The Taurean Thompson Sweepstakes is finally over.
The 6-foot-10 Thompson — a power forward ranked the No. 12 center in the Class of 2016 by 247Sports.com — committed to Syracuse over Seton Hall and Michigan State.
“Taurean has a great deal of potential and a very high ceiling,” Brewster coach Jason Smith told SNY.tv. “I look forward to following his career at Syracuse University.”
The news was first reported by Mike Waters of The Syracuse Post-Standard.
Thompson will join a loaded frontcourt that also includes Tyler Roberson, Dajuan Coleman and Tyler Lydon as well as newcomers Providence transfer Paschal Chukwu and Matthew Moyer.
“I see myself fitting in well,” Thompson said of Syracuse after going for 27 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks en route to co-MVP honors as Team New York beat Team East, 148-128, in the Jordan Brand Regional Game April 15 at Barclays Center.
“Coach [Jim Boeheim] tells me where he’s going to place me in the offense, just plans for me in the future, how he’s going to use me offensively and defensively. And it’s all sounding good.”
Thompson averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds this past season at Brewster, a national powerhouse.
Syracuse, which had three scholarships to give, pitched that he could fit into the zone.
“They tell me with my length and athleticism I could fill in the gaps and stuff,” he said.
He added: “My family could see me play. It’s a historic school, good program.”
Because he is signing late, Thompson will likely sign financial aid papers and cannot sign a Letter of Intent.
He joins guards Moyer, Chukwu and New Jersey guard Tyus Battle in Syracuse’s new class.
Syracuse is also currently hosting Nebraska transfer Andrew White III, who averaged averaged 16.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season and will be immediately eligible. The news was first reported by the Syracuse Scout site.
