Gatlin Sets First Official Visit
Two months ago Taelyr Gatlin (Brighton HS) was hunting a Tennessee Tech official visit. The Golden Eagles staff dangled the opportunity, only to take it away the day before Gatlin trekked east to campus.
Certainly the Gatlin family was slightly pained, even a little offended by the treatment. What could they do though? You never want to pick a college that treats you that way.
So, father Stan Gatlin and recruit Taelyr focused on the schools that expressed genuine interest.
“Denver is doing an excellent job of recruiting Taelyr though,” said Coach Gatlin. “We are looking forward to the official for sure.”
In a week’s time the entire Gatlin clan will hit the skies. Denver’s coaching staff booked a flight for 10/26/2017 and a return flight for 10/28/2017. The time in between will be pivotal for Taeylr Gatlin’s ultimate college decision.
Denver is coached by the brother of Colorado’s greatest basketball product in the last 50 years: Chauncey Billups.
Denver Head Coach Rodney Billups played for University of Denver in 2002-2005 as Chauncey starred two years with University of Colorado. The family has wonderful clout in the state.
Coach Billups’ staff at UD features wizened veteran coaches Ricardo Patton (Hillwood HS alum) and Steve Snell. Coach Patton took Colorado to two NCAA tournaments (1997, 2003) and landed the college’s biggest basketball recruit ever, the aforementioned Chauncey Billups.
Denver Pioneers
The Pioneers squad has nine guards this season and only senior Jake Pemberton will definitely depart. Further, Denver has a point guard verbally committed in the Class of 2018: Jase Townsend.
Look for Denver to sign at least two more players, probably three. They need a pair of bigs and Gatlin would be a frontrunner for that second guard signing.
Many other colleges are talking with Brighton Head Coach Stan Gatlin about Taelyr. Commonly broached is Taelyr’s prospective signing date.
Will he sign early in November or late (April)?
“My thing with that is, don’t try to come in at the last minute when you very easily have the chance right now to actively recruit and get to know Taelyr. This is my flesh and blood, you know?”