Damian Mojica’s first unofficial visit to Syracuse basketball appears to have checked a big box for the New York forward.
The 2028 three-star power forward from New York state was on campus Monday, and the visit reportedly went well. The 6-foot-8 Mojica also had the chance to meet Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony, who was at SU’s practice that day. For a player from New York who grew up watching the Knicks, that had to be a memorable moment.
Syracuse men’s basketball even highlighted the connection on social media with the message, “Orange runs deep 🍊 pic.twitter.com/4MDVvLe47P”
Mojica, a rising junior, is still early in his recruitment, but Syracuse is already in the mix. Since June 15, when college coaches were first allowed to begin direct contact with 2028 prospects, he has heard from multiple programs, including the Orange.
His list of suitors also includes Stanford, Notre Dame, East Carolina, Towson, Oral Roberts, Buffalo, Boston College, Virginia Tech and Delaware, among others. His early scholarship offers come from East Carolina, Kennesaw State, Hofstra, Oral Roberts and Arkansas-Little Rock.
Syracuse has not offered him yet, but that could change down the road. The Orange staff is expected to keep tabs on him during next month’s two live periods on the AAU circuit, and he is likely to be watched by Syracuse in EYBL play.
Mojica is a standout at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., which competes in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council, and he is playing this spring and summer for the 16U team of the Bronx-based PSA Cardinals in Nike’s EYBL league.
His profile is starting to rise, too. Rivals has him ranked No. 114 overall in the 2028 class, No. 21 among power forwards and No. 2 in New York. Scouts and analysts believe his recent play on the EYBL circuit and at other events has put him on track to push for four-star status in the coming months.
A scouting note from 365 Recruits described him as “an elite 3 level scorer that finishes through contact very well. He showed his ability to be a point forward which showcased his very good passing skills. He is also a lockdown defender that can guard multiple positions.”
Mojica’s PSA Cardinals teammates Kingsley Rogers, Kevin Wheatley Jr. and Malik Moore have also heard from the new Syracuse staff since the 2028 contact period opened in mid-June.
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