Ebenezer Ogundeko Commits To Clemson Over Syracuse

Bah humbug.

Four-star New York recruit Ebenezer Ogundeko has spurned the Syracuse Orange and committed to play ball for their new ACC rival, the Clemson Tigers, next season. Ogundeko made the announcement during the 2nd quarter of the Under Armour All-American Bowl on Friday night.

In early recruiting, Ogundeko said he wanted to buddy-up with good friend Augustus Edwards. When Edwards chose SU, we thought he might follow. Alas, Clemson swooped in and all of a sudden, we figured he was gone. As recently as last month, Ogundeko had a final two and Syracuse wasn't on it. It was assumed his recent visit to campus with Edwards and Laray Smith was a formality and yet Syracuse emerged on his new and improved Final Two alongside Clemson. Once Zach Allen committed to SU, he even personally reached out to Ogundeko to see what he could do to persuade him. Alas, it was not to be.

John Garcia Jr. spoke with Ogundeko about his decision-making process.

"It was pretty close, a lot of people convinced me (for SU), but at the end of the day it’s a business and I have to do what I have to do," he added. "I had to keep all these people off my mind, people that just met me this year just trying to convince me and trying to get close to me."

"It’s a dream come true," said Ogundeko with a smile. "De-committing from UConn was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. It opened everybody up and showed how good I am which made everybody want me. "

With a quote like that, I can't stay mad at you, Eko.

Two thoughts...

I don't know if Doug Marrone's current situation had any effect on the decision, but you can't help but wonder. It probbly didn't help matters and you can be sure Marrone will take flak for the timing of all this.

Syracuse might be New York's College Team but we don't have a lockdown on NYC yet. When the day comes when a guy like Ogundeko commits to Syracuse, that's when we'll have it.