Syracuse basketball recruiting: Bryce Golden decision expected this week

The Syracuse Orange could welcome the third member of the 2018 basketball recruiting class this week -- should forward prospect Bryce Golden pick them, of course.

Golden, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward from Maryland wrapped up his visits over the weekend when he was on campus with the Butler Bulldogs. He’s a three-star talent according to the 247Sports composite, but ESPN gives him four stars. Golden has a frame that he can grow into more and build up additional strength. Playing the power forward position, he also addresses a clear need for Syracuse after 2018 signee Darius Bazley opted to head to the G League.

According to the Indianapolis Star, we’ll know soon enough if Golden will be joining an Orange recruiting class that still includes Jalen Carey and Buddy Boeheim. A decision is expected this week, as Golden has undergone an expedited process since being released from his letter of intent after Pitt’s coaching change. He made an official visit to SU on April 13, then headed to Illinois on April 19. He also took an unofficial to Georgetown on April 23, then went on an official visit to Butler this past weekend, rounding out his top four.

Not being a one-and-done type of player, Golden could potentially be a great long-term add for Syracuse which is still trying to build depth after NCAA-sanctioned scholarship reductions. Right now, there are just four scholarship forwards on the roster -- Oshae Brissett, Marek Dolezaj, Paschal Chukwu and Bourama Sidibe — effectively forced to split time between the three through five spots.

Less relevant to on-the-court matters, Golden’s add would also make for a fun bit of name game confusion next year on the roster. Syracuse already has shooting guard Brycen Goodine on board for 2019. The ACC Network announcing crew will be in for it given the Bryce/Brycen Golden/Goodine dynamic.

We’ll post something as soon as Golden decides at some point this week.