Syracuse Basketball: Incoming Freshman Malachi Richardson Named New Jersey Player Of The Year

Incoming Syracuse Orange freshman Malachi Richardson has been named the New Jersey Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year, USA Today announced Friday.

Richardson is rated the No. 19 recruit in the Class of 2015 by ESPN and is the highest rated player among incoming SU freshmen.

Richardson, a 6-foot-6 guard, averaged 20.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game this season. He led Trenton Catholic Academy to a 22-5 record and the state semifinals of the NJSIAA Non-Public B Championship.

The shooting guard is part of what many consider to be the best recruiting class Jim Boeheim has ever had. Joining Richardson in that class are Moustapha Diagne, Tyler Lydon, and Franklin Howard.

Richardson will play in the McDonald's All American Game on April 1 at the United Center in Chicago. He will also represent Syracuse at the Jordan Brand Classic All-American Game on April 17 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.