Syracuse Basketball: New 4-star commit Lucas Taylor expects ‘a whole lot of winning’
Like other recent Syracuse basketball recruits, high school commits, and transfers, new addition Lucas Taylor is determined to win many games and help return the Orange to the NCAA Tournament after a three-year hiatus.
Earlier this week, Taylor, a junior guard from Georgia State, announced he would transfer to Syracuse for his final year of eligibility following a visit to the campus.
Rated a four-star transfer by 247Sports, Taylor will add depth to Syracuse’s backcourt for the 2024-25 season. Reports suggest he’s a versatile player capable of playing both guard positions and potentially as a small forward due to his solid 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame.
Following his commitment to Syracuse, Taylor discussed in multiple interviews why he chose the Orange and his goals for the upcoming season.
In an interview with Jeff Bendel, director of player analysis at Phenom Hoops, Taylor said he chose Syracuse because it allows him to “compete at the highest level” during his senior year. He mentioned that head coach Adrian Autry, assistant coach Brenden Straughn, and new assistant coach Dan Engelstad were significantly involved in his recruitment.
In a 247Sports piece by national analyst Travis Branham, Taylor expressed his desire to compete on a national level and highlighted his strong connection with Coach Autry and the entire staff. Mike Waters of Syracuse.com shared a subscriber-exclusive story on Taylor, who publicly stated that Syracuse “had everything I was looking for.” When asked by Bendel about his expectations for his senior season, Taylor replied, “Definitely to make a tournament run. A whole lot of winning.”
Taylor, from Raleigh, N.C., started his college career at Wake Forest before transferring to Georgia State, where he averaged 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, shooting 40.7% from the field, 35.4% from three-point range, and 78.7% from the free-throw line.
Bendel noted Taylor’s impressive six 20-point performances and his top ten rankings in seven different statistical categories in the Sun Belt Conference. Given Syracuse’s loss of multiple key players, Taylor’s scoring ability should make for a smooth transition.
When asked by Phenom Hoops about his role with Syracuse, Taylor emphasized that the 2024-25 roster is talented, and he is prepared to be a playmaker or a scorer as needed.
