SU Hoops Recruiting: Elite 2016 PG Calls Syracuse His 'Dream School,' Again

In a recent video interview with Evan Daniels of Scout.com, elite 2016 point guard Alterique Gilbert referred to Syracuse as his "dream school." The Miller Groove High School (GA) product also called himself a lifelong fan of the Orange.

I know what you're thinking - what's the catch? Well, Gilbert also told Daniels that Syracuse has slowed down their recruitment of him, much like Thomas Bryant. That's not to say the Orange have cut off contact all together, but it has decreased.

An anonymous source told NunesMagician.com that Tyus Battle is the reason behind the sudden halt. "They want Battle more and think they can get Gilbert if Battle goes elsewhere," the source said. "Plus Battle is likely to decide before Gilbert, so there's still time."

A little over a month ago, and days after Tyus Battle committed to Michigan, there was a report that Syracuse was in the process of setting up an official visit with Gilbert. Despite initially announcing plans to visit SU, there are no signs of that happening in the near future. In the interview with Daniels, the Georgia native announced his intentions to visit both Illinois and Louisville this summer, but not Syracuse.

The main worry should be missing out on both 5-star guards, which could happen. Syracuse has been after Battle for almost four years, which has included multiple unofficial visits, an in-home visit, an official visit and years of scouting. If Tyus wanted to come to Syracuse, I think we would know by now.

Alterique, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. Growing up in Virginia, he's watched and loved Syracuse ever since he can remember. As noted earlier, the 6-1 guard has referred to Syracuse University as his "dream school" on multiple occasions, and yet the Orange have sagged off his recruitment.

With the scholarship reductions and recruiting limitations, they can't afford to continue to miss out on elite prospects, especially those as interested as Alterique.

When it comes down to it, nobody wants to play second fiddle to another prospect, especially another 5-star guard. If the staff waits around for Battle to go elsewhere, what's to say Gilbert will still be waiting around for Syracuse?

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