By JAKE LIEBERMAN
Justin Taylor, the 6-foot-6, 200-pound small forward from St. Anne’s (VA) Belfield School, says that Butler, N.C. State, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Georgetown and Maryland are the six schools making him a priority.
He broke down each school for ZAGSBLOG Tuesday by phone.
Butler: “They don’t offer too many guys and I was one of the first in 2022, so that means a lot. Before they even offered, I built a super strong relationship with them and have stayed in consistent contact with coach [Emerson] Kampen and coach [LaVall] Jordan. They’re really down to earth and have built a strong program. They’re also the only school so far who has done a zoom call with my whole family, which was awesome.”
N.C. State: “ I’ve stayed in consistent contact mainly with coach [James] Johnson as well as coach [Kevin] Keatts. Coach Keatts is definitely a player’s coach and allows you to be yourself out on the court. That shows in the growing success they’ve had. It’s definitely apparent that all the players love playing for him.”
Virginia Tech: “I have been in contact with them for a while now and have built a good relationship with coach [Kevin] Giltner and coach [Mike] Young. Their pitch is that they would love for me to stay in state and play for them. The way coach Young runs his offense suits my game well.”
Syracuse: “Though I haven’t been in contact with them long and [given] they just offered, I’ve already started to built a good relationship with them, especially Coach [Gerry McNamara]. I had a great conversation with coach [Jim] Boeheim. I could tell automatically when they offered the type of strong basketball culture and fanbase they have there.”
Georgetown: “I received a call from coach [Patrick] Ewing when he offered. Of course it was awesome hearing from him and getting the offer. I’ve started to build a good relationship with coach [Clinton] Crouch who is a great guy.”
Maryland: “I’ve actually gone on two visits, one to a football game and another to a basketball game. I could tell automatically the type of energy and passion the school has for basketball and it would definitely be a fun place to play at. I have a really good relationship with coach [Matt] Brady as well.”
Taylor is also receiving interest from Virginia, North Carolina, Duke, Georgia, Michigan and Villanova.
He has taken unofficial visits to Virginia, Maryland, Richmond and George Washington. He has also completed virtual visits with Syracuse and NC State.
Taylor says he “would love” to commit before his senior year.
According to 247Sports.com, Taylor is ranked as the No. 12 small forward and No. 58 overall player in the Class of 2021.
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