Georgia Tech’s options to fill the remainder of its scholarships are narrowing down, and coach Josh Pastner and his staff face an important couple days to try to deepen the roster.
Wheeler High forward Jordan Tucker plans to make a visit to Tech on Thursday, according to multiple reports. Princeton graduate transfer forward Hans Brase is scheduled to make an official visit Wednesday and Thursday, according to a person familiar with their recruitment.
Tucker, Brase and Jonesboro High guard M.J. Walker are Tech's three primary targets for the Yellow Jackets' three remaining scholarships. Pastner secured the fourth member of the 2017 recruiting class Tuesday when South Forsyth High power forward Evan Cole committed , bringing the roster of scholarship players to 10.
As high-profile high-school players from metro Atlanta, either Tucker or Walker would be highly significant recruits for Pastner as he tries to build a foundation for his team. Walker is ranked the No. 25 prospect in the senior class by ESPN and Tucker is ranked the No. 40 prospect.
Either would significantly upgrade Tech’s recruiting class, which to this point includes guards Jose Alvarado and Curtis Haywood and forwards Moses Wright and Cole.
The Syracuse Post-Standard reported Tuesday that Tucker has narrowed his choices to Syracuse and Tech and would announce his decision this week. Tucker grew up in White Plains, N.Y., but moved to Georgia before his senior year.
With Walker, Tech is competing with Virginia Tech, Florida State and UCLA.
Brase has one season of eligibility remaining. He has not played a full season since the 2014-15 season, ending both seasons prematurely with knee injuries. As a sophomore in 2014-15, he averaged 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He has also played for Germany’s under-20 national team and its “A2” (second-tier) national team.
From Clover, S.C., Brase reportedly is also considering Richmond, Nebraska, Georgetown and Iowa State. He would give Tech experience in the frontcourt and some scoring pop. He shot 35.0 percent from 3-point range in his Princeton career.
Pastner came up short in his pursuit of other possible recruits this spring. Kassius Robertson, a graduate transfer guard from Canisius who made an official visit to Tech, is expected to commit to Missouri on Wednesday. Joel Ayayi, a French point guard who made an official visit to Tech, committed to Gonzaga. Washington forward Noah Dickerson, who is from Atlanta, contemplated transferring and had Tech as an option, but decided to stay in Seattle.
Pastner likely would have other options to use all 13 of his scholarships should any of the three of Brase, Tucker or Walker not elect to come to Tech, but they’re the three preferred candidates at this point.
About the Author
