Syracuse University’s men’s basketball program is deep into its recruiting push for the Class of 2028 and the incoming 2029 cohort, with head coach Gerry McNamara and his staff actively courting some of the nation’s most coveted high school talents.
A New Era of Outreach
The Orange’s outreach began in earnest on June 15, when the coaching staff opened direct communication with prospects in the 2028 class, marking the first formal contact period for many of these players.
While the immediate focus remains on the 2027 class, McNamara has made clear that building a strong pipeline for the next two cycles is a cornerstone of his long‑term vision.
Key Targets Emerge
Among the first to receive scholarship offers are Mason Collins, a five‑star wing at The Tatnall School in Wilmington, Delaware, and Isaiah Hamilton, a five‑star wing at Montverde Academy in Florida. Both players had previously held offers from the previous staff and are now being pursued aggressively by the new regime.
Logan Chwastyk, a five‑star center from Malvern Preparatory School in Pennsylvania, received his scholarship last month, while point guard Liam Mitakaro from CIA Bella Vista in Phoenix earned an offer in June.
The staff has also extended offers to Xavier Skipworth, a five‑star wing at Montverde, and Will Brunson, a five‑star small forward at IMG Academy, who visited the campus in December and was re‑offered last month.
Other notable prospects include Malik Moore, a four‑star point guard from Union Catholic High School in New Jersey, and Michai White, a five‑star guard from Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, both of whom have taken unofficial visits to Syracuse in recent months.
The recruitment net extends to Kevin Wheatley Jr., a five‑star wing at Masters Academy International in Massachusetts, and Rowan Phillips, a four‑star combo guard from Archbishop Wood High School in Pennsylvania, who attended the Orange’s Elite Camp in August.
The list also features Isaiah Carter, Isaiah Clarke, Settimo Yugu, Damian Mojica, Skye Ragoo, Jadah Washington, Kingsley Rogers, Enmanuel Valera Melo, Ka’Shawn Gill, Rezon Harris, Nico Antoniacci, Mamadou Issa Sow, and two 2029 five‑star prospects — David Johnson of Oak Hill Academy in Virginia and Isaiah Rider IV of Higley High School in Arizona — who carried offers from the previous staff.
A Coast‑to‑Coast Scouting Strategy
Coach McNamara and his assistants have been spotted at high school showcases and live‑period events across the East Coast, from the DMV Live circuit in Maryland to the Philly Live exposure in Pennsylvania, underscoring a coast‑to‑coast scouting strategy.
The aggressive outreach reflects a broader ambition to restore Syracuse’s national relevance, a goal that Athletic Director Adrian Autry has publicly championed.
With a mix of elite talent and promising underclassmen, the Orange hope to reshape the roster that will eventually compete for ACC titles and deep March Madness runs.