News Summary

Jordan Smith Jr., a top high school basketball prospect from Virginia, has named Syracuse among his final six college selections. Standing at 6-foot-2, the shooting guard is ranked No. 2 in the class of 2026. His recent visits and strong performance at Team Takeover have garnered attention, notably his friendship with current Syracuse players. With Duke, Arkansas, Georgetown, Kentucky, and Indiana also in the mix, Syracuse fans are eager to see where this talented athlete will land.

Exciting Times for Basketball Fans in Syracuse!

Syracuse, NY is buzzing with excitement as top high school basketball prospect Jordan Smith Jr. has recently included the university in his final six college choices. This talented shooting guard stands tall at 6-foot-2 and hails from Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia, where he has quickly made a name for himself. Ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect in the class of 2026, Smith has every college recruiter vying for his attention—and Syracuse is definitely in the game!

The Final Six

Jordan has narrowed his college selections down to six elite programs: Duke, Arkansas, Georgetown, Kentucky, Indiana, and of course, Syracuse. His decision to keep Syracuse within his options illustrates his continued interest in the storied basketball program. Fans can only imagine what’s going through his mind as he weighs these incredible opportunities.

As part of the recruitment process, Smith has already made an official visit to Duke and has additional visits scheduled to Arkansas on September 20 and Kentucky on October 11. Moreover, he has made unofficial visits to Syracuse and Georgetown, keeping those connections alive and vibrant.

Proven Performance

On the court, Jordan Smith is no stranger to excellence. He plays for Team Takeover in the Nike EYBL circuit, where he has been lighting up the scoreboard since mid-2023. During the latest season, Smith averaged an impressive 19.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, leading his team to a stellar 17-3 overall record. His incredible performance has attracted attention not only from fans but also from scouts, who see great potential in him.

This past summer, he shone brightly on the international stage, winning a gold medal with the United States Under-19 team at the World Cup in Switzerland. Smith started every game during the tournament, showcasing his skills and court awareness on an impressive platform.

Building Relationships

Something that players often consider when choosing a school is the relationships they have with current players and coaching staff, and Jordan is no different. He has formed a friendship with current Syracuse forward Sadiq White. The two made a trip to visit the campus together in September 2024, creating a bond that could influence his eventual decision.

The Syracuse coaching staff is especially invested in Jordan’s recruitment. Assistant coach Brenden Straughn, who has deep ties to the DMV region, is leading the charge. His efforts in nurturing the relationship have not gone unnoticed by Smith, making Syracuse a contender in the recruitment race.

Why Syracuse?

Jordan has expressed that he appreciates Syracuse’s playing style, citing how well it aligns with his experience at Paul VI. This kind of fit is crucial for high school graduates, as the transition to college basketball can be quite challenging. With Syracuse’s fast-paced, dynamic style of play, Smith could find himself in a familiar environment while still being challenged at a higher level.

Exciting Possibilities Ahead

As the recruitment landscape heats up, fans of Syracuse basketball have plenty to be excited about. With numerous coaching staff members paying close attention to Smith’s journey, it’s clear that the Orange intend to make a strong push for this rising star. Rival schools like Duke and Georgetown are also looking to make their case, highlighting the competitive nature of this recruitment.

Expect to hear more buzz around Jordan Smith Jr. as he makes his visits and ultimately reaches a decision. With a bright future ahead of him and Syracuse still firmly in the mix, fans can only hope that this talented shooting guard will choose to wear the Orange and blue.

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