It’s time to dream for Syracuse fans as one of the nation’s top center recruits, Nerlens Noel, has reclassified to the class of 2012. The Tilton School (MA) has SU on his list, along with Kentucky, Uconn, Providence, Florida, Georgetown and UNC. Noel is a game changing prospect who has been compared to Anthony Davis. If the Orange could land him it would be an embarrassment of riches in the front court, even if Fab left for the NBA.
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How serious is Noel about SU? He’s already made an unofficial visit to the Hill and has now scheduled an official to SU for February 11. Syracuse coaches have attended a handful of Noel‚Äôs high school games. The interest is there on both sides, the question is can the Orange beat out some of the top programs in the country?
Syracuse has to be considered one of the favorites for Noel along with Kentucky. It could come down to Calipari vs. Boeheim again just like for DaJuan Coleman. It’s still very early in the process though, and the other schools can’t be counted out. Noel says he will make all of his visits. Just how desperate will other programs be for a big man with the talent of Nerlens?
Noel is an incredible shot blocker and has the potential to have an enormous impact on the defensive end. He also has incredible jumping ability and plenty of athleticism, which Jim Boeheim loves in the middle of that zone. Noel is powerful around the basket, but needs to work on his jump shot. That’s not unlike many Syracuse recruits through the years, but he’s very developed on the defensive end.
Some may question if there‚Äôs enough minutes for the uber-talented Noel, especially due to his one and done potential. With a potential Melo return, Rakeem Christmas, Baye Keita, and¬†DaJuan Coleman already up front, SU’s frontcourt is stacked. However, Fab‚Äôs turbulent time at SU, big man potential,¬†and being older than most college sophomores, he may decide to head to the NBA.
Regardless of Fab, Syracuse has to make a big play for Noel because of his natural gifts. The Orange will have to sell Noel on the program itself (winning, atmosphere, facilities), because it just can’t offer the minutes other schools can. Syracuse fans can dream of a Noel/Christmas/Coleman front court next season. What a dream that is.
Posted: Alex Plavin
