There’s an old adage that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
That certainly applies to recruiting in the Jim Boeheim era. The most recent change is Mike Hopkins departing for the Washington job after more than two decades by Boeheim’s side. Hopkins had established himself as one of the premiere recruiters in the country. In what’s already been a busy offseason for the Orange, it’s fair to ask what, if any, impact will the loss of Hopkins have on future recruiting.
Syracuse can award a maximum of 11 scholarships due to NCAA sanctions. Next season’s roster breaks down as follows; sophomores Tyus Battle and Taurean Thompson, redshirt sophomore Matt Moyer, junior Frank Howard, and redshirt junior Paschal Chukwu. Chukwu could have a year of eligibility restored if he’s successful in receiving a medical redshirt for this past season. They’ll be joined by freshmen Bourama Sidibe, Oshae Brissett, and Howard Washington for a total of eight players.
Several prospects are still in play for Syracuse in the Class of 2017 and the Orange still has three open scholarships.
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Jordan Tucker
The small forward originally from New York but now residing in Georgia, could potentially slide right into the starting spot vacated by Andrew White III. Tucker would supply some much need three-point shooting. According to Mike McAllister of CuseNation.com, Tucker is scheduled to take an unofficial visit to Georgia Tech on Wednesday with a decision to follow soon after.
Hameir Wright
Another small forward out of Albany, Wright previously stated his intentions to take a prep year at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH, the same school current Orange Taurean Thompson attended. Though that would make Wright a Class of 2018 graduate, Jeff Borzello of ESPN reported that Wright is still considering reclassifying to 2017.
Eric Ayala
Similar to Wright is shooting guard Eric Ayala of Putnam Science Academy in Putnam, CT. Ayala has been debating the reclassification possibility as well. But, that decision won’t come until summer’s end notes Corey Evans of Rivals.com.
Despite the loss of Hopkins, Syracuse seems poised to land some high-end talent in recruiting the Class of 2017 as it has for the past 15 years. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
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