While the clock ticks on Syracuse football in preparation for National Signing Day, elite high school sophomores are starting to draw major interest during the prep basketball season. The #1 Orange may still be undefeated and filled with an embarrassment of future riches, but hoops recruiting never for Jim Boeheim’s staff.
As Syracuse transitions into the ACC, the class of 2014 is now on the radar.¬†The Fizz¬†brings you the latest look at the best high school ballers that could don Big East jerseys as Syracuse packs its bags for a new home. This week’s¬†beasts:
Theo Pinson/SG/Greensboro, NC
Wesleyan Christian Academy
Height: 6’5″ Weight: 170
Interest from: Syracuse, Duke, UNC, UConn, Kentucky
Pinson enjoyed a long tenure as the #1 most coveted player in the eyes of college coaches, but now sits at #2 after the recent splash of Toronto’s Andrew Wiggins. When asked about why Wiggins jumped ahead of him?
“I guess he just had a better summer than me. I just have to chase him and get that back. Keep workin’ on my game.” ¬†
His game is already pretty good, averaging 11.5 points and close to 7 rebounds at Wesleyan Christian. Scouts say he’s unmatched on the dribble, wielding a top notch mid-range game.
“Theo is one of the elite guys nationally. Expectations will be very high based on his athleticism. It’s important for him to remain motivated and keep adding elements and improving. An elite wing on the national level.”
Theo hasn’t received any official offers yet, but he leaked in an interview Syracuse had contacted him, as well as an impressive list of schools listed above. Add Tennessee and Baylor to the interested parties. ¬†
Wayne Selden/SG/Boston, MA
Tilton School (Tilton, NH)
Height: 6’5″ Weight: 200
Offers: Providence, West Virginia, UConn, Pitt
Selden is ranked #10 in the nation among his classmates. Unlike Pinson, though, the big guard has officially¬†received offers from eight schools,¬†four of them in the Big East. SU’s rivals listed have all extended scholarships to the Boston native, and it’s easy to see why: he’s physical, owns the paint, and draws plenty of contact. Selden on his game:
“I’m more of a power guard, but when I get out on the open court, I like to run. I like to pass. It doesn’t matter to me who’s scoring, as long as the bucket goes in.”¬†
It’s tough enough to land a player of Selden’s caliber, but to have a guy who has the talent he brings¬†and¬†the attitude he has shown is enormous. Selden was asked about his¬†reaction to all his offers as a high school sophomore:
“I feel like my mindset has changed a lot. Before I was just playing basketball to play basketball, and now I’m playing basketball to win, to get better.”
Scouts on Selden’s raw ability at the guard position:
“Selden is strong as an ox and able to overpower virtually anyone in his age bracket. He goes strong to the rim, going right at any shot-blocker, and consequently getting to the free throw line in high volume.”
Regardless of whether Syracuse will have anything to do with the conference when (and if) these guys do, the remaining members of the Big East will continue to fight over the best talent in the country.
Posted: Jake Moskowitz
2 responses to “Next Beasts of Big East: Sophomore Sensation Theo Pinson on Syracuse Radar”
Pinson seems like a Duke or UNC lean, from what I’ve been reading over the past year. Hopefully we can get Nerlens Noel and Goodluck Okonoboh because they play for the same high school and travel team as Selden. Selden actually seems a lot like Waiters, so hopefully our recruiters point that out to him as a selling point for success at SU
Definitely agree Chad. Pinson would be another resounding slam dunk as far as recruiting for SU, but his residence in NC certainly makes him a nationally coveted guy. He’ll be really interesting to watch over the next few years especially if he goes to an ACC school as Syracuse will then see him, either in Orange or across the court in another jersey. Selden is an extremely exciting new guy, especially playing at the level of physicality that he’s exhibiting as a 16 year old. He’s very explosive. More to come later on him. Thanks for the read.