When Phenom Hoop Report hits the road for open gyms, it is not only a great chance to check out rosters for the upcoming season but it is a chance to some pretty special prospects.
When heading to Carmel Christian, we were highly intrigued to see how they would be replacing the senior production from last year’s team that went 31-3. With a ton of talent around them though, one guard stood out immediately; that was 2021 6’3 Justin Taylor.
Taylor is a very skilled guard with tight handles, excellent vision, and has the ability to score whenever he wants. Right now, he is currently ranked No. 12 in the Phenom Hoops 2021 rankings but his stock could continue to rise as well as his recruitment.
Phenom Hoops spoke with Taylor to find out the latest with his recruitment and his thoughts on the upcoming season.
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PHR: How has this offseason been going for you' How did your summer go during the AAU season'
Taylor: I feel like my offseason has been pretty productive. This is the start of my first year at Carmel Christian and it’s already going great on and off the court. I feel like I have grown as a player as a result of the ups and downs of the summer circuit.
PHR: What is your outlook on the upcoming high school season with yourself and with the team' What have you been working on with your game lately'
Taylor: I am excited about our team, my coach is really challenging me to step up my game. I have great teammates and they have welcomed me with open arms. I already love them like brothers. I feel like we are going to have a great year because of the unselfishness and varying skill sets on our team too, along with our great coaching.
My main focus is getting stronger and always tightening up my ball handling. I am trying to become a better playmaker, for my teammates and myself. I am trying to tighten up on playing off-ball screens.
PHR: How would you best describe your game on the court and what do you pride yourself on'
Taylor: A playmaker that can really score the ball and plays at his own pace.
PHR: How has your recruitment been going' Has it picked up for you'
Taylor: My recruitment has picked up as of late. We have had several schools inquire about me and would like for me to come on campus for unofficial visits.
PHR: You hold offers from USF and Elon right now' What are your thoughts on each program and what relationship have you been able to build'
Taylor: USF is in a very tough conference. There are at least three schools that have won a national championship or played in a championship game. I am humbled by their interest in me. Coach Dixon has made it clear that I am a big priority for them.
Elon’s staff has been in constant contact with me and expressed a strong desire for me to play there. Coach Adams and Lewis are great guys. Elon has a beautiful campus.
PHR: We see several schools are heading your way lately also. What other schools have been showing interest in you' How strong have they been on you'
Taylor: Schools have reached out to my coach and expressed a lot of interest. NC State and Tennessee are among the schools that have been following my progress. I have heard from App State, Charleston, Winthrop and Wilmington among others locally.
PHR: Have you been able to develop a relationship with those coaches or schools' Which ones specifically and how often do you keep in touch'
Taylor: These schools have expressed interest and will be out to see me in open gyms, as well as during the season.
I am developing relationships; quite honestly, it is all coming at me kind of fast. My dad and I are trying to manage the incoming.
PHR: Have you been able to make any visits' Also, do you have any upcoming ones' If so, when and where'
Taylor: We have been to App State and plan to visit South Florida and NC State soon. Being in a new school my schedule has been quite hectic.