Four-star junior Justin Taylor talks his busy recruitment
Justin Taylor has always been seen as the pride and joy of Virginia high school basketball and many ask themselves the million-dollar question: “Is Justin Taylor staying home.” The chances I’d say are more open than people think, but, the 6-foot-6 wing out of Charlottesville has plenty of options to choose from in his recruitment.
Taylor has asserted himself as a high-level recruit due to his versatility, ability to score on multiple levels, runs the floor, capable defender, and he’s an elite competitor who will slot himself in any role as long as it could lead to a team victory.
This season, Taylor and the entire country have dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic. Except, Taylor’s program just waited for their season to start on March 5th but due to contact tracing, St. Annes Belfield’s season was canceled before it even had the chance to start. Obviously, there’s tons of frustration for the four-star wing as he waited months to step back on the floor.
Now, he will get to focus more on his busy recruitment and he discussed it with Stockrisers.com
Which schools are heavily in the mix?
“UNC, Virginia, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Indiana, and Georgetown contact me the most.”
Are any new programs boiling new interest?
“Purdue is probably the most recent interest I’ve received.”
Virginia, what’s their pitch, and what are your thoughts on possibly staying home?
“With UVA you know it’s definitely appealing to possibly stay home and play here, and a lot of people want me to stay home. I have a really good relationship with Coach Bennett and he talks to me a lot about the family atmosphere, playing style that fits me, and how much I could develop there.”
What’s Indiana’s staff pitching to you as far as playstyle?
“With Indiana, I could play a three-guard offense where they’re running off a lot of screens which would definitely complement my game and style of play.”
Overall thoughts on the Syracuse Orange?
“With Syracuse, I’ve built a really good relationship with Coach GMac and their huge thing is their playing style and getting the right guys for that zone and guys who can score the ball. Their ‘22 class is a big class for them and they want me to be one of those lead guys.”
Any guys have been recruiting you to their pledged programs?
“(laughs) Yeah, a couple of guys. Benny Williams who’s committed to Syracuse has talked to me because we also played for Team Takeover together. Also, Angelo Brizzi, who is committed to Villanova, is one of my best friends. Villanova hasn’t offered yet but they’ve shown some interest.”
Discuss your game.
“I think I can really impact a game with my shooting, and I am versatile so I can play and guard multiple positions. I’ve gotten much more comfortable with the ball and making plays now, and have become more athletic and a better defender.”
Next steps?
“Since I wasn’t able to have a high school season this year, I’m really looking forward to playing this spring and summer. I look to cut my list this spring/start of summer and make a final decision on where I’m going at the end of the summer.”