Michael Gbinije has committed to transfer to Syracuse.

Gbinije played one season at Duke while receiving limited playing time.

Gbinije played with Syracuse freshmen Rakeem Christmas and Michael Carter-Williams in the 2011 Jordan Brand Classic. He also knew Trevor Cooney from the 2010 Nike Global Challenge.

Jim Boeheim and Mike Krzyzewski have known each other for years, with the former assisting the latter on the Olympic teams.

“They talked to each other about me,’’ Gbinije said. “Coach K’s a really good person. He gave a good word for me.’’

Maccabi Haifa of the Israeli Basketball Super League will announce Thursday that Bernie Fine has been hired as a basketball consultant.

Fine was fired from his position as assistant coach of Syracuse amid allegations of sexually molesting two former ball poys.

No charges have been filed against Fine and he has denied wrongdoing. A federal investigation is ongoing.

Fine will consult from the United States for the team owned by Florida-based businessman Jeffrey Rosen.

Isaiah Whitehead indicated that Syracuse is currently at the top of his list of schools.

Whitehead, considered one of the top guards in the class of 2014, is also considering Arizona, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, St. John's and UCLA.

"I want a program that will be good down the road, not just good right now, because I won’t be in college next year," Whitehead said.

Whitehead averaged 18 points, 5 rebounds and five assists for New York Lincoln High School this past season.

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim will be on hand to watch Tyler Ennis at the Nike EYBL circuit.

Boeheim recently spoke with Ennis on the phone.

“He told me he’s going to be there this weekend at all of our games to show how dedicated he is and everything like that,” Ennis said. “It feels good to have a Hall of Fame coach coming out to your games to watch you and show interest in you.”

Ennis, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound Toronto native and St. Benedict's point guard, plans to play with Canada in the FIBA U18 World Championships, which will be held June 16-20 in Sao Sebastiao do Paraiso, Brazil.

Dion Waiters has signed with prominent NBA player agent Rob Pelinka.

“I liked who he was and how he presented himself to me as a businessman,’’ Waiters said. “I was comfortable with him and so were my mom and my dad. They liked what he shared with us. It felt like the best fit right away.’’

Pelinka represents several of the NBA’s biggest stars, including Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Eric Gordon and James Harden.

Fab Melo has been training at IMG Academy in preparation for the upcoming NBA draft.

Melo, who has been projected as a late-first to early-second round pick, will be represented by B.J. Armstrong of the Wasserman Media Group.

Armstrong's best-known client is Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose.

Nerlens Noel has committed to Kentucky.

Noel also considered Georgetown and Syracuse.

Noel recently reclassified into the incoming freshman class of 2012 and is considered by many to be the top recruit. Noel is a defensive-minded center as an excellent shotblocker.

Noel announced his decision on ESPNU by shaving the UK logo into his head.

Noel will join fellow incoming top recruits Alex Poythress, Archie Goodwin and Willie Cauley.

Nerlens Noel, the nation’s top recruit, tweeted Monday night that he's "Gon shock the world !!"

The 6-foot-10 shot-blocker from Massachusetts is considering Kentucky, Syracuse, and Georgetown and is scheduled to announce his decision Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET during a live telecast on ESPNU.

Noel talked with the Boston Globe about his recruiting process and how the pressure has increased over the past few months.

“It’s been pretty hectic,’’ Noel said. “A lot of scout calls, a lot of media sites. But I’ve just been trying to stay focused mentally, take my time with these visits and then eventually make the decision that I think is right for me.

“It’s been a long process. I’ve just stayed humble through it, kept working hard, trying to get where I’m at right now. I still don’t think I’m where I need to be at. I’ve just got to keep working hard.’’

Fab Melo is entering the NBA draft after averaging 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds for Syracuse this past season.

“After meeting with my mother, my family and coach Boeheim, I have decided to enter my name into the 2012 NBA Draft. Being able to play professional basketball has been my dream since I first starting playing this game and now I have the opportunity to accomplish that dream. Coach Boeheim, coach Hopkins and the rest of the Syracuse staff have helped me develop as a player and as a man and I will always be appreciative for what they’ve done for me. I wish Syracuse University, the basketball program and the Syracuse fans nothing but the best.”

Melo, a 7-foot center from Brazil, was named the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Fab Melo has reportedly signed with agent Arn Tellem and will declare for the the June 28 draft.

Melo, a 7-foot center, averaged 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds for Syracuse this past season.

He is projected as a first round pick.