By SAM LANCE
Things moved really fast for Aaron Womack and his commitment to Syracuse. But he couldn’t be happier that he’s chosen the Orange.
“Coach [Adrain] Autry and coach [Allen] Griffin called me and I came down for a visit,” Womack told ZAGSBLOG via phone. “When I got on the visit, I was a little nervous. But then my nerves settled down. I just fell in love with the campus, fell in love with the people. Everybody was so welcoming to me and my family.”
Womack — the 6-foot-6, 170-pound forward from Dominican High School (WI) and the Wisconsin Playgroud Under Armour AAU program — had offers from other programs like Buffalo, Illinois State, Murray State, Southern Utah, UIC, UW-Green Bay and UW-Milwaukee. But after taking the official to Syracuse this past weekend, he knew where home was, even though Syracuse’s pursuit of him moved really fast.
“Watching practice, it seemed like the offense was something I’d fit into really well, benefit and have success with,” Womack said. “And coach Autry and the coaching staff, they did a really good job when we talked. They broke down my game and showed me some clips and highlights of what I was doing good. And they weren’t afraid to tell me what I was doing wrong and what I can improve on.
Womack continued:
“They all see a lot of potential in me and they all believe in me. I think they have what it takes and they will be able to develop me into a pro and be the best player I can on and off the court. Be a good man and a good human.”
As for his game, Womack averaged 10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 18 games with Playground this summer. He shot 41-of-115 (36%) from deep and averaged over six attempts from three per game. Womack gets it done defensively too, adding 13 blocks and 11 steals.
“I would describe myself as an all-around player,” Womack said of his game. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. I like to get a lot of shots up. I like to shoot threes. And when I get hot, I really get hot. I let it fly. On the defensive end I like to play the passing lanes to get steals and go down for a dunk. I like to use my length and athleticism. I like to go up and block shots off the glass. And I can get up for a dunk if I need to. I can attack the rim. I’m really an all-around player. If you close out on me, I’m going to the rim. If you have a hand down I’m shooting it.”
For his senior season at Dominican, he looks to be the voice of the team.
“We graduated four seniors last year, are bringing up some guys from JV,” Womack said. “So just being more vocal. In the past I was kind of shy, more quiet. Now I’m the leader and I have to lead my team to victory. Help out even outside of basketball. Whether that’s tutoring people, or talking to them when they need a friend or need a voice outside of basketball. And then on the court, just being that guy they can come to and learn from and help others learn and try to win a state championship.”
Womack will join another prospect in the 2025 class at Syracuse his freshman year: five-star forward Sadiq White Jr.
“I know who he is, but I haven’t talked to him,” Womack said. “I know he’s bouncy. I’ve seen some highlights. I know he can get up and dunk like a Ja Morant type bounce. So that will be fun playing with him, throwing him up some lobs. Some no look lobs, maybe have a little showtime. That would be fun.”
While his arrival to campus is still a ways away, Womack is looking forward to interacting with everyone at Syracuse, from his coaches and teammates, to the students and professors. The small forward also has a message for Syracuse fans:
“They better get their season tickets early, because it’s going to be a show,” Womack said. “It’s going to be time to make a deep tournament run again, and I’ll do anything to help the team win and get back to the success and get back to where we were before.”
Womack isn’t the only hooper in his family. His father, Aaron Womack Sr., played basketball at SEMO and then professionally in Argentina. His mother also played basketball in high school. Womack has four sisters, three of them older and one who is a freshman in high school. Womack’s favorite NBA player is Kevin Durant.
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