Mike Hopkins’ departure won’t affect current 2017 commitments

News broke this morning that long-time Syracuse basketball assistant Mike Hopkins would be taking the vacant head coaching position at the University of Washington.

Immediately, many thought of SU’s current and future recruits and how the move will affect the program.

“I’m happy for coach Hop, but I’m solid to Syracuse,” Class of 2017 signee Oshae Brissett told TNIAAM.

The Orange’s newest commitment, 6-foot-3 point guard Howard Washington, will also stay true to his pledge to SU.

USA Today

“It doesn’t affect it, he’s completely sold on Syracuse,” a source with knowledge of the situation said.

The other SU commit — Bourama Sidibe — has yet to comment on the departure of Mike Hopkins. He has already signed his Letter of Intent to Syracuse, and it would be extremely unlikely that he asks for a release, according to a source.

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And as for how this affects Syracuse basketball recruiting moving forward? Only time will tell, but it’s safe to say recruiting may take a hit.

I can’t stress how many prospects I’ve talked to - past and present - who have said Hopkins was a main reason in their commitment to Syracuse.

Some have said off the record they’ve committed solely for Hopkins, while others have said he’s played the role of a father-figure away from home — which goes a long way when talking to parents in a living room about their son’s future.

As for now — all the best to coach Hop and his future. He’s done so much for the program, and everyone should be thankful for that.

And who knows — maybe he finds his way back to Central New York in a few years.