Cuse Nabs Another Charm City Standout

Ron Bailey, Publisher

October 19, 2008 – Syracuse has had success with forwards; just look at the careers of Carmelo Anthony, Donte Greene and others, including old schoolers like Raphael Addison and Derrick Coleman. That legacy, one of its nationally acknowledged educational programs and great facilities secured the Orange a top recruit Saturday.

“When I went there it was very nice” shared 6’8”, 186 pound, junior forward Carl ‘C.J’. Fair, Jr., a product of Baltimore’s East Side, of his unofficial visit to Syracuse this weekend, resulting in his verbal commitment. “I looked past the weather because I expected it, but when I went into the Carrier Dome, my eyes lit up!”

C.J. Fair, following the advice of his father and others, has though hard work put himself in a great situation.

That would be Syracuse’s dual purpose on campus arena, which can seat over 33,000 for basketball including the National Collegiate Athletic Association‘s on-campus facility record of 33,633 in 2006.

The school’s historical legacy of forwards also impacted Fair’s decision favorably, as the City College High School (MD) standout noted “They run the offense through them (forwards). Almost every year a forward has led them in scoring” before laughing and saying “I was happy to hear that”.

When C.J. researched the school’s S.I. Newhouse School of Communications – widely regarded as one of the best in the nation – the young guy indicated his decision was easy; sports broadcasting holds his interest when the ball stops bouncing for him.

Syracuse bested Louisville (reported to lead for his commitment recently), Florida Virginia, VA Tech, Wake Forest, Georgetown and Maryland. The first five tendered scholarship offers, while the latter pair expressed interest. Assistant coach Rob Murphy was Fair’s chief recruiter to the ‘Cuse.

C.J’s father, Carl, Sr., accompanied his son on the unofficial visit and too was impressed with the school’s frontcourt history, facilities, and educational options. He also scouted the talent that will be at Syracuse when C.J. arrives, and was more than pleased. That includes Philadelphia’s Dion Waiters and a host of others.

The younger Fair, a left handed player who can dribble, shoot, rebound and defend – all with a sense of smoothness – is recovering from a left ACL injury, which is improving, as he revealed “I have full range of motion now”.

To be expected, the setback has proven a challenge. “A little bit” admitted C.J., of whether there was a degree of frustration produced by being injured. “But I have to overcome that”.

His desire to overcome and focus can in certain measure be attributed to the elder Fair, a former Baltimore football star that didn’t necessarily take full advantage of his opportunities. As such, C.J. has been taught to do so, and has a committed and devoted support structure, led by Carl, Sr., ensuring it.

The elder Fair’s advice to highly recruited student athletes is to value the “people that have your back, not when you are going good, but when things are bad. You have to keep them in your life”.

“Your support group is everything” he continued, before saying of his son being led astray by others “I won’t let that happen”.

Hats off to both C.J. and Carl, Sr. Through hard work, diligence and love, Carl Jr. is headed to the Big East. In 2010 a great person and player will be at Syracuse.