Trenton Catholic Academy’s Malachai Richardson confirmed what many had suspected —that he would be committing to play basketball for Syracuse University following graduation in 2015.
HAMILTON — Trenton Catholic Academy’s Malachai Richardson confirmed what many had suspected —that he would be committing to play basketball for Syracuse University following graduation in 2015.
The junior standout announced his decision at a Dec. 13 press conference at the school.
”Jim Boeheim is a great coach, and I loved everything about Syracuse University, including their strong academics,” Malachai said. “I think that’s the best fit for me, and I’ll be able to have my parents there at the games because it’s not too far of a ride.”
According to a school press release, ESPN has rated Richardson as the top Class of 2015 prospect in New Jersey and the 12th-best in the nation.
He had culled his extensive list of scholarship offers down to Syracuse, the University of Connecticut, Villanova, Arizona, Rutgers and Indiana.
Early in December, he visited Syracuse with his mother and father and watched the Orange defeat Indiana in the Carrier Dome.
”It was a long process, but when we spoke to Jim Boeheim (after the Indiana game), he really closed the deal,” said Malachai’s mother Jacqui. “Everything he had to say about how he would fit into their program, how they would use him as a freshman and going into his sophomore year, maybe being there as a junior. He sold us on that program.”
At six-foot-six with a long reach and a deadly outside shot, Malachai seems like an ideal fit for Mr. Boeheim’s tenacious 2-3 zone, per the release. Already on the Syracuse squad is Tyler Roberson, Malachai’s teammate on last year’s Roselle Catholic squad that won the Tournament of Champions.
Malachai also talked about returning to TCA, where he had played as a freshman.
”I wanted to move back here with my family and have Trenton Catholic Academy across my chest,” he said. “It was difficult for my family to get up to all of the games, so I wanted to come back.”
TCA coach Fred Falchi, who has turned out nearly a dozen of Division 1 college players over the last few years, acknowledged the necessary hard work and dedication in order to succeed.
”It just shows that when you put your mind to something you can really do it,” Mr. Falchi said in the release. “A lot of people talk it, but nobody sees what goes on behind the scenes and what these kids do. These boys are playing basketball in college, but more important, they are getting their education.”