NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top-40 guard JJ Starling top 5 teams
Stanford Cardinal
The likelihood of five-star freshman wing Harrison Ingram being around by the time Starling joins is slim but the Cardina does have a few underclassmen on the roster that can create a good future core. Top-60 wing Jaylen Thompson recently committed to the 2022 class, while top-40 point guard Isa Silva is likely to start as a freshman this upcoming season.
Similar to Northwestern, Starling would likely have to play off the ball more if he chooses Stanford. And there’s also the possibility that head coach Jerod Haase may not be around long-term if the program doesn’t make the NCAA Tournament sooner than later. Although, recruits aren’t choosing the west coast version of Harvard for their head coaches.
Syracuse Orange
As the “hometown” option, the Orange has been in the mix for Starling since the beginning. The offense suits his skillset and playing in the ACC will always be alluring for prospects. And unlike Duke, Starling wouldn’t have to worry about being over-recruited by the next class of five-star prospects. This team has a solid 2022 class so far with four-star commits Justin Taylor and Quadir Copeland.
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As a combo guard, Starling would be a natural fit with starting point guard Joe Girard, who can also play on and off the ball. He may not play with shooting guard Buddy Boeheim who’ll be a pro candidate and how long Hall of Fame head coach Jim Boeheim stays around is the biggest question with it comes to Syracuse Basketball. But if Starling is comfortable with the program with or without him, the Orange may be the most comfortable fit.