Syracuse Basketball is spiraling. Not only did the Orange lose its third straight non-conference game for just the second time under Jim Boeheim and do so by 29 points, but SU still is without a commit from the recruiting circuit. That includes both 2023 and 2024. So why not look further? With Syracuse’s all-in approach this season, landing Boeheim’s “best recruiting class”, the Cuse need to prep for more than the future, rather life after their 47-year head coach. This is no speculation to when the winningest active head coach will retire, but more of a plea to look past ’23 and even ’24, and instead head into ’25, where an up-and-coming star resides.
Joson Sanon, a 6’5, 180-pound shooting forward, is climbing up the 2025 ranks peg by peg. The Vermont native has garnered offers from Bryant, UMass, and even Boston College in just his sophomore year of high school. According to 247Sports, Sanon is a top 100 recruit in his class and top 40 among shooting forwards.
But again, how reliable is this kind of rating for a player three years short of college?
Sanon’s highlights prove a top 100 clip is appropriate. But before diving into the shooting forward’s game, let’s evaluate his size. Weighing 180 pounds as a sophomore and moving the way Sanon does is only good news for his recruiting trail. The Vermont Native is clearly a natural athlete and has ample time to build his body fit for the college level. It also gives the 6’5 sharpshooter time to build his game as his body molds around more physical competition. Sanon is the perfect player to recruit early because his game can only grow around his stature.
Now to the uber talented four star’s game. Sanon is the type of player that instinctually spaces and runs the floor. He’s aware of where spots will open up in transition and is always moving unless leaking behind the arc leads to an open shot. That’s the identity of a smart basketball mind. Add the fact that his length only speeds him up, and Sanon’s found a niche around his ability to out-run guards. His shot is also pure. With a great release, it’s clear the Vermont native wants to evolve his high school game to a dominant, lengthy three-guard. But that could also be a reason the Orange aren’t giving him an in-depth look.
His game mirrors that of Chris Bell. A player whose scoring propelled him to a four-star status. But as a 6’7 forward, criticism surrounds Bell’s lack of desire to attack the rim for rebounds. The current starter has seven rebounds in seven games, a stat that’s led to plenty of criticism.
Now it could be based on Sanon’s class, but for a player that is progressing ever so fast and just received his first ACC offer, Syracuse should hop on the bandwagon sooner than later. That’s especially if the reason SU is hesitant of Sanon’s lackluster rebounding ability because developing that now would act as key advice. For those wondering, the Orange are on the recruiting backs of three class of ’25 athletes (including Carmelo Anthony’s son, Kiyan).
The overall plea is less about Joson Sanon, although his talent shouldn’t fall to the waste side. It’s about giving SU fans confidence that the future of Syracuse basketball is fine. A 3-4 start to the ’22 season is bad enough and an even worse look when coupled with no recruits in this upcoming ’23 class, so with such a shaky present era, there needs to be high hopes around the corner. If it starts with Sanon, early interest is necessary.
