The Australian guard is excited to play in the Dome
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
While Syracuse Orange fans were waiting for news on 2025 basketball recruits, Adrian Autry and staff went and grabbed Luke Fennell, a 6’6” guard from Australia
Fennell’s already known among pro scouts thanks to his experience with Australia’s U18 team and the NBA Global Academy, which produced Josh Giddey and Tyrese Proctor.
NEWS: Luke Fennell, a 6'6 Australian guard, has committed to Syracuse, he told ESPN. Fennell, a two-time gold medalist with Australia's U18 national teams, brings size, playmaking creativity and shot-making prowess to the Orange at both guard spots in the class of 2025. pic.twitter.com/AdaLfvscPS
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 23, 2024
Fennell told ESPN Australia that he wants to be in a challenging environment and that he welcomes the bright lights of the JMA Dome.
“Syracuse is definitely a big school, which I really like. Their gym holds more than 35,000 people, and Carmelo [Anthony] went through there, so having something to live up to is the place I want to be at.
“I wanted to be around people that are hungry, people that want to be the best versions of themselves and still haven’t reached that stage of being a pro yet. I’m excited to be around that high-pressure environment where iron sharpens iron, everyone wanting to be great, so I think that’s the environment that’s gonna help me.”
Fennell chose Syracuse over offers from Louisville, Florida and St. Bonaventure. He told Syracuse.com that the Orange are getting a versatile backcourt player.
“My game is really smooth and patient,’’ Fennell said. “I’m really good at playing off of screens. I’m good at finding rollers or scoring myself. I have the ability to bring the ball up court, set up the offense and, if the team needs me to score, I can go ahead and get a bucket.’’
Fennell will be the first Syracuse men’s player from Australia, but with three women’s players on campus, Luke can get some insight into what he can expect when he arrives next summer.
Luke joins Sadiq White and Aaron Womack in the 2025 class. We know several of you are wondering what this means for the recruitment of Kiyan Anthony and others, well just remember that the scholarship limit will be 15 next season and the Orange still have room to add more commitments.
