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(Update 2:49p): Jim Boeheim and co. continue to reel them in. As expected Richardson chooses the Orange, meaning the pipeline of elite talent continues for yet another year. Amazing to think of where this program was just 10-12 year ago. After the glory years of the 80s/early 90s SU never landed this type of player. But the title, Melo and his practice center changed all that. A Final Four last year combined with another top 5 ranking this year means the good times keep on rolling. Malachi is a stud, no doubt about it. He can score off the wing with a tremendous mid-range game, has the length to play effectively in the zone, and the height to shoot over almost anyone. He’s only a junior so Orange fans will have to wait to see him. SU is getting a dynamic player. Richardson is a product of Team Final, whose alums include Rakeem Christmas,¬†B.J. Johnson¬†and¬†Trevor Cooney.¬†This is a huge get.
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Syracuse basketball fans turn their attention to 2015 Trenton (N.J.) Catholic guard¬†Malachi Richardson¬†today. He’ll announce his decision at 2:30 p.m. at his school. The feel is that SU is the favorite heading into the day.
He’s listed as #22 overall in the Class of 2015 by Rivals. Richardson is down to six schools: Syracuse, Villanova, Rutgers, Arizona, Indiana and UConn. Timing might be on the Orange side.¬†He visited the Hill last week for the Indiana game.
Richardson told SNY.tv Wednesday:
“After seeing all the schools I needed to see, I’m confident with my decision,” 
Zag’s Blog writes:
“All signs would seem to indicate he is headed to Syracuse. He enjoyed his visit there. His former Roselle (N.J.) Catholic teammate¬†Tyler Roberson¬†is a freshman there. And Syracuse also features shooting guard¬†Trevor Cooney,¬†who, like Richardson, played for the Team Final AAU program.
Syracuse last year plucked two of the best players in New Jersey in Roberson and St. Benedict‚Äôs Prep point guard¬†Tyler Ennis,¬†now the starting floor general for the Orange.”
Five-star junior Malachi Richardson makes his college decision in about two and a half hours. Syracuse is the favorite.
Richardson has had some high praise for the SU program, although he’s been complimentary of some of his other finalists as well. He recently said: ‚ÄúIt would be amazing to go play for Coach¬†[Jim] Boeheim¬†at Syracuse. He‚Äôs a great coach. He‚Äôs an awesome guy, playing up at Syracuse is something that I‚Äôve always wanted to do. They really have a good team with a great group of guys.‚Äù
People are already talking about him being a one-and-done player. He has the size scouts drool over (6’5″ on the wing) and can develop into an NBA shooting guard. His scoring and playmaking is not a concern. Right now his weaknesses are banging down low for rebounds and getting more polished on his defensive skills, although the zone may allow some time for growth on that front.
SU’s quick start to the season can’t be a bad thing for its chances on Malachi. The Orange has been on a role on the court and in the recruiting game. Let’s see if that streak continues this afternoon.
Posted: D.A.
