As we count down to the start of the basketball season, we’re going to be highlighting each member of the Syracuse basketball team. Today’s spotlight is on forward Jerami Grant.
For the record, Jerami Grant was the No. 9 power forward coming out of high school and a four star recruit by Scout.com. Rivals rated him four stars as well, and ESPN graded him at a 96.
So when Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim uses the word “underrated” to describe Grant, it’s cause for some excitement.
“I think he was underrated in high school,” Boeheim said. “He is ahead of whatever that rating was by whoever made that rating.”
It’s always difficult to tell how a freshman’s game will translate at the college level, but the coaching staff and his teammates are excited from what they’ve seen. At 6-foot-8 and 203 pounds, Grant fits the mold of a classic Syracuse recruit—long, lean with excellent athleticism.
» Related: Brandon Triche to play a big role for SU
“Jerami Grant has really opened some of his teammates’ eyes this fall with his play,” Boeheim said. “He’s a very good player.”
Said senior Brandon Triche: “Jerami is exceptionally long, so he is able to get in passing lanes.”
Grant may have an opportunity for some playing time in his freshman year. Though James Southerland and CJ Fair will log plenty of minutes at the wing spots, there aren’t natural fits behind them.
Rakeem Christmas and Baye Moussa Keita have spent time at the wing, but they are more suited for the center position. Double goes for fellow freshman DaJuan Coleman.
That would leave Grant as a viable backup option at that spot.
“I think he’s going to be a very good player,” Boeheim said. “He’s shown a lot already.”
» Related: Meet forward CJ Fair
Inside Shot: “Billy Donovan, a coach that I have a tremendous amount of respect for, heaped praise on the potential of Grant, which was delightful to hear. But my sense is that he’s another year away from contributing on a regular basis. Still, with no clear-cut 4 (Fair and Southerland are a bit undersized and Christmas and Coleman may both be better suited to play the 5), if Grant can come in and defend and rebound, he may just find his way into the rotation as well.” —Nate Federman
Vitals:
- Birthdate: March, 1994
- Hometown: Hyattsville, Md.
- High School: DeMatha Catholic High School
- Position: Forward
- Class: Freshman
- Height: 6’8″
- Weight: 203lbs
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