As Buddy Boeheim enters his final two years in Orange, it’s possible that Jim Boeheim, who has coached Syracuse since 1976, may also be heading into his final two seasons with Syracuse.
That means that the 2022 recruiting class may be the final freshman class that Boeheim ever recruits and coaches. Here’s where the class stands as of right now.
Kamari Lands, SF, 6-8: Committed
Kamari Lands is Syracuse’s biggest (and only) commit in the 2022 class, and is currently the centerpiece following the departure of Dior Johnson. Lands is a four star who is ranked eighth nationally among small forwards according to 247 Sports.
For a wing player, Lands has great length and can finish inside, while having a consistent stroke from deep. While he’s not known as a primary ball handler, Lands will still provide consistent scoring and defense in the back line of the zone for Syracuse.
No matter the prospects acquired from here on for Syracuse, Lands will be the largest and most anticipated recruit out of the group.
Chance Westry, G, 6-4
Shooting guard Chance Westry from Sierra Canyon High School is a four star guard ranked 33rd nationally. He’s being heavily pursued by Syracuse with Gerry McNamara as the lead recruiter. Other schools who have offered include Maryland, Florida, and Georgetown.
247 Sports currently has two predictions for Syracuse (though they are from early 2020), while Maryland is the other top school in consideration. Westry would be an athletic guard to pair alongside Lands and share the perimeter with Buddy Boeheim.
Justin Taylor, SF, 6-6
From Charlottesville, VA, Taylor is a similar recruit to Lands with his size and game. At 6’6″, he is a dual threat with his ability to finish at the rim and the ability to shoot from the perimeter.
Taylor will provide Syracuse with various options offensively while being a good height to fit in the zone.
Adrian Autry has spent time recruiting Taylor, and now Syraucse is considered a Top 4 on 247sports for possible places to land the small forward. Indiana, Virginia Tech, and Virginia close out the rest of the list. If Taylor doesn’t decide to stay home at one of the Virginia schools, Syracuse would be a possible fit.
JJ Starling, PG, 6-2
JJ Starling has been under Syracuse’s radar since he was a sophomore in high school in nearby Baldwinsville, NY. The Orange recruited Starling at a young age and seemed like an early heavy favorite to land the athletic guard.
After his sophomore year, Starling has transferred to La Lumiere High School in Indiana and has received additional high-major offers from Alabama, Maryland, and Miami.
Starling is the ninth ranked point guard in the class of 2020 and is known for his length and athleticism around the rim with an ability to shoot from deep. Syracuse will continue to push for Starling in hopes his departure to prep school did not alter his hometown connection. Current Orange guard Symir Torrence, also from the Syracuse area, seems to think SU has a good chance.
Kyle Filipowski, PF, 6-11
Kyle Filipowski comes in as the 10th ranked power forward in the class of 2022 and a very important big that Syracuse has their eyes on.
The recruiting class of 2022 for Syracuse is guard heavy, but Filipowski provides length at power forward for the zone while also being able to stretch to the perimeter and shoot from 3.
Filipowski has offers from Duke, Ohio State, Iowa, and Indiana outside of Syracuse, and will take an official visit to SU on June 5.
Donovan Clingan, C, 7-1
One of the most intriguing prospects for Syracuse is Connecticut center Donovan Clingan. Attending Bristol Central High School, Clingan is a four-star and considered the sixth best center in the class according to 247 Sports.
Clingan has tremendous length at 7’1″, and at 255 pounds, he has the size to power his way in the paint. Syracuse has not seen a guy like Clingan in a while manning the center of the zone, and has invested heavily in his recruitment.
Clingan is reportedly high on Connecticut and Michigan, but Syracuse along with Georgetown and Boston College remain in the mix.
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Quadir Copeland, G, 6-6
Combo guard Quadir Copeland recently announced he will be taking official visits to Syracuse and Maryland. The two schools are among his favorites, along with Oregon, Miami, and Villanova (who have not officially offered).
Copeland has good size and strength at his position and has impressive vision on the floor. Known for his ability to attack the rim, he also brings the ball to the top of the key where he often finds solid looks.
Being a playmaker and slasher, Copeland would fit in well with the Orange perimeter players with his ability to stretch the floor.
Chris Bunch, F, 6-7
Syracuse is also in the mix for Chris Bunch, a rangy wing who will take an official visit to Syracuse in late June, according to reports.
Ranked 87th in his class by 247 Sports, Bunch also is considering Florida State, Arkansas, USC, South Carolina and Rutgers, among others.
Bunch is ranked four stars, and plays for De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif.
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