C Jesse Edwards – Syracuse Orange
Syracuse will look massively different next season after losing four of their top players, including Oshae Brissett and Tyus Battle, who left early for the NBA Draft. Only one returning threat returns in Elijah Hughes, so the Orange will hope that a couple of their five incoming recruits can make an immediate impact.
But the position arguably of most need is at the center position. 7’2 center Paschal Chukwu has graduated and there’s massive questions about whether either Bourama Sidibe and Marek Dolezaj can fill that void and provide the necessary defense to properly anchor the team’s 2-3 zone. The hope is that top-200 recruit Jesse Edwards can come in and fill that spot as a freshman.
He’s a promising player despite only playing organized basketball for a couple of years. The Netherlands product has the perfect measurables for Syracuse at 6’11 and 200-pounds with great movement. In his short time at playing the sport, Edwards, has shown a nice offensive touch and ability to spread the floor. He’ll have to get bigger overall and understand how to operate in the zone but if he can, minutes at the five-spot will be available.
Other 2019 team commits such as Joe Girard and Brycen Goodine has received more attention but it may be Edwards whose development may ultimately determine the team’s fate next season.