JAMES SOUTHERLAND RE-OPENING RECRUITNMENT?

August 1, 2008


A couple months ago word was circulating that James Southerland was all set to enroll at Syracuse for the 2008-2009 academic year. However, in the last week or so, it has been widely reported that the Orange Recruit Was Not Ready (Syracuse Post-Standard) academically and would spend another season in the prep school ranks, most likely Notre Dame Prep.

Southerland originally attended Cardozo High School in Queens (NY) before heading to Notre Dame Prep last season. The 6-foot-7 forward is a smooth perimeter player that is very offensive-minded.

At the recent Desert Duel Memorial Classic in Arizona, SU assistant coach Mike Hopkins was seen at each and every game that Southerland participated in with the City Rocks AAU program, according to Doug Ferguson of the NBE Basketball Report. Whispers throughout the gym seemed to indicate a strong possibility that Southerland would re-open the recruiting process, although, to date, he has not gone public in doing so. Clark Francis, the editor of the HoopScoopOnline.com, is reporting that it is indeed the situation, and Southerland is now open game on the recruiting trail.

Syracuse does have a deep collection of 6'7 G/F prospects with incoming freshmen Mookie Jones and Kris Joseph and will also gain the services of highly regarded Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson for the 2009-10 season. Mike Hopkins clearly made it a point that Southerland is still on their radar, but Southerland might just want to see what other options are open to him.

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Syracuse is currently a 30/1 in the Odds to Win the 2009 NCAA National Championship. Do they have a 'Melo-like run in them?
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