Georgia and Georgia Tech both signed basketball recruiting classes of all homegrown talent Wednesday, while the state’s top three prospects remained unsigned.
Wednesday was the first day of the NCAA’s early signing period, which ends next week.
Shiloh High School forward Robert Carter is considered one of the nation’s top 25 overall prospects, as are Miller Grove forward Tony Parker and Southwest DeKalb forward Shaq Goodwin.
The 6-foot-9, 250-pound Carter is scheduled to announce his decision at 5 p.m. Thursday between Tech and Georgia, among others. Meanwhile, the 6-9, 270-pound Parker said he “will not sign this week.” Duke and Ohio State are considered his frontrunners.
There is a little more drama surrounding Goodwin, who made the surprising decision to commit Tuesday to Memphis, but said Wednesday “I don’t know what’s going to happen.” Goodwin also visited UCLA, and has Georgia, Florida and Arizona in his top five. He and Parker could wait to sign in April’s late period.
Georgia signed three players Wednesday: Milton point guard Charles Mann, Whitfield Academy guard Kenny Gaines and Miller Grove forward Brandon Morris. Georgia coach Mark Fox finally proved that he could effectively recruit the state, while adding some much-needed depth to his backcourt.
Morris is a blossoming star for Miller Grove, the three-time defending Class AAAA state champions. ‘’Brandon is a very long, versatile forward,” Fox said. “He has a great competitive spirit about him, and I believe he will help us in many, many ways.’’
Tech signed two players: North Gwinnett point guard Chris Bolden and North Clayton forward Marcus Hunt. Bolden played last season at Norcross, where he scored the last four points of the Class AAAAA state championship game in a 59-55 win over Milton.
“We are excited to add a player of Chris’ talent and character. ... Although he is one of the premier shooters in the country, I have been even more impressed with the expansion of his game,” Tech coach Brian Gregory said. “His ability to positively impact the game with his defense, rebounding and playmaking skills is really developing.
Tech reportedly has an edge over Georgia for Carter, who has connections with the Yellow Jackets. Carter’s AAU basketball coach is Winfred Jordan, whose son, point guard Pierre Jordan, transferred from Florida State to Tech in August and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Yellow Jackets. Carter has expressed interest in playing with Jordan in college.
Also Wednesday, the Georgia women signed two winners of Miss Tennessee Basketball, guard Marjorie Butler of Knoxville and guard-forward Shacobia Barbee of Murfreesboro.
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