Player: RJ Taylor
Class: 2023
Height: 5'11
Position: Guard
High School: Grand Blanc
AAU: Meanstreets

Phenom Hoops continues to bring you content surrounding the recruitment of players around the country.  Continuing to look at the Meanstreets program, we recently spoke with 2023 RJ Taylor from Grand Blanc, Michigan who is coming off a title and who also earned first-team all-state.  Now, one of the younger prospects on the 17u team, Taylor spoke about the success he has had, what his recruitment has been like, and what are a few new interests coming his way.


Phenom: First off, how did this past high school season go for you'
Taylor: It was amazing man, ended up winning the D1 state title.  Tons of great memories were made.

Phenom: What was it like to win the title and what did it show you at an early age'  Also, the expectations are set for you and your program next year. How do you handle that'
Taylor: It was surreal. I've learned a lot about the amount of sacrifice and effort it takes to achieve your goal.  It's really good that I'm learning it so young too.  Obviously, we will have a target on our back, so I'll use that as motivation to play hard every time.

Phenom: You also earned first-team all-state; what was that like for you'
Taylor: Yeah, I did.  It was a great feeling, almost a relief to know that all my hard work is paying off and working.

Phenom: How would you best describe your game on the court'
Taylor: I'm a pest defensively that will get up in your grill and is a team player that tries and bring the best out of my teammates and make them better.

Phenom: What has been going on with your recruitment'  Anything new coming your way'
Taylor: I've gotten an offer from Rhode Island and have received interest from schools like Houston, Liberty, and Marquette.  Not sure what is next but whatever happens, I'm grateful for what I got.

Phenom: What has been your relationship with Rhode Island and who has been your main recruiter'
Taylor: It has been good. TJ Buchanan; we have a good relationship for sure.

Phenom: What stands out about that program with you early on and how strong have they continued to recruit you'
Taylor: The family/brotherhood aspect (stands out).' I can tell how close everyone is to the program.' The campus and town are also very beautiful and top-notch.

Phenom: You mentioned a few other schools showing interest. What have they been saying your way in general'
Taylor: They seem to like my toughness and how I play the game. They like my work ethic too.  Just trying to build a good relationship with me overall.

Phenom: Have you mentioned or said anything about a potential offer coming down the road'
Taylor: We haven't really talked about that; it is really just God's plan and whatever happens next happens.