Syracuse Basketball Recruiting: Alterique Gilbert Commits To Huskies

Alterique Gilbert, a 2016 5-star guard, committed to UConn early Saturday morning over Syracuse, Texas, Illinois and Louisville. Syracuse had been after Alterique for a few months now, but ultimately fell short.

The 5-foot-11 guard cited Kevin Ollie's relationship with his mother to be the ultimate reason for choosing the Huskies. UConn was the only school the 5-star guard officially visited. He had planned to visit Syracuse, Illinois and Louisville this summer, which were later cancelled.

On numerous occasions, Gilbert called Syracuse his "dream school," but that wasn't enough. The Orange recently backed off his recruitment in-light of Tyus Battle's decommitment from Michigan.

With Gilbert choosing Connecticut, it could be the best news for Orange fans. Tyus Battle has continued to reiterate the importance of proximity to home, which Syracuse now has the upper edge over the remaining schools.

Reports have indicated that Duke and Louisville have backed off Tyus Battle after his decommitment, which leaves Syracuse, Michigan, UConn and potentially Kentucky. After Alterique's commitment, you can cross the Huskies off.

At one point, it seemed as if the Orange were in line to land Gilbert. Now, the coaching staff is flirting with missing on both 5-star guard prospects in the 2016 class. If that were to happen, Kevin Huerter's 2017 offer may be switched to 2016.