It’s never pleasing to sound like a broken record, but it’s rather easy to do so with SU’s recruiting trend. So instead of subjecting SU fans to another negative-heavy write-up about Jim Boeheim’s astounding zero recruits in the class of 2023, let’s advance forward to ’24. Specifically, a recruit whose recent success in the national rankings could spurn the Orange. It’s 6’9, 250-pound center Thomas Sorber.
The New Jersey native, turned Philadelphia high school basketball star, climbed the ranking on the most recent refresh of ESPN’s top 100 players. Sorber slotted in at 52nd in the class and in the top ten among centers. Although he is shorter than most “5’s” at the collegiate level, the four-star compensates with his stalky build that suits him well in the paint, which is most likely why he is on SU’s radar so soon, among others.
Sorber represents a key piece that the Orange need moving forward. SU often finds itself in a dire situation from a center perspective, so an extra body who could develop down low is always a net positive. Just look at how the resurgence of Jesse Edwards changed the dynamic of Syracuse basketball over the last year. But the Philadelphia native is no Edwards. His 245-pound frame also allows fits his passing ability. Sorber’s intelligence out of the triple threat is something to take note of and will give any D1 program a more free-flowing offensive scheme.
To add to the many layers of his game, Sorber can shoot the ball too, which is integral in bail out spots when the shot clock is low and the only option is to rely on the center. This quality along with the many others allowed the 6’9 center to skyrocket in the rankings and carry along offers from Penn State, La Salle, Maryland, Georgetown and Richmond. That list bulked up with Syracuse offering Sorber in late August.
But SU’s track record for potential-spiking recruits is not great. Outside the 2022 class, the Orange have made a living in developing talent to the point where their huge talent spike occurs in college. This is not to say that Sorber won’t get better or find a new ceiling, but just as Donovan Clingan and Kyle Filipowski did last year, coupled with names like JP Estrella and Elijah Gertrude, big time programs attract newly-minted big time recruits, and as of now, Syracuse isn’t as big time as it used to be.
The junior has plenty more offers heading his way, including a pair of ACC schools in Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech who just hopped on the bandwagon, and a couple more high school seasons to play, but the Syracuse sentiment should be to focus less on 2023 in preparation of the class of 2024. Doing both that and keeping tabs on Sorber could peak the interest of the center and skyrocket SU to the top of his list if he deems the Orange are prioritizing him early.
