Monday Musings: Assessing Syracuse's Chances With Donnie Freeman, Naheem McLeod

Will the Orange basketball land a coveted transfer and 2024 recruit?

Syracuse basketball hosted hosted Florida State transfer big Naheem McLeod over the weekend for an official visit. This after hosting priority 2024 recruiting target Donnie Freeman in recent weeks as well. Freeman has set a commitment date for Thursday, May 11th. What are the Orange's chances for each? We break it down below. 

Note: Likelihood each picks Syracuse is rated on a scale of one star to five stars, with five stars being the most likely. 

DONNIE FREEMAN

Freeman is down to five school: Alabama, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Syracuse and Texas. He has taken officials to all except Georgia Tech. That pretty much eliminates the Yellow Jackets as a realistic option. Iowa and Texas did host Freeman for official visits, but this comes down to Syracuse and Alabama in my mind. The two have recruited him the hardest during the recruiting process and prioritized him in their 2024 classes. 

Both official visits went well, but his comments about Syracuse were different (in a good way) in my opinion. Not to mention, the Orange has been recruiting him the longest as they were his first offer years ago. Head coach Adrian Autry has been the lead on Freeman's recruitment throughout, which also helps Syracuse. 

On top of that, Freeman spoke very positively about the way Syracuse plans to play under coach Autry as well as their plan for him. 

Alabama has been a better program recently, earning a one seed in the NCAA Tournament this past season. However, there has been a lot of off the court drama, which I think hurts them here in addition to the positives from the Syracuse perspective. 

Given all of that, I think Syracuse has an excellent shot to land his commitment on Thursday. 

Syracuse's Chances: 5-stars

NAHEEM MCLEOD

McLeod spoke very highly about his official to Syracuse and he has yet to take other visits. He has one scheduled to Mississippi State for Wednesday, which clearly poses the Orange's biggest threat. No other visits are currently scheduled, but McLeod says "a bunch" of schools are trying to get him on campus. 

I think Syracuse is in a good spot as of now, but with another visit looming, things can change. The Orange did a good job showing McLeod how he would fit into their system and how they believe they are set up to win next season with an improved roster.

Without any other visits, clearly Syracuse would be in the driver's seat. However, a visit from an SEC school can always be a bit worrisome even if it is not one of their power basketball programs. 

One last thing in Syracuse's favor is location. McLeod is a Northeast kid being from Pennsylvania. Syracuse is obviously much closer to home than Mississippi. 

Given all of that, I think Syracuse has a good shot at landing McLeod. 

Syracuse's Chances: 4-stars