Monday Musings: Recruiting Impact of William Patterson's Commitment

What Patterson's pledge means to Syracuse Orange basketball moving forward.

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Syracuse basketball picked up a commitment from 2023 big William Patterson on Monday. Patterson becomes the Orange's only pledge in the class. What does this mean for SU moving forward?

The answer is simple. If Syracuse fans want a veteran, experienced, offensive center on the roster, you have to hope Jesse Edwards returns. If he does, Syracuse may carry four centers next season but Edwards will still be the guy with Hima as the primary backup. Peter Carey could compete with Hima for minutes, potentially. 

However, if Edwards turns pro, Syracuse will likely roll with Mounir Hima, Peter Carey and William Patterson as the centers. I would not expect the Orange to turn to the portal for help. It is not impossible, but certainly not likely. 

That means Syracuse has to hope that Hima takes significant strides this offseason. While has been a solid defender, he has been foul prone and inconsistent on the boards. He must be better in those two areas to absorb the loss of Edwards. In addition, he has to be able to give Syracuse something offensively. Hima is not going to suddenly turn into Edwards offensively. However, if he can develop a bit to provide even a small threat on that end, it would be of great benefit to Syracuse. 

In addition, Peter Carey must stay healthy. If he cannot, it destroys any depth Syracuse would have in the middle as Patterson is not expected to be ready to contribute as a true freshman. If Carey has injury or productivity issues, Maliq Brown may see time at center. While I think Brown is a strong young player who will continue to develop, extended minutes in the middle is not best for him or the Orange. 

In short, Patterson brings a lot of athleticism, size and potential to the center position. However, if Edwards leaves, it will be a huge question mark entering the 2023-24 season. 

The other question is whether or not Judah Mintz returns. He could play himself into a lottery pick type draft position next year with a strong sophomore campaign. That does not mean he will not elect to leave and take his chances as a second round pick. If he stays, that is great for Syracuse. If he does not, could JJ Starling (assuming he elects to enter the portal with Mike Brey leaving), be a solid replacement? That would certainly be something to watch. 

As far as the rest of the 2023 class,  Patterson could end up as the lone member. Syracuse has recruited forward Marcus Adams as either a 2023 or 2024 prospect. However, several other schools have gotten involved and UCLA is pushing hard. Adams, at this time, is the only other potential target for 2023. .

For the 2024 cycle, so much can change between now and when those players arrive that I don’t think Patterson’s addition will scare anyone away. An elite center would still have a chance to come in and earn early playing time. Could it mean Syracuse doesn’t pursue a center because three are already on the roster? Perhaps, but I still expect the Orange to continue to pursue the higher end center prospects such as Thomas Sorber.