In the successes of the 2022 recruiting class, with Kamari Lands and Justin Taylor, Boeheim and company are still searching for a prototypical guard to run the offense. Joe Girard III is the safe option as he’ll be entering his fourth season, but Syracuse continues to sift through the pool of available recruits. Quadir Copeland is the one player that stands out and supposedly has SU high on his list.
On 247Sports, a crystal ball prediction about Copeland to the Orange was made, the first sign hinting toward the 6-foot-6 point guard’s possible college destination. This doesn’t mean that the Pennsylvania native is a lock to suit up for SU, but this same scenario of crystal ball predictions occurred with Taylor before he chose Syracuse. A good omen to say the least.
Copeland visited SU on June 22 and his reviews were positive. He spoke with Dushawn London of 247Sports about the trip, describing it as a “fun visit and a good experience”. Syracuse is Copeland’s only official visit as of now, as he unofficially visited Maryland and continues to have a strong relationship with UMiami.
These are all positive signs for SU: his only official visit, the selling point of him as the sole point guard, plus, a pair of ESPN top 100 recruits in his class to play alongside.
The situation is ideal, especially for an athletic point guard that can utilize Girard off the ball (where he is at his best) as the two-guard. That, coupled with Taylor and Lands manning the shooting guard and power forward spots respectively, and whoever the center of SU’s future is, could create a young, but talented starting five with the most potential in the country.
Copeland’s energy, athleticism and unique skill set makes him one of the most college-ready three-star point guards in his class.
His 175-pound frame is the only downside, but as Marek Dolezaj proved, it‚Äôs not that hard to put on weight when that‚Äôs a focal point in one‚Äôs training regimen. But to make up for his lack of size is his height, which is unusual for a true point guard at the college level. The benefit of a 6-foot-6 player bringing the ball up the court has to do with matchups, something that’s a knock on Girard, who stands at 6-foot-1. If Copeland can punish his defender to the cup, then that opens up plenty of drive-and-kick opportunities for shooters to find a rhythm.
Copeland’s impact could undoubtedly be second to none if he chooses Central New York as his next home, molding a possible lineup that bodes trouble for the ACC come 2022.
