Last month marked a significant milestone for Syracuse University’s women’s basketball program as it secured its first commitment for the 2027 recruiting class. Josephine Pinnock, a talented point guard from New York, announced her verbal commitment to the Orange, choosing them over other contenders such as Seton Hall, Hofstra, and Stony Brook.
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, Pinnock may not yet hold a national ranking, but she is widely recognized as one of the elite seniors in New York. Zach Smart, a respected analyst and scout with deep ties to high school basketball in the state, shared insights with Inside the Loud House about Pinnock’s potential contributions to Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack’s squad in the upcoming 2027-28 season.
“She is as powerful a downhill threat as there is at this level,” said Smart. “Her IQ and awareness translate to her turning in crucial plays and scoring timely buckets. She can steer big defenders away from the rim with a smooth, reliable jumper.”
Pinnock currently excels as a rising senior at Christ the King High School in Middle Village, New York. In her junior year during the 2025-26 season, she posted impressive averages of 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Her outstanding performance earned her the New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) AAA Player of the Year award.
Syracuse Women’s Basketball Pursues National Top Talent
Syracuse’s coaching staff initiated the recruitment process for Pinnock later than some other prospects in the 2027 class. The Orange extended their scholarship offer to her in July after an unofficial visit. According to Inside the Loud House, Pinnock’s official visit occurred last month, further solidifying her interest in the program.
During Pinnock’s junior season, Christ the King achieved significant success, finishing as state runners-up, while also securing her position on the New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA) All-State first team in the AAA division.
“The onus is on Pinnock to lead by example for a storied NYC power and a longtime national power at CTK,” added Smart. “She embodies all of the attributes of a NYC kid with her grittiness, versatility, and hyper-competitive mentality. She will additionally show this season just how versatile her game is.”
With Pinnock now committed to the Orange, the Syracuse coaching staff is shifting its focus to additional 2027 recruits. Among them is Kaleena Smith, a five-star point guard and the nation’s top overall prospect in the senior class. Smith recently had an in-home visit with Legette-Jack, as reported by Inside the Loud House.
Smith was recognized as the national player of the year during her junior year, according to MaxPreps, and she plays for the renowned Ontario Christian School in California, situated near Los Angeles.
Additionally, four-star guard Chance Berry visited Syracuse last month and has included the Orange in her top eight schools. Berry is set to spend her senior season at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida.
