Two days ago the Fizz posted about Syracuse’s limited scholarship situation in basketball because of the NCAA sanctions released Friday. SU’s loss of three scholarships per season will begin in two years because the four commits the Orange has signed on for 2015 have already most likely worked out financial aid agreements with the school.
Looking to 2016, by losing three scholarships the Orange will only be able to bring in one freshman for that season (this is all explained here). If Malachi Richardson or Tyler Roberson leaves Syracuse early then that number will rise to two or three. For arguments sake let’s say they both stay for the 2016 season and SU only can bring in a single freshman.
Is Matthew Moyer going to be that freshman? He’s committed to Syracuse, but has not signed his letter of intent. According to ESPN, he’s the 58th rated player in the 2016 class. With the scholarship losses, Jim Boeheim cannot afford to miss on commits. If there really is only one scholarship to give away in 2016 does it make sense to give it to someone outside of the top 25?
It’s not like Syracuse can’t attract the high-end talent. Over the last six years, Boeheim has brought in at least one top 25 commit per season. Giving out a lone scholarship to a top 25 player makes a lot more sense than giving it out to someone ranked significantly lower.
Clearly this decision will be made down the road. If Moyer does not end up decommitting though, it will be interesting to watch how that years’ class unfolds. Taking away a scholarship from a player who has committed sounds a lot more like an SU football move than a basketball one, but it might be what’s best for the program.
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Posted:  Connor Morrissette
