In the midst of what might be SU’s worst finish to a basketball season since the Nixon administration, there’s not a lot left for the Orange to do. Either SU can yank a couple upsets away from ACC rivals in the season’s waning weeks, or it can spend mid-March at home with no postseason tournament. However, part of the team’s focus will partially be divided in late February. Current Syracuse recruiting target and Class of 2022 guard Judah Mintz will officially be in attendance during the weekend of February 25th. Syracuse takes on Duke in the Dome on the 26th, and Mintz will be watching.
We’ve gone into some detail on Mintz’ ability here on the Fizz, but we’ve got you covered if you need a refresher. Mintz, a 6’3” 165-pound combo guard, is a 4-star prospect in the Class of 2022. He currently plays at historic prep basketball powerhouse Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Mintz is considered one of the best pure high school shooters in the country, and his No. 53 national ranking and No. 2 spot in Virginia back up the hype.
As of right now, there isn’t a consensus on who Mintz will pick out of his top four destinations (Syracuse, NC State, Wake Forest, and DePaul), and SU is the third school he’ll visit in February. Early in the recruiting cycle, Mintz drew comparisons to longtime Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley from 247Sports’ Jerry Meyer.
“A functional athlete who combines solid traditional athleticism with impressive crafty body control athleticism…Plays with power to the rim with his low center of gravity style…Rebounds his position. Is a smart, disruptive and versatile defender.” (247Sports’ Jerry Meyer, 11/19/21)
A strong scouting report on Mintz’ abilities is all well and good, but what should really pique Orange nation’s excitement is that Mintz tabbed Syracuse as a place he’d visit. Earlier in the recruiting cycle, Mintz stressed the importance of the impressions he’d make during visits on his final decision.
“It’ll probably all come down to the visits, most likely‚Ķ[I’m looking for] a family atmosphere‚Ķ[that‚Äôs] big for me. Style of play and the players because that’s who I’m going to be with next year. So that’s important too.” (Judah Mintz, 2/5/22)
If Mintz likes what he sees in about a week’s time, he could very well become the crowning jewel of SU’s already-potent Class of ‘22 recruits. Jim Boeheim has already commented on his expectation that several freshmen will play regularly next year after Buddy Boeheim’s expected departure. Current junior guards Joe Girard and Symir Torrence would be Mintz’ main competition, along with fellow freshman Quadir Copeland.
If playing time, a strong home-court atmosphere, and a chance to win are what Mintz is looking for, SU could definitely pull off one more masterstroke on the recruiting trail. A potential Mintz commitment would solidify a gleaming incoming class, and Syracuse could potentially be looking at its next backcourt star if it plays its cards well later this month.
