McNamara lands first five-star as Kamissoko commits to Syracuse

• Jeff Borzello

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  Jeff Borzello

  ESPN Staff Writer

  • Basketball recruiting insider.
  • Joined ESPN in 2014.
  • Graduate of University of Delaware.
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• Paul Biancardi

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  Paul Biancardi

  Basketball Recruiting

  • National Recruiting Director for ESPN.com
  • 18 years of coaching experience at Division I level
  • Former Horizon League coach of the year at Wright State

Sep 25, 2026, 10:28 AM ET

Five-star forward Moussa Kamissoko has committed to Syracuse, he told ESPN on Friday, becoming the first five-star recruit of Gerry McNamara's head coaching career and only the second five-star Orange commit in the past decade.

Kamissoko chose Syracuse over a list of suitors that included Florida State, Illinois, Virginia and Oklahoma State.

"Growing up, I remember watching Syracuse, and from the moment they started recruiting me, it felt like home," Kamissoko told ESPN. "The relationship with the coaching staff, especially coach G Mac. That's my guy!"

Kamissoko took a visit to Syracuse earlier this month and was attracted to McNamara's coaching style and the Orange's facilities.

"Coach was a great player at Cuse and went through the whole recruiting process the way that I did," Kamissoko said. "He's a players' coach, and that is what I was looking for. You can tell the guys like playing for him. The practice was detailed, with great vibes. Coach has a great development plan for me, and they showed that Cuse has been good when they have wings like me.

"The Dome is what impressed me the most. Having the opportunity to play in that atmosphere when it's packed is something I imagined while there on my visit. Can't wait to play in front of the Cuse fans."

Syracuse hired McNamara in March following two seasons at Siena. He previously spent 15 seasons as an assistant coach on the Syracuse staff under Jim Boeheim and Adrian Autry and was one of the greatest players in Orange history, helping lead the program to a national championship in 2003 and having his No. 3 jersey retired in 2023.

Kamissoko is McNamara's first statement recruit since returning to Syracuse. He becomes the first five-star prospect to pick the Orange since Donnie Freeman in 2024 and just the second since Chris McCullough in 2014.

A 6-foot-7 forward from New York who plays at SPIRE Academy (Ohio), Kamissoko is ranked No. 15 overall in the SC Next 100 and is the No. 2 power forward in the class. He stood out with the PSA Cardinals on the Nike EYBL circuit this past spring and summer, averaging 16.3 points and 7.2 rebounds over 18 games and shooting better than 35% from 3. He was at his most productive during the Nike Peach Jam, posting 16.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, ranking sixth overall in the latter category.

Kamissoko, who has a 6-11 wingspan and possesses similarities to Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, is an energetic, athletic forward capable of making an impact as a scorer, rebounder, finisher and defender. He is particularly effective in transition. With room to operate, Kamissoko uses his length, long strides and developing skillset to attack the game. His greatest offensive value comes inside the arc and near the basket, as he shot 56.3% on 2-point attempts in EYBL play. His perimeter shooting remains a work in progress, though he has shown flashes of promise when given time and space.

Defensively, Kamissoko can guard the forward position and could use his length in a zone or trapping scheme to close passing lanes and challenge shots.

"I just want to make sure I'm ready to contribute to winning as soon as I step foot on campus and help compete for a national championship," he said.

Kamissoko is Syracuse's second commit in the 2027 class, joining three-star forward Jack Donohue.