CBB Review’s Ethan Carbone goes in-depth on the top 30 college basketball recruiting classes. Next up are the Syracuse Orange who comes in at 19.
The Syracuse Orange brings in the 19th-ranked recruiting class according to 247Sports Composite rankings. This includes combo guard Judah Mintz (51st), small forward Chris Bunch (107th), small forward Justin Taylor (124th), combo guard Quadir Copeland (136th), power forward Maliq Brown (220th), and power forward Peter Carey (248th).
What does each player bring?
Judah Mintz: 6-3 point guard
Mintz comes in as the highest-rated player in this class for Syracuse as Jim Boeheim brings in the guy who is set to be the starting point guard from day one. Mintz will be slotted into a role that will rely on him to use his athletic ability, which he has plenty of, and for him to play an aggressive style of defense, which is what he is able to do.
Mintz is a very versatile defender and should add a new layer to the 2-3 zone defense of Syracuse. He should be a four-year starter unless he goes pro early.
Chris Bunch: 6-7 small forward
Bunch comes in at a lengthy 6-7, 185-pound forward who relies on his skill more than his body. Bunch is a knockdown shooter and will be a lethal threat for the Orange beyond the arc. As well as being able to recover well and having good speed for a forward, Bunch has defensive potential in a very tough ACC.
Bunch will be competing for the starting spot with former highly touted recruit Benny Williams, but even if he doesn’t start right away, he will easily be a key contributor off the bench. Bunch should be a solid four-year player for ‘Cuse with the potential to be one of the better ‘three and d’ guys in the country.
Justin Taylor: 6-7 small forward
Taylor looks to compete with Williams and Bunch for the two starting forward roles and from what has been put out there, Taylor has looked very impressive. He has the build of a forward but plays like a guard as he is able to slot in anywhere from shooting guard to power forward.
Taylor worked on his shot in the offseason and has focused on bettering the physical aspects of the college game. He will most likely be a key contributor for the Orange from day one, either starting or playing key minutes off the bench.
Quadir Copeland: 6-6 guard
Copeland comes in and already has the media buzzing in Central New York with his sneaky ability to get to the rim as well as the ability to plant defenses on their backs with his ball handling. Copeland was known in high school for his passing ability and playmaking skills, and now at his peak height is taller than many ACC point guards. He should be able to take advantage of his opportunities.
After Joe Girard III graduates this season, Copeland could be shifted into the starting lineup as a sophomore.
Maliq Brown: 6-9 power forward
Brown to The Hill like a specimen made in a lab. At 6-9, 210 pounds, and all muscle, he is the definition of a literal beast. Brown excels at all the physical parts of the game using his body to box out while going for rebounds as well as denying shots and sending them to the stands.
He will be a contributor off the bench to start under coach Boeheim, but his potential is high and there is a strong possibility that he leads this Syracuse frontcourt in the years to come.
Peter Carey: 6-11 center
Carey comes in as the tallest man in this six-man recruiting class which plays to his advantage. Carey is perhaps the biggest question mark for the Syracuse Orange as he’s recovering from a knee injury and looks to play behind senior Jesse Edwards this season. However there is a very strong possibility that he could be moved from big man to wing if he develops his outside shot more. At the same time, he has a big-man skillset and could also very well replace Edwards after this season.
As for his future with the Syracuse Orange, nothing is guaranteed, however it looks like he will be starting at some point down the line, whether that be at power forward or center.