Basketball recruiting: It’s shaping up to be UGA vs. Georgia Tech for one of state’s top prospects

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It is shaping up to be UGA vs. Georgia Tech for Milton High power forward Julian Royal, who is ranked as one of the nation’s top 100 college basketball prospects.

Royal will take his first official visit to UGA on Friday. He is also scheduled to take recruiting trips to Georgia Tech on Oct. 1 and Wake Forest on Oct. 8.

“As a parent, if Julian chose between Georgia and Georgia Tech, I’d win,” said his father, Charles Royal. “We have three official visits and that’s all we’re going to take unless something crazy happens.”

The 6-foot-9 Royal led Milton High to the state championship in Georgia’s largest classification, averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds. He had around 40 scholarship offers by the end of his junior season.

UGA and Georgia Tech recruit the same players all the time. However, it’s not often that both schools are among the 2-3 finalists for a prospect.

UGA, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech lead 40 schools for Royal (AJC)

What is working in Georgia’s favor? “What’s not to like about [UGA coach] Mark Fox? I think he has done the program justice since he has been there,” the elder Royal said. “We’ve been fortunate to be there for a few games last year. He’s got those guys thinking about winning. The facilities are impressive.”

Georgia Tech? “Those guys have been on us for quite a time. We have an old picture of Julian with [Georgia Tech coach] Paul Hewitt when he was 10 or 11 years old. Julian had a pot belly and was significantly shorter, looking nothing like he does now. Georgia Tech has a great reputation and plays in the tough ACC.”

Royal said that his family has purposely taken a slow pace with recruiting process, making sure his son has all the information and experiences needed to make the best decision. ”I just want him to take his time and really think what it would be like attending each of these schools. This is a relationship that he is going to work on for the next four years.”

Two other Milton seniors have revealed their college decisions — with Shannon Scott committed to Ohio State and Jordan Loyd headed to Furman. Guard Dai-Jon Parker is considering multiple offers, including both Georgia and Georgia Tech.

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