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@GTMBB Signs Three Top Prospects

Nov. 13, 2015

THE FLATS – Georgia Tech signed four-star power forward Romello White and a pair of three-star perimeter players in Josh Okogie and Christian Matthews to national letters-of-intent during the November signing period, head coach Brian Gregory announced.

White, 6-9 from Suwanee, Ga., and Okogie, 6-4 from Snellville, Ga., are ranked No. 70 and No. 143, respectively, in the Rivals 150 rankings for the class of 2016, while Matthews, 6-6 from Fort Washington, Md., is among the top 150 players ranked by Scout.com. Gregory and his staff, who have five seniors on the 2015-16 Yellow Jacket roster, have successfully recruited highly-regarded players at three of the five positions on the floor.

“We are extremely excited about our 2016 recruiting class,” said Gregory. “These recruits bring a skill and competitive level that will greatly impact our program. Our staff did a tremendous job of identifying student-athletes who could excel academically here at Georgia Tech and immediately make an impact on the court. These recruits not only solidify important needs for next year’s team but also bring the highest character qualities and a tremendous work ethic to our program.”

Christian Matthews, Wing, 6-6, 190, Fort Washington, Md.

Matthews attends the National Christian Academy and is a three-star prospect according to ESPN, Rivals and Scout. CBS-affiliate 247sports.com lists Matthews among the nation’s top 150 players while Scout.com ranks him 30th among the country’s small forwards and the best in Maryland. The Washington Post described Matthews as “blessed with soft touch and plenty of range.”

As a junior, Matthews helped National Christian Academy to a 20-6 record and the Beltway Final while teaming up with current Yellow Jacket Sylvester Ogbonda for coach Trevor Brown. The small forward led his team in scoring with 22.4 points per game garnering All-Metro honors. Matthews suited up for Team Takeover on the AAU circuit this past summer. Matthews informed recruiting services that he selected Georgia Tech over Clemson, NC State and Cincinnati.

Coach Gregory says – “We are excited about Christian because he brings the versatile scoring skills that are highlighted in our system. He has the size, athletic ability and skill package to play multiple positions. He has proven his scoring ability from the three-point line as well as off the dribble. He also excels in the open court, and is an excellent range rebounder. He has gained national experience playing for National Christian Academy in high school and Team Takeover on the AAU circuit. With his family’s emphasis on academics, Christian is a perfect fit as a student-athlete here at Georgia Tech.”

Josh Okogie, Guard, 6-5, 185, Snellville, Ga.

Josh Okogie, a 6-5, 185-pound guard from Shiloh High School in Snellville, Ga., was named to the all-state first team in 2015 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Rivals and Scout both tab Okogie as a three-star talent. 247sports.com tabs the senior as the state’s 11th-best player while Rivals ranks him among the country’s top 150 players. Scout.com reported that Okogie selected Georgia Tech over Tennessee and Kansas State.

Okogie, a three-year starter at Shiloh High School, led the Generals 28-4 mark and the program’s first-ever state semi-final appearance. Okogie finished the year averaging 21 points per game and was named the Gwinnett Daily Post’s Player of the Year. At the AAU level, Okogie averaged double figures for Team CP3 this past summer. Shiloh head coach Kim Rivers praised Okogie as “one of the most poised kids his age.”

Coach Gregory says – “We are pleased that Josh has joined our program because he excels in every phase of the game. He has proven himself as a top scorer in Georgia while playing at Shiloh High School, one of the best programs in the state. His length, athletic ability, and basketball IQ enable him to compete at all three perimeter positions. Playing on the national AAU circuit this summer with CP3, Josh demonstrated the ability to impact the game at both ends of the court. He is a multi-dimensional offensive threat with the ability to create scoring opportunities for himself as well as others. Josh has the leadership qualities and academic background needed to insure a very successful career at Georgia Tech.”

Romello White, Forward, 6-9, 220, Suwanee, Ga.

Romello White attends Wheeler High School in Marietta, Ga., and ranks as one of the top players in the country. The power forward began his career at Peachtree Ridge High School where he played two seasons before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where he was named third-team all-state among independent schools in 2015. In returning to Georgia, White joins a national powerhouse in Wheeler High School for his senior season. USA Today ranks the defending state champion Wildcats as the 18th-best high school team in the nation.

Recruiting services unanimously identify White as one of the top 100 players in the country with ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports.com tabbing him among the top 75. Both Scout.com and 247Sports.com list the four-star talent as one the nation’s top 20 power forwards. White informed recruiting services that he also considered Virginia, Auburn, South Carolina, Mississippi and Iowa State before choosing Georgia Tech.

Coach Gregory says – “We feel great about the signing of Romello White. He brings a skill set, energy level, and physical presence that will impact our program immediately. He has proven his ability to score around the basket and from the perimeter, while also showing great rebounding skills. He competes on every possession and has a contagious work-ethic. In nation AAU competition, he has solidified himself as one of the best versatile forwards in the country. We also believe his game will be taken to another level playing this year at state champion, Wheeler High School. Romello wanted to go to a prestigious institution close to home, and play at the highest level; Georgia Tech was the perfect match.”

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH MEN’S BASKETBALL
Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball team is beginning its fifth year under head coach Brian Gregory. The Yellow Jackets have 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).

For more information on Tech basketball, visit Ramblinwreck.com. Tickets for men’s basketball can be purchased here.

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