Nov. 15, 2017
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball program signed a trio of 4-star high school prospects — 6-3 guard Michael Devoe of Orlando, Fla., 6-7 forward Khalid Moore of New York, N.Y., and 6-9 forward Kristian Sjolund of Katy, Texas – to national letters-of-intent Wednesday, head coach Josh Pastner announced Wednesday.
All three prospects are highly regarded for their talent level, versatility and upside as head coach Josh Pastner continued to build the Yellow Jackets’ program, which reached the finals of the NIT and posted a 21-16 record in his first season in 2016-17.
“We’re really excited to bring these three young men into our program,” said Pastner of his second Tech recruiting class. “This class really helps the continuation of our rebuild job at Georgia Tech. They are very good basketball players who fit the Georgia Tech mission. They will continue the process of what we’re trying to accomplish at Georgia Tech.”
Michael Devoe, Guard, 6-3, Orlando, Fla., Montverde Academy
Devoe has been rated ranked No. 62 in the Rivals 150, and No. 56 in the ESPN 100 (No. 15 point guard in the nation. He led Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, Fla., to a 24-5 record and a berth in the state quarterfinals last season, averaging 25 points and seven assists per game, and he is now enrolled at Montverde Academy for his senior year. ESPN’s scouting report notes that “He’s a clever guard with a high basketball IQ that can run a team and find others quickly. Influences and impacts the game with the ball in his hands and when he improves his outside shot, he elevates his game to another level. A terrific playmaker with good positional size who is pass first but not a pass only point guard. Devoe is the first Florida native to sign with Tech since Zachery Peacock (Miami) in 2006 class.
Coach Pastner says — “We’re really excited about Michael. He is an extremely fine young man with high-level character. He really knows how to play and has a high IQ in the game. He’s a very good passer and shooter as well. He’s got great size for his position, and he fits what Georgia Tech is about.”
Khalid Moore, Forward, 6-7, New York, N.Y., Archbishop Molloy HS Rated a 3-star prospect in the composite 247Sports ranking (No. 51 small forward, No. 5 in New York), as well as a 4-star prospect by ESPN (No. 42 small forward, No. 3 in New York. Moore attends the same high school that sent All-American Kenny Anderson to Georgia Tech in 1989, and he was a teammate of current Tech freshman Jose Alvarado on the New York Rens AAU team. ESPN’s scouting report says, “Moore is a lengthy, athletic wing that can get to the basket, but also has a nice jumper. Versatile player recruited to play small forward but can guard other positions. Chose Tech because of its competitiveness on the court and in the classroom.”
Coach Pastner says — “His best basketball is in front of him. He’s a high-level athlete with tremendous upside, long and athletic. He’s only getting better and better. He also fits what Georgia Tech is about, and we’re excited about him joining our family.”
Kristian Sjolund, Forward, 6-9, Katy, Texas, Obra D. Tompkins HS
Rated a 3-star prospect in the composite 247Sports ranking (No. 56 small forward, No. 18 in Texas), as well as a 4-star by ESPN (No. 36 small forward, No. 17 in Texas). Sjolund was born in the state of Washington but grew up in Norway, and has lived in the United States since 2014. He played for the Shooting Stars Red AAU team. Sjolund played with Norway in the 2015 FIBA u16 European Championships, averaging 18.7 points and 5.9 rebounds a game. Then in 2017 he played in the u18 Nordic Championship and scored 7.2 points a game. Sjolund has the ability to stretch the floor with his jump shot, has impressive shot mechanics, a smooth shooting motion and deep range on his shot. Runs the floor well, has good athleticism, hands and footwork.
Coach Pastner says — “Kristian is very skilled for his size, with great understanding of the game. He’s got a high IQ and can really shoot the ball. Just like the other two, a great fit for our culture at Georgia Tech.”
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH MEN’S BASKETBALL
Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team is in its second year under head coach Josh Pastner. Tech has been a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference since 1979, won three ACC Championships (1985, 1990, 1993), played in the NCAA Tournament 16 times and played in two Final Fours (1990, 2004). Connect with Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball on social media by liking their Facebook Page, or following on Twitter (@GTMBB) and Instagram.
For more information on Tech basketball, visit Ramblinwreck.com. Tickets for men’s basketball can be purchased here.
