Earlier this week, Scout released their final class of 2015 player and team rankings. See where each Orange signee ended up.
Earlier this week, Scout released their final 2015 player and team rankings.
The Orange came in as the 12th best class, according to ScoutHoops.com. Syracuse has hovered anywhere from 1-to-12 throughout the 2015 recruiting cycle. While Jim Boeheim still considers it to be his best class Syracuse has ever signed, the numbers may disagree. But then again, why question Jim Boeheim?
Malachi Richardson came in at No. 29 in the overall rankings, easily the top-ranked Syracuse signee. Richardson played in both the McDonald's All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic. After a solid Regional Jordan Brand Classic game, Tyler Lydon moved up to No. 66. Moustapha Diagne finished at No. 77, and Frank Howard rounded out the class at No. 81.
All four signees are rated as 4-star prospects.
Frank Howard, in my opinion, is a lot better than the 81st player in the class. Howard declined six postseason all-star game invitations, including the Regional Jordan Brand Classic. He listed a focus on academics and personal workouts as the reasoning.
Malachi Richardson will see big-time minutes next season for the Orange. Whether or not he finds his way into the starting lineup remains unseen, but either way - Malachi will be a major factor in SU's offensive success.
For some time, many believed either Diagne or Lydon would redshirt. Now, not so much. Lydon's stock has never been higher to contribute immediately, and with McCullough's departure - Diagne is bound to play important minutes as well.
There are many unanswered questions that surround the Syracuse Orange men's basketball program. The worst part about that statement - they'll remain unanswered until next winter.
