Coach Brian Gregory has only been on the job as head coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for a few days, and he already has a marquee win in the recruiting battles. Julian Royal from Milton High School previously had committed to the Yellow Jackets under Paul Hewitt, and confirmed that commitment on Thursday to Gregory.
Royal, the leading scorer on the star-studded Milton roster, never seemed to waiver throughout the coaching change but there were some concerns in the Tech fan base that he might reopen his recruiting under a new coach.
Getting in contact with Georgia Tech's two basketball commits, Royal and Bobby Parks, was of high priority for Gregory after he was introduced on Monday. "I think both those guys coming in are quality players, and the minute this press conference is done, I'm going to make those two phone calls. I think that's important," said Gregory in his press conference. "Julian needs to know locally here that it's a great opportunity for him, and I'm excited about coaching him."
"I want to go to Georgia Tech for the same reasons I originally signed with them - It's great academics, it's a great basketball program, they play in the ACC, I like Atlanta ... I felt the new coach was still a good coach," Royal told the AJC.
Coach Gregory called Royal immediately after the press conference on Monday and had an in-home visit with his family on Tuesday night.