Notre Dame transfer guard JJ Starling, a former five-star recruit in the 2022 class, is heading to Syracuse. The Baldwinsville, NY native grew up about 15 miles from Syracuse University, and is returning home after a year at Notre Dame where he was named to the ACC All-Rookie team after averaging 11.2 points and 2.8 rebounds.

Rivals Transfer Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other Schools: Alabama, Kansas, North Carolina, UCLA, Tennessee, Auburn, Indiana and Oregon.

Rob Cassidy, Rivals Basketball Recruiting Director: A former McDonald's All-American, Starling has the tools to be a future pro and flashed some of that upside this year at Notre Dame. He has suitable size and is capable of playing either guard spot, which will be a nice perk for the Orange if Judan Mintz decides to return for another season. Sterling is an average 3-point shooter, but really shines when it comes to getting to the bucket and finishing through contact. He has a pull-up jumper in his arsenal as well and has become a much better passer since I first saw him years ago.

This was a splashy way to start the Red Autry era. Autry was Starling's primary recruiter in high school, and Syracuse was one of Starling's finalists before he ultimately chose Notre Dame. If Mintz stays, the two would form a dynamic backcourt, with two of the top guards in the 2022 class at the top of the zone. If Mintz decides to move on, Starling, a combo guard, would be a plug-and-play at the point guard spot.

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