The Red Autry Era is starting to rev into gear, and Autry’s already shown his recruiting prowess, picking up JJ Starling in the transfer portal. The former five-star prospect is a huge get, but there are still potential holes on the ‘Cuse roster, depending on what Judah Mintz and Jesse Edwards decide to do with their futures. And even if one or both of them come back, it’s worth stocking up talent on a team that’s losing Symir Torrence and John Bol Ajak. There is at least one open scholarship as is, and the portal is open for business. Here are some players for the Autry regime to target in the portal.
Zach Hicks, F, Temple
The 6-foot-7 forward has already been contacted by SU after entering the portal on Monday.
“Coach Gerry Mac,” Hicks said. “Basically telling me they need shooting at that forward position and I bring that value to them. Being able to contribute in other ways than shooting too.”
Hicks to AllSyracuseFN
Hicks averaged almost 10 points and over 5 rebounds last season, and shot 36% from three on 225 attempts last year. He also set a freshman school record in 2021-22 with 35 points (10 three-pointers) against Delaware State. Syracuse would add another long, rangy, forward with a more seasoned scoring skillset than a Justin Taylor or Quadir Copeland, and more experienced in man-to-man defense.
Khalif Battle, G, Temple
Why not make it a two-for-one from the Owls with Tyus Battle’s brother? The younger Battle has already transferred one, from Butler (which he chose over SU in his recruitment 2019) to Temple, and emerged as a top scorer in the A-10 last season. The then-sophomore scored 21 points per game, but suffered a season-ending left foot fracture in January. This year, Battle stayed healthy for the entire season, averaging 18 points and shooting 35% from three on 8 shots from deep. If Judah Mintz heads to the draft, Battle would be an awesome replacement.
Graham Ike, C, Wyoming
Ike is a really unique player, one that the likes of Syracuse has not not seen in a really long time. A big man who isn’t just a warm body. The junior has post scoring and passing ability, and is much more mobile on the perimeter than an Edwards or Bourama Sidibe, making man-to-man a greater possibility? Worried about his competition? Ike had 17 and 9 rebounds last year in the NCAA Tournament against Trayce Jackson-Davis and Indiana.
Last but not least…
This might be the most intriguing news of them all. Andrew Slater is a trusted source in the recruiting world, and there are a lot of Big East guards in the portal already…
- Georgetown: Leading scorer Primo Spears
- Butler: Chuck Harris (a DC native) Jayden Taylor and Miles Tate
- Depaul: Ahamad Harris, a former four-star recruit
- Villanova: Potentially Justin Moore?
- Providence: Jared Bynum
- St. John’s: Potentially Andre Curbelo?
There are a lot of options out there, and right now, the portal is Autry’s oyster.
