Rising Stars in the 2028 Class
247Sports unveiled its national rankings for the 2028 basketball class on Tuesday, placing more than a dozen Syracuse recruiting targets among the top 125 prospects nationwide. The list reflects a deep pool of talent that could shape the next generation of Orange players.
The contact period for the 2028 class opened on June 15, allowing coaches to begin direct communication with rising high school juniors. Under first‑year head coach Gerry McNamara, the staff has used this window to reach out to a wide variety of prospects across the country.
Several of those prospects have already received scholarship offers, underscoring the aggressive approach of the new coaching staff. Five‑star wing Isaiah Hamilton from Montverde Academy sits at No. 4 overall, while five‑star wing Mason Collins from The Tatnall School is ranked No. 10.
The rankings also feature four‑star big men such as Logan Chwastyk from Malvern Preparatory School (No. 13) and point guard Malik Moore from Union Catholic High School (No. 38), as well as versatile wings and combo guards scattered throughout the top 50.
Syracuse’s Recruiting Surge
McNamara and his assistants have been active in courting prospects from a range of high schools and prep programs. Their outreach includes visits to schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona, reflecting a national strategy designed to bring the best talent to Syracuse.
Recent offers have been extended to players like four‑star point guard Michai White from Brewster Academy (No. 18) and four‑star small forward Will Brunson from Rutgers Preparatory School (No. 20). Each commitment adds depth to a class that already includes a mix of backcourt and frontcourt prospects.
The diversity of the recruits — ranging from five‑star wings to three‑star guards — illustrates the staff’s intent to build a balanced roster. Names such as Xavier Skipworth (No. 25) and Liam Mitakaro (No. 34) highlight the international reach of the program, while local standouts like Carter Smith from William Penn Charter School (No. 68) provide a strong regional foundation.
As the 2028 class continues to take shape, the early momentum suggests that Syracuse could emerge as a major player in the recruiting landscape. The combination of high‑profile offers, strategic geographic targeting, and a clear coaching vision positions the Orange to compete fiercely for top talent in the coming years.