Syracuse basketball recruiting: Orange make top three for 5-star Isaiah Jackson

While everyone freaks out about Syracuse Orange men’s basketball recruiting for one reason or another, SU got some good news on Monday from five-star power forward Isaiah Jackson, who included them among his top three. Also there were Kentucky (of course) and Alabama, though he did most recently visit the Orange and had plenty of positives to share according to a story from Ryan McMullen (linked above).

Jackson goes to high school in Michigan, but removed Michigan State (and Louisville and Memphis) from consideration with this update. At 6-foot-9 and 190 pounds, he’s athletic and wiry, though would probably add a little weight to play more of the 4 in Syracuse’s 2-3 zone.

Though it’s not a recruiting win yet, it’s still a plus that the Orange continue sticking around these decisions from major prospects. There’s been some panic of late, especially when murmurs began about long-time target Andre Jackson picking UConn over SU. But we’ll see how the rest of the 2020 recruiting cycle shakes out.

That, plus the rest of your Syracuse-related links below:

Isaiah Jackson Announces Final Three Schools (ZagsBlog)

“...The organization has a family environment. The offense and defense he runs are strong. He allows his assistants to train and develop his players in practice. I even met Tiana M from the women’s basketball team and her parents. It was a blessing to meet a strong young person like that. That was the most amazing part of the visit for me. She showed me how ‘family’ Syracuse really is.”

A look at Syracuse’s Carrier Dome wish list and Pete Sala’s big dream (Syracuse.com)

We’ll be able to darken the arena and do like they do with the Bulls’ pre-game. I think they started it. I can’t wait to, my goal, this is what I dream of at night. I watch what we do all the time. ... When the team comes out for football it would be nice to have the arena dark, orange lights pointed at the tunnel and hitting that smoke. Do you know how cool that will be?

Dino Babers: Injured Syracuse football QB Tommy DeVito ‘gave me the thumbs up’ (Syracuse.com)

“We’re playing football,” Babers said. “We’re trying to get better. There’s things we need to work on and we can’t work on them unless they’re out there. Our goal is totally different than some other peoples’, so we’re gonna play. He had the first-team offensive line out in front of him.”

’Perfect Storm’ (Daily Orange)

But Syracuse stuck to the game plan and held onto the ball, maintaining long drives. Chunks of yardage added up, and SU almost doubled up the Cornhuskers in first half time of possession. A Nebraska flea flicker was sniffed out as four defenders surrounded a wide receiver and picked off the ball. Later, a fumble on an NU carry up the middle turned into a dog pile, and Syracuse emerged out of it with the ball.

NBA’s six most intriguing players (ESPN)

Jerami Grant, Denver Nuggets: ...Connelly called Grant after finalizing the trade and told him: We want this to be home. “That made me feel real comfortable,” Grant says. Jokic texted Grant a welcome message from overseas. Grant, a film buff, began watching clips of Jokic’s passing. He was giddy. Grant is a cagey, explosive cutter, but the Thunder mostly had him stand around the perimeter. The paint belonged to Steven Adams.

EMU basketball coach Rob Murphy launches a book and foundation to inspire youth (Detroit Free Press)

Moe Neal becomes 23rd Syracuse player to surpass 2,000 yards (CuseNation)

Ryan Raposo’s rapid development has made him Syracuse’s most impactful player (Daily Orange)

Syracuse’s conservative game plan keeps it close against No. 6 Florida State in 1-0 loss (Daily Orange)

Syracuse drops 2nd-straight game to No. 3 Clarkson, 5-1 (Daily Orange)