NCAA Basketball: Top 25 impact freshmen classes for 2022-23 season

8. Syracuse Orange

The Orange has six newcomers on the roster, all split in different positions. Starting in the frontcourt are three-star forwards, Maliq Brown and Peter Carey. Brown is 6’9 power forward and is a solid rebounder and defender and could get minutes early on if sophomore forward Benny Williams doesn’t take a big leap. And Carey is a 6’11 stretch forward that can play both positions. He’d be a nice compliment to Jesse Edwards in the frontcourt if he’s capable of guarding at that position.

On the wings are a pair of four-star recruits in Chris Bunch and Justin Taylor. Bunch is a 6’7 athlete with great size for the 2-3 zone system, while also a quality shooter from three-point range. Taylor is also a quality shooter and while not as good an athlete as Bunch, has the ability to play at shooting guard with his 6’6 size.

In the backcourt is Quadir Copeland, a 6’6 combo guard who’s known for his great size and playmaking ability. He’s not as good a shooter as the wings but his all-around game makes him a solid rotational piece on a roster that needs a little bit of everything. And the star of the group is Judah Mintz, a former Pittsburgh commit and top-40 combo guard that is more of a true passer and playmaker. He’s most likely to start alongside returning guard Joe Girard in the backcourt and both can play on and off the ball.

In terms of “most impact”, Syracuse could have up to three freshmen starters next season and 4-5 main rotation players. The team didn’t add much from the transfer portal and lost both Boeheim brothers (Jim and Buddy), and Cole Swider. For the Orange to have any hope of a postseason appearance, they’ll need this class to be top-10 good.