Ever since the de-commitment of Kamari Lands, Syracuse has been looking to fill the void. A recruiting class of Justin Taylor and Quadir Copeland is solid, but the loss of Lands has opened a new door. As the Fizz has pointed out, the Orange should sell CNY-product JJ Starling on the opportunity to be the lead dog. SU should turn a negative into a positive.
A target that suddenly has been launched into the spotlight is Chris Bunch. He’s got offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Creighton, USC and plenty of other good programs. The 6’7″ wing is rising up rankings at the exact time he’s become more vital for the Orange, He jumped 44 slots to 81st overall in Rivals’ Class of ’22 rankings.
Bunch was supposed to be wrapping up his recruitment. Two months ago he said he was targeting the end of the summer to make a decision, but that looks like it will be extended. Bunch doesn’t lack for confidence, so it’s fun to read his quotes. Earlier in the summer he told Adam Zagoria:
“I can handle the ball and I can shoot off the dribble with ease.”
“My three-point shot is by far my best quality.”
“I can jump out the gym so I can play point guard and shooting guard.”
Bunch took a visit to Rutgers in early July and a report just came down over the weekend that he will take another next month. When Bunch saw Piscataway for the first time he had complimentary things to say.
Coach Steve Pikiell told him: “Coming in and being a priority. Come in as a freshman and basically be a scorer because that’s what they’ll be needing when I get there because they lose a few guys.”
“My family’s overall impressions of the Rutgers visit was great. They loved it. Loved the location. Loved the school. You know the Rutgers staff, I love coach Pike.”
Bunch would be a perfect addition to the Syracuse class, but there’s steady pressure from plenty of good programs. Rutgers isn’t usually a rival in hoops recruiting, but after the tourney berth last year Pikiell has momentum.
Bunch doesn’t lack for confidence. And if Rutgers lands him, they’re getting a marketable commodity.
“I‚Äôll put on a show… I’m down to earth, but in the gym it’s showtime.”
