With the graduation of Michael Gbinije and Trevor Cooney and the transfers of Kaleb Jospeh and Chinoso Obokoh, the Orange had plenty of space to add some talent to its 2016-17 basketball roster. After a weekend full of visits, Syracuse has landed on of its targets. Colorado State Graduate transfer John Gillon announced via twitter Sunday that he has committed to the Orange for next season. He is immediately eligible to play.
Gillon spoke to the fizz on Thursday and said that he was very high on Syracuse. After his visit, he has taken one of Syracuse’s¬†three available scholarships.
“I just loved the sincerity of my teammates and also coach (Jim) Boeheim,” Gillon said shortly after he announced his committment.
Gillon was certainly impressed with not only the program, but also the school where he will now spend the next year.
“It is just a great place,” Gillon said. “I wouldn’t want to finish my last year anywhere else.”
Gillon averaged around 13 points and four assists per game in his final year at Colorado State last season. He said that Boeheim didn’t specify what role he will play next season but he is anxious to get onto the court and contribute in any and every way he can.
“I was just told that they needed me,” Gillon said. “Now, I am along for the ride.”
And what a ride it might be. Syracuse is fresh off a Final Four run and is adding a few solid pieces for next season. The Orange still have an additional two scholarships open. If Malachi Richardson does return and the Orange are able to add another piece in the front-court, like Taurean Thompson, Syracuse should have some depth at every position, which is something that Syracuse certainly lacked this season.
Gillon was also considering Oklahoma and Texas A&M. He was set to visit both schools next week, but instead he has made his commitment to the Orange. He said there wasn’t a particular reason that he committed before visitng¬†his other finalists.
“I just thought that SU was perfect,” he said.
Gillon’s commitment marks a great start to a crucial period for Syracuse basketball.
Keep following @Orangefizz on twitter for updates on Syracuse recruiting. 
