Will the Orange continue to add to its already prominent 2015 recruiting class?
At the end of June, it was announced that Los Angeles native Brodricks Jones would ask to be released from his LOI with San Diego State. Jones, a 6-foot-9 power forward, signed with Steve Fisher's club last November and was set to join SDSU's 2015 class. Since reopening his recruitment, Jones has trimmed his list to four schools:
I have narrowed my choices to Memphis, UTEP, Syracuse, and Providence and will take visits in the very near future.
— Brodricks Jones (@brodricksjones3) July 12, 2015
Syracuse has demonstrated some serious interest.
— Brodricks Jones (@brodricksjones3) July 11, 2015
Syracuse does have room for Jones in the 2015 class, which would leave the Orange in a sticky situation. Prior to Paschal Chukwu transferring to Syracuse, the Orange were set to have 10 players on scholarship, meaning they could begin their 12-scholarship reduction over the course of four years in the 2015-2016 season. With the addition of Chukwu, Syracuse will now begin the penalty the following season.
Should Jones commit to Syracuse, that would leave the Orange with 12 players on scholarship this season. Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinije will exhaust their eligibility after this year, leaving the Orange with 10 committed players in 2016-2017, including Matt Moyer. If Jones were to join that would leave Syracuse with one player over the scholarship cap.
Since acquiring Chukwu, it would be surprising if Syracuse continued to recruit Jones heavily. As Mike McAllister reported, Jones' tweet indicated interest, not an offer. It wouldn't make much sense to bring on Jones unless Syracuse feels as though their scholarships will be restored from the appeal process.
It now becomes imperative that the Orange reserve a scholarship for Tyus Battle, especially with Kobi Simmons out of the picture.
