Syracuse Basketball Targets Shine at Jordan Holiday Classic in NYC
The Jordan Holiday Classic in Brooklyn turned into a proving ground for several of Syracuse basketball’s top recruiting targets this past weekend-and the Orange coaching staff was watching closely.
Assistant coach Brenden Straughn was on-site at Achievement First High School, keeping tabs on a loaded lineup of talent from the 2026, 2027, and 2028 classes. Among the headliners was 2026 five-star shooting guard Jordan Smith Jr., Syracuse’s top priority in that cycle. And Smith didn’t disappoint on the big stage.
Let’s break down how each of Syracuse’s key targets performed under the bright lights of New York City.
Jordan Smith Jr. (2026) - Five-Star SG, St. Paul VI Catholic (VA)
Stat line: 20 points, 8 assists, 4 blocks, 2 steals
Shooting: 8-of-15 FG, 3-of-4 3PT, 1-of-2 FT
Smith was every bit the headliner he was expected to be. Playing on national television against a tough Long Island Lutheran squad, the 6-foot-3 guard put together a complete performance, leading St.
Paul VI to a 68-62 win. His scoring was efficient, but what really stood out was his two-way impact-distributing the ball with poise and protecting the rim with four blocks.
Syracuse has already hosted him on two unofficial visits, and with the Orange in his top six, this kind of showing only reinforces why he’s such a coveted piece in their 2026 puzzle.
Moussa Kamissoko (2027) - Five-Star Wing, Long Island Lutheran (NY)
Stat line: 2 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 2 steals
Shooting: 0-of-4 FG, 0-of-1 3PT, 2-of-2 FT
Kamissoko didn’t have his best scoring night, but he found other ways to contribute. His defense and playmaking were solid despite the shooting struggles, and he stayed active on both ends of the floor. Syracuse extended an offer to him in late 2024, and while this wasn’t a breakout performance, his length and versatility remain intriguing as he continues to develop.
Zion Green (2027) - Five-Star Forward, Mt. Zion Prep (MD)
Stat line: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Shooting: 7-of-20 FG, 0-of-1 3PT, 8-of-10 FT
Green put up numbers in a tough loss to powerhouse Link Academy. He was aggressive from the jump, getting to the line often and converting at a high clip.
Though the efficiency from the field wasn’t ideal, his ability to get downhill and draw contact stood out. Syracuse offered Green in June and welcomed him for an unofficial visit in August, and his physical tools and scoring instincts continue to make him a high-upside prospect.
Theo Edema (2027) - Four-Star Big, Cushing Academy (MA)
Stat line: 12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Shooting: 4-of-7 FG, 4-of-6 FT
Edema controlled the paint in Cushing’s 52-48 win over Blair Academy. A double-double with rim protection and solid passing from the post?
That’s a strong day at the office. Syracuse offered him in June and hosted him for an official visit in September.
There’s also talk he could reclassify to 2026, which would make his recruitment even more interesting. Maryland has some buzz, but the Orange are firmly in the mix.
Ian Archbold (2028) - Four-Star Guard, Blair Academy (NJ)
Game 1 vs. Cushing: 0 points, 2 rebounds (0-of-2 FG, 0-of-1 3PT)
Game 2 vs. Our Saviour Lutheran: 7 points, 5 rebounds (2-of-3 FG, 1-of-2 3PT, 2-of-2 FT)
Archbold had a quiet first game but bounced back nicely in his second outing. He showed some scoring touch and rebounding ability in Blair’s 78-52 win, making the most of his limited shot attempts. Syracuse offered him in July, and while he’s still early in his development, there’s clear potential in his all-around game.
Colton Hiller (2028) - Five-Star Wing, Coatesville Area HS (PA)
Stat line: 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 4 steals
Shooting: 9-of-12 FG, 1-of-12 3PT, 7-of-9 FT
Hiller’s stat line is one of the most fascinating from the weekend. He was dominant inside the arc and at the free-throw line, but couldn’t find the range from deep despite firing 12 threes.
Still, the 26-point performance-paired with his defensive activity-shows how dangerous he can be. Syracuse offered him in June, and he’s already looking like one of the top wings in the 2028 class.
Anderson Diaz (2027) - Four-Star PG, Cold Hearts (Overtime Elite)
Stat line: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 14 assists, 2 blocks, 4 steals
Shooting: 2-of-12 FG, 1-of-4 3PT, 7-of-8 FT
Diaz didn’t shoot it well, but everything else was elite. Fourteen assists, seven boards, and four steals?
That’s a stat-stuffing performance from a true floor general. Syracuse offered him in July, and with his size and vision, he’s exactly the kind of modern point guard who can run a high-octane offense.
The shooting will come-his feel for the game is already advanced.
Caleb Ourigou (2027) - Four-Star Big, Cold Hearts (Overtime Elite)
Stat line: 10 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 blocks
Shooting: 4-of-6 FG, 2-of-2 FT
Ourigou brought the muscle down low. He was efficient offensively and a force on the glass, adding four blocks to cap off a strong defensive effort. Syracuse offered him back in May, and his size, rebounding, and rim protection give him a high floor as a traditional big with modern mobility.
Final Takeaway
The Jordan Holiday Classic gave Syracuse fans a glimpse into the program’s recruiting future-and there’s a lot to like. From Jordan Smith Jr.’s all-around dominance to the raw potential shown by rising stars like Colton Hiller and Anderson Diaz, the Orange are casting a wide net across multiple classes.
With assistant coach Brenden Straughn tracking these performances in person, it’s clear Syracuse is putting in the work to stay competitive on the national recruiting stage. The talent is there.
Now it’s about building the relationships-and closing.