Syracuse basketball recruiting: 2021 four-star forward Arthur Kaluma lists Orange in top 8

The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball coaching staff received some good news on Wednesday, when 2021 four-star forward Arthur Kaluma announced SU made his list of top 8 schools.

Kaluma, a 6-foot-8 205-pound power forward out of Glendale, Ariz. (plays at Dream City Christian), is ranked as a top-20 prospect in his class, according to 247Sports. The Orange were listed along with Arkansas, Southern Cal, Oklahoma, UNLV, Arizona State, Texas A&M and Kansas. Kaluma has not taken any official visits yet.

Syracuse offered Kaluma back on April 10 of this year.

Kaluma plays like a stretch-4. He’s shown off his ability to hit from mid-range, but he’s more impressive around the rim. He can score facing the basket or with his back to it, and his ability to finish inside with contact separates him from most. He’s a big, strong kid that draws fouls and generates contact naturally. Kaluma has no problem getting to the basket in isolation. And with that ability to finish at the rim, he can cause havoc for defenses.

On the other end of the floor, Kaluma is a beast. His length and athleticism make him a great asset inside protecting the rim. Given the fact that he’s so athletic and long, I wouldn’t say he’s undersized to play in the middle of Jim Boeheim’s 2-3 zone. Ideally, you’d like someone taller to be your top rim-protector, but with Kaluma’s ability — he’d get by just fine, if needed.

Given COVID-19, it will likely take a while for Kaluma’s recruitment to play out. He won’t be visiting anywhere anytime soon, save maybe nearby ASU. Syracuse already has one 2021 commit in four-star wing Benny Williams.