Syracuse University’s basketball program is making a bold move as it looks ahead to the 2028 recruiting cycle, setting its sights on five‑star forward Mason Collins.
The interest comes under the leadership of new head coach Gerry McNamara, who took over the program earlier this year and is already shaping the roster with an eye on elite talent.
A Recruiting Landscape in Flux
Collins, a standout at The Tatnall School in Wilmington, Delaware, has posted impressive numbers in the 2025‑26 season, averaging 17.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 3.1 blocks and 2.9 steals per game.
His versatility and defensive instincts have placed him among the top ten prospects nationally, with rankings that also highlight him as the fourth best small forward and the premier player from Delaware according to the 247Sports Composite.
The competition for his commitment is fierce. Programs such as Houston, UConn, Duke and North Carolina have all extended official offers, while Florida State, Notre Dame, Georgetown, N.C. State, Villanova, Virginia and South Carolina remain in the mix.
Beyond club play, Collins is currently a key member of the USA Basketball U17 squad competing at the FIBA World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey. In the team’s opening victory over France, he contributed three points, two assists and a steal, underscoring his ability to perform on the international stage.
His family background adds another layer of intrigue. His father starred at Temple University and enjoyed a brief NBA career, while his mother also excelled for Temple’s women’s program, giving Collins a deep basketball pedigree that stretches back to his early years.
Beyond the Court
Off the court, Collins balances his athletic ambitions with academic pursuits, having committed to playing for the USA U16 team that captured gold at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Juarez, Mexico. The experience has broadened his exposure and solidified his status as a global prospect.
With the recruiting landscape still evolving, the next few months will be crucial for Collins as he narrows his list and weighs the offers that could shape the next chapter of his career.