Syracuse Basketball Recruiting: Checking In With Kaleb Joseph

While the college basketball world is now getting to know Syracuse Orange point guard, Tyler Ennis. The Orange fan base is trying its best to live in the now, while at the same time fear for the worst when it comes to their amazing first-year floor general -- a one-and-done season.

After last season, when point guard Michael Carter-Williams left for the NBA after his second season, SU had Ennis to step into the role, a place he is now flourishing.

However, now, there's not the same amount of hoopla surrounding the possible next SU point guards, Ron Patterson, who is getting some quality bench time this season (though, he gets his shots up when he can), and soon-to-be incoming freshman Kaleb Joseph, who this week was one of the highlighted players at the Spalding Hoophal Classic at Springfield College.

On Sunday, Joseph helped his Prep team Cushing Academy (MA) to a 93-83 victory over Worchester Academy (MA) says a report by the phenomhoopreport.com.

The Syracuse signee had a quiet first half but got the juices flowing in the second half. He demonstrated his combination of athleticism and skill set as he finished with 17 points. Joseph went 6-12 from the floor (1-3 from the 3-point line) and a perfect 4-4 from the FT line. He had 5 rebounds and had tournament high 8 assists. His ability to control the tempo and create his own shot off the dribble will translate well at his next stop at Syracuse.

After the game, Joseph spoke to MassLive.com's Terrence Payne about a few things Syracuse including possibly playing with Ennis next season...

"He's got a chance to go pro right now, if he continues to play the way he is or he can stay an extra year and learn from him," Joseph said. "We can play with each other in the backcourt. I think that'd be a real good fit."

...Possible playing time for next season, if Ennis returns...

"I'm not worried about it at all," Joseph said. "I've talked to the coaches [Boeheim and Mike Hopkins]. "We play long seasons, we'd split time and play both of us in the backcourt."

...And working with assistant coach Gerry McNamara.

"I loved McNamara. That game against UConn is one of my favorite," Joseph said about McNamara's performance in the 2006 Big East Tournament.

If you're curious if Joseph could make the same impact as Ennis has in his first season, well, ESPN's recruiting director Paul Biancardi thinks from a physical standpoint he can but mentally he may not be as ready:

He is from a physical standpoint. Joseph (Nashua, N.H./Cushing Academy) has good speed in the open floor to push the ball on missed shots and turnovers. His versatility as a point guard will serve him well. Down the road, the 6-foot-3 Joseph can be a strong defender as well.

The learning curve will be understanding the nuances of the position, which usually takes years.

Joseph is currently ranked the 47th-best prospect by ESPN, the 16th-best point guard by Scout and the 55th-best player by Rivals.