another big time talent to cheer for. Here’s a SG who can do everything Purvis can do,¬†and¬†shoot the ball. He’s physical, is a court leader, and uses his size to cut out space when his teammates are locked up. Scouts say he’s got what it takes to be a force at the college level:
“Sulaimon is a high energy shooting guard the can score in a variety of ways. He can get to the rim in transition or stop and knock down a pull up jumper. He has three point range and although he is streaky the defense must respect the fact that he can go on roll and knock down two or three in a row.”
That’s The Fizz’s top 5 ACC Aces for next season. Syracuse’s time in the Big East is ticking, and these highly talented prep school players will be waiting when the Orange makes it’s move.
Posted: Jake Moskowitz
