The addition of top-20 recruit Kamari Lands is huge from any perspective. The 5-star talent committed to Syracuse this week, and the addition of a play-making wing player like him immediately adds punch to the offense. His size, athleticism and length make for the perfect addition to the zone. His willingness to play in the 2-3 is a great head start as well.
In the wake of the Orange losing significant talent to the transfer portal, it’s also an enormous win. SU has seen good players that would certainly help next year head to other schools. So adding Lands means the next wave of elite talent has its first names in Kamari and Benny Williams.
The third way Lands’ pledge is enormous for the Orange is his promise to help recruit other players. The Class of ’22 is shaping up to be one of the best Syracuse has ever had. At the very least, the Orange are involved with a wide net of top-tier talent. Brandon Huntley-Hatfield is a 5-star PF who has multiple SEC schools banging down his door. SU hasn’t stopped calling him. Another 5-star, Zion Cruz, has been linked to the Orange as well, and grew up in the NYC area. Four-star talent Maliq Brown is also closely connected to the Orange, along with 4-star big Donovan Clingan. Landis committing to the Orange is the first big name, and may end up influencing others to follow. High school talent rarely wants to head to a place where they may not be playing alongside other great players. Teaming up with other highly-touted athletes is a draw.
“Lands added that he has a few other class of 2022 players that he plans to help Syracuse recruit, but says he wants to keep those private for the time being.” – Mike McAllister, SI.com
But even beyond that, Landis promises to help recruit for the Orange. He is being secretive on who those names are, but considering the amount of talent in the ’22 class, it’s hard not to be energized when hearing that. If Landis helps sway any of the aforementioned recruits, it’ll be his biggest assist on or off the floor.
