Syracuse recruiting: 2018 G Eric Ayala open to reclassification, planning Orange visit

Perhaps the Syracuse Orange’s replacement for Quade Green in this class can be found in Eric Ayala.

Ayala, a class of 2018 guard, received an offer from the Orange just three days after long-time target Green headed to Kentucky. He attends Putnam Science Academy, the same school as 2017 five-star target Hamidou Diallo.

Recently a member of the 2017 class, Ayala decided to stay in the prep ranks for one more season to develop his game.

Right now, he is in the process of setting up a visit to Syracuse, and his primary recruiter Gerry McNamara continues to develop a strong relationship with him, a source told TNIAAM. Ayala is hoping to take an unofficial visit to Syracuse in January to see the Orange host Miami.

The 6-foot-5 prospect is a big fan of how Syracuse produces its guards, especially how much freedom Jim Boeheim gives them.

Thus far, he’s taken visits to Maryland, Providence and Miami, among others. His offer list consists of Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, Villanova, Cincinnati, Indiana, Iona, La Salle, Miami, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Rutgers, St. John’s, St. Joseph’s, Syracuse and Temple.

Some of those schools would accept Ayala’s commitment in 2017, while some are strictly 2018 offers. Based on Syracuse’s immediate needs in this cycle, he would certainly be a 2017 option for the Orange.