Top-25 forward Devin Royal narrows list of schools to three

Class of 2023 four-star Devin Royal tells On3 he’s down to three schools: Alabama, Michigan State, and Ohio State.

The 6-foot-6 versatile forward out of Pickerington (Ohio) Central will no longer consider Michigan, Marquette, Penn State, Clemson, Miami, and Ole Miss.

Royal has made official visits to Michigan State and Ohio State.

Ranking the contenders for Devin Royal

Royal talks finalists

In a previous interview with On3, Royal discussed each of the programs in his final group.

Alabama: “I really like their playstyle. I have a really good relationship with the head coach and the whole coaching staff.”

Ohio State: “Their program is really nice, and I like the coaches; we have a good relationship. They want me to be a wing player, be like an EJ Liddell. Make an impact like he did.”

Michigan State: “They came in late, but they came strong. I like what the coaches are saying. They like that I can do a lot of things on the court; they talk about how my versatility fits in with what they do.”

What’s Royal looking for in a school?

“Relationships are a big key,” Royal says. “How I’ll fit in, the players they have there, and wherever I go, I want to be surrounded by players that want to work. Players that want to dedicate themselves to the game. As well as the coaching staff and how they treat their players.”

Scouting Summary

Devin Royal has long arms and a strong frame. The 6-foot-6 forward is an advanced scorer with a great feel. He has touch and range off the catch from three. Royal moves well off the ball, finds the open space in the defense, has great balance, and is squared up at the basket. The foot speed may be a question and would like to see him rebound at a higher rate. He is a tweener forward, but his offensive feel would allow him to play either way. He is a bonafide top 100 talent.

Broad shoulders, long arms. A face-up forward. High IQ and can handle, shoot, and pass. An active rebounder. Plays within self. Nice vertical pop. Quick first step from mid-post creates free throw opportunities. Makes his free throws. Many similarities to Mason Gillis. – On3’s Jamie Shaw, National Recruiting Analyst