Syracuse has reportedly made 6’6″ shooter Justin Taylor a priority for the Class of ’22. He’s listed as a top 20 small forward in the nation, and has offered from UNC, Indiana, NC State, Virginia and Virginia Tech (among others). The Charlottesville product is being recruited heavily in the ACC, and The Fizz has written about a potential package deal with Maliq Brown.
With UNC’s change at the top this month, many have wondered how that would affect Taylor’s interest in the Heels. He had some honest admissions in a chat with “Inside Carolina” (paywall).
“I was honestly shocked… It was just out of the blue. At first it was upsetting, but then I was happy for him because I knew that’s what he wanted. It was mixed emotions.” – Justin Taylor on Roy Williams’ retirement
Advantage rivals of the Tar Heels, right? Not necessarily. New coach Hubert Davis called him, and Taylor had plenty of good things to say about the former assistant.
“It was a great first impression,” Taylor says. “I could tell that he was super down to earth and a good person. I think he can definitely take over that role and be someone that’s a great coach, but someone who looks out for his players, and who his players look up to.”
“He’s just a good dude that’s going to do a good job for UNC. I was excited about just talking to him, and getting to know him some more.” – Justin Taylor on Hubert Davis
At the moment, 247 Sports lists Syracuse, Indiana, Virginia and Virginia Tech as the four schools Taylor is warm to. Taylor gave us a few benchmark dates in his decision. He says he wants to whittle it down to his finalists by the of May and then take his visits in June. He plans to commit before fall semester starts, and possibly by mid-summer.
The hopes of a huge SU recruiting class could be pinned to Taylor. The Orange have already landed Kamari Lands, but with Brandon Huntley-Hatfield choosing Tennessee, eyes are looking at Taylor (and his friendship with Brown) as the next big fish to reel in.
