Jalil Bethea on EYBL, Peach Jam and Recruiting

The class of 2024 prospect discusses Syracuse, new schools and more.

Mike McAllister | Jun 1, 2023

Jalil Bethea on EYBL, Peach Jam and Recruiting /

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One of the top performers during the EYBL regular season has been Jalil Bethea, who led Team Final to a 16-1 record and the regular season title.

"The key was just being together," Bethea said. "Everyone doing what we can to help us win. Stick with the game plan and work hard. Staying together."

Bethea, despite the stellar play, feels there is room for improvement. He is focused on Peach Jam (the EYBL playoffs) in order to bring home the championship for his squad.

"I feel like I played pretty well," Bethea said. "I think I could've done better in a few games, but all of that is in the past. Peach Jam is what's ahead of me. That's the week I need to just lock in and focus."

As a result of his strong play, Bethea has seen increased attention on the recruiting trail. In recent weeks, he has picked up offers from Kansas, UConn, Alabama and others.

"It's definitely overwhelming," Bethea said. "I would have never thought that all the the success I've been having would come to me."

Bethea has no visits scheduled currently, but still plans to visit Miami this summer. Visits to other schools is possible as well.

One school that has been there from the start is Syracuse. Gerry McNamara's message to Bethea has been consistent even with the new offers.

"Basically the same thing, that he really wants me," Bethea said. "I was actually talking to Melo the other day. Carmelo was basically saying that they need you and whatever I need he's there for me. Even if I go there or not, he's still in my circle and all that. It just means that they really care. They want to go above and beyond for me."

Bethea says he speaks with Gerry McNamara on a regular basis. The two speak frequently, and Bethea is hoping to get back up to campus to watch a practice in order to get a better feel for the new staff's approach. He says he could decide by he end of September.

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Published Jun 1, 2023

MIKE MCALLISTER

Title: Publisher All Syracuse Education: Roberts Wesleyan College Location: Syracuse, New York Expertise: Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting. EXPERIENCE Mike McAllister has been covering Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting for more than a decade. Mike's career started with his own free blog as a way to vent following sporting events. Shortly thereafter, a network of basketball sites called Coast 2 Coast Hoops asked him to run their Syracuse site. That site was called Nation of Orange, and Mike quickly established it as a go-to for Syracuse fans. After running Nation of Orange for several months, a position with the Syracuse site on the Scout network became available. After one year as the recruiting expert with Cuse Nation, he was named the publisher. Mike oversaw the transition from Scout to 247Sports, and ran the site on that network for years. Presented with the opportunity to join one of the biggest names in the sports journalism industry, Sports Illustrated, Mike jumped at the chance. All Syracuse was started from scratch by Mike and the Fan Nation team. It has now become a staple for Orange fans of various sports. Mike has broken news on recruiting, Syracuse basketball and football team information and has established himself as the top recruiting inside in the market. He has appeared on local radio shows, television broadcasts, national radio shows and much more. Mr. McAllister has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Information Management from Roberts Wesleyan College.