By Michael McAllister
While Nerlens Noel got all the publicity for his visit last Saturday as the Orange beat the Huskies, another big-time recruit was also there. He was a little more under the radar as "Noel-Mania" had taken over. However, his recruitment should not be downplayed. He's one of the top point-guards in the 2013 class, and Syracuse is very much on his radar. Nation of Orange had an opportunity to discuss his visit with him, among other things.
Nation of Orange: How is your season going so far?
Tyler Ennis: The season is going well. We are 25-1, and have beaten some good teams along the way. Right now I'm averaging 16 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals per game.
Nation of Orange: Describe your game.
Tyler Ennis: If I had to describe it I'd say I'm a pure point. I like to get everyone involved but can take over a game by scoring. Something I can work on for the college level is strength and overall physicality of the college game.
Nation of Orange: What are some things you like to do off the court?
Tyler Ennis: Off the court I like to spend time with family, hang out with friends, and listen to music.
Nation of Orange: What music do you listen to in order to get yourself pumped up before a game?
Tyler Ennis: I like Meek Mill, Wale, and of course Drake being from Toronto. Before games I always listen to Tory Lanez, who's a rapper from my area back in Toronto.
Nation of Orange: Who's your favorite NBA team and who are your favorite players?
Tyler Ennis: My favorite team to watch would have to be the Oklahoma City Thunder. My favorite players are Kyrie Irving, Tyreke Evans, and John Wall.
Nation of Orange: Which schools have you been hearing from the most?
Tyler Ennis: Schools recruiting me the hardest are Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Arizona.
Nation of Orange: I know you took a visit to Syracuse recently. How did it go?
Tyler Ennis: Yeah, I liked it a lot. I like the school and the basketball program. I learned a lot on my visit there. It's a very good option. I learned how the players live, about campus life, about the whole staff from AD's to trainers.
Nation of Orange: Did you have a chance to speak with Boeheim or other coaches?
Tyler Ennis: Yeah I spoke with the whole staff. They were telling me about the situation I would come into if I did end up going to Syracuse.
Nation of Orange: Do you have a top 5 or any early favorites?
Tyler Ennis: I don't have a top 5 right now, but I would say Syracuse has an edge because it's the only school I've visited.
Nation of Orange: What are your thoughts on the Syracuse 2/3 zone? Have you played it before?
Tyler Ennis: I've played it here and there. Not a lot, but I know they get a lot of steals off of it. I like that because I like to play in transition.
Nation of Orange: What did you think of the Carrier Dome atmosphere?
Tyler Ennis: It was crazy. No one else gets 33,000 fans. Not even pros get that. So it was good.
Nation of Orange: Do you have any other visits planned?
Tyler Ennis: I might be visiting Arizona later this month but it is not set.
Nation of Orange: What about Arizona? Who has been recruiting you from there, and what is attractive about them?
Tyler Ennis: Book Richardson and Joe Pasternak have been recruiting me. I like their guard history.
Nation of Orange: When was the last time someone from Arizona came and saw you play?
Tyler Ennis: Book Richardson was at my game this past Sunday.
Nation of Orange: What have you been hearing from them?
Tyler Ennis: They are just telling me that they only have one point-guard at the moment. There will be a big role in my class at the point-guard position.
Nation of Orange: What are your thoughts on their incoming recruiting class?
Tyler Ennis: I know they are all good bigs, so that's a plus to play with as a guard.
Nation of Orange: How long have you known Coach Richardson? Does that relationship have an effect on how you view Arizona?
Tyler Ennis: He knew my uncle a while back through basketball. A little, not too much.
Nation of Orange: What about head coach Sean Miller? Have you talked to him? What's your relationship with him like?
Tyler Ennis: Yeah I've talked to him a couple of times. He checks up with me every so often.
Nation of Orange: When was the last time you heard from him? And has he been out to see any of your games?
Tyler Ennis: Two days ago, and no he has not.
Nation of Orange: Will distance from home be a factor in your decision?
Tyler Ennis: No, not at the moment.
Nation of Orange: What will be the most important factor in your decision?
Tyler Ennis: Playing time.
Nation of Orange: Do you have a time frame for when you'll decide?
Tyler Ennis: It's looking like I'll decide sometime this summer and sign early.
