Tyus Battle’s sudden announcement to commit to Michigan came as a shock to many college basketball fans across the country. One thing is fairly positive: the Syracuse coaches will be targeting a guard, as this season’s incoming recruiting class has three forwards and only one guard. Matthew Moyer, the lone 2016 recruit for the Orange, is also a forward. Orange fans will be hearing these next three names a lot soon:
- Alterique Gilbert, a guard who has already been offered by SU. While Gilbert‚Äôs decision has been highly covered in the last few days. The old school UConn rivalry has been brought to the forefront with Gilbert, a silky smooth penetrator who can finish at the basket, pull up and knock down a shot, or step out from long range. He ranks 43rd overall in the Class of ’16 by ESPN.
- Kobi Simmons, has already received an offer from the Orange. With a lanky 6-foot-5 frame, Simmons fits the build of an SU guard. He is one of the top prospects in the class of 2016, a highly coveted 5-star athlete. He is ranked as high as eighth in the class, and has offers from elite programs like Kentucky, UNC, Arizona, and Kansas. Coach Boeheim visited Simmons at the end of April. It’ll be a tough battle, all the big schools are coming after him.
- Howard Washington, another point guard target in the class of 2016. Washington would be a fantastic consolation prize for the team. Washington attends Montverde Prep in Florida, where he led his team to a national championship. The team has been in contact with the guard for a long time, and despite not extending a scholarship offer, the Orange remains near the top of his list. As a 6-foot-3 point guard from Buffalo, Syracuse has a real shot with Washington if they decide to extend him an offer. He already has scholarship offers from programs like Virginia, Memphis, and Boston College, among others.
Posted By: Jason Weingold
