Marcus Adams Puts Syracuse in Top Five, Discusses Official Visit

Syracuse basketball has been in hot pursuit of forward Marcus Adams out of Narbonne High in California. Adams can be part of the 2023 or 2024 classes and has not yet made a decision on which he will be choose. Adams released a top five of Syracuse, Texas, UCLA, Oregon and Mississippi State on Wednesday, just days after officially visiting the Orange. 

"I liked the coaches," Adams said. "Coach Griffin gave us a tour around campus. It's a great campus. We all ate dinner together and was talking. They treated me like I'm part of the team already, which was cool. I loved the atmosphere in the Dome, it was a crazy atmosphere. Maybe if I'm thinking about it, I hope to play there soon." 

Part of the visit was also Adams meeting with the Syracuse coaches to discuss his skill set, how he would be utilized and how he fits into their system. 

"I'd be a multi-level scorer," Adams said. "I could go make an impact when it comes to scoring, athleticism, shooting and rebounding. I could make a big impact on that. Defense and rebounding too." 

The 6-8 forward also spoke over the phone to a Syracuse legend in Carmelo Anthony during the visit.

"He told me that it's great," Adams said. "He said he supports me and stuff like that. He the school. He played there and loved it up there. He said I'm going to love it too and said good luck wherever I go. It was crazy. I didn't expect him to talk to me specifically. He knew about me and stuff like that so it was kind of crazy to me." 

A highlight of the visit was attending Syracuse's game against Virginia Monday night. The fans made a big impression on Adams. 

"It was crazy," Adams said. "I love the atmosphere and love the fans. They were walking up to me and saying 'we need you. We want you' and stuff like that. 'You'd fit in here' and 'Orange looks good on you.' Took some pictures, signed some autographs, things like that. It was pretty cool out there." 

Overall, the visit enhanced Adams' view of the Orange. 

"It boosted it a lot," Adams said. "Checked all the boxes, which was pretty cool. So I'm looking forward to thinking about it."

Adams also has a decision timeframe in mind. 

"I'm saying in a couple of weeks up to a month, I'll commit," Adams said. "Before championship playoffs. February 18th or 25th, around there."

Adams said he will likely verbally commit at that time and make a decision on 2023 or 2024 after that. He does not have anything scheduled but could visit Oregon and/or Mississippi State before a decision.