Jalen Carey, the 6-foot-4, 175-pound combo guard from Immaculate Conception (N.J.), verbally committed to Syracuse over UConn on Wednesday.
Carey, ranked the No. 11 point guard in the Class of 2018 by 247Sports.com, previously told ZAGSBLOG he would announce on Oct. 11, his birthday.
Breaking: Jalen Carey (@yungswae5) announces his commitment.
?: @HoopMajor pic.twitter.com/L1Wj5M4dol
— Pat Lawless (@PatLawless_) October 4, 2017
As for Syracuse, he recently told ZAGSBLOG: “They think I can come in and play right away, put the ball in my hands and make plays for others. They feel I can be a big part of their program, they see they need a guard badly so they I feel I can come in and fill that guard spot right away.
Carey is basically the only guard the Orange are recruiting in 2018.
“That makes me feel special, knowing that they’re not willing to take any chances,” he said. “They know I’m the only option, they have all their faith in me. That’s something really special.”
Boeheim has done well with New Jersey guards in recent years, including Tyler Ennis (St. Benedict’s Prep, Malachi Richardson (Trenton Catholic) and Tyus Battle (St. Joe’s).
“I spoke with Tyus a little bit at Nike Skills Academy,” Carey said. “I know Tyler Ennis went there, they talked to me a lot about him. I know a lot of other guards went there, Dion Waiters, and how they feel I’m the same or better as some of those guys and how they would help me.”
Said Immaculate Conception coach Jimmy Salmon: “Jalen has added a dimension to his game each year that I’ve been lucky enough to be his coach. He is a constantly improving player who’s best ball is years in front of him.”
Syracuse is also involved for 6-11 Brewster (N.H.) Academy forward Nate Roberts, who will announce Oct. 17 for Syracuse, Washington or Nebraska.
