The Teryk Tilley Interview (Royston, GA)

May 22, 2024

The Teryk Tilley Interview (Royston, GA)

Name: Teryk Tilley

Hometown: Royston, Georgia

Height: 6-8

Position: Power Forward/Small Forward

High School: West Hall (GA)

Graduation Class: 2025

AAU Club: Sewer South

GPA: 3.8

Recruiting Email: teryk.tilley@outlook.com

Status: Uncommitted

ROYSTON, GA -- Teryk Tilley is a 6-8 Forward from Royston, Georgia. He's currently a junior at West Hall High School, and runs with Sewer South on the independent circuit. One of the best 2025 prospects in the state of Georgia, Tilley averaged 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 rebounds per game for the Spartans.

A core memory I have from Tilley is that I thought he wasn't American. British in fact, but it turned out to be one of his good friends who moved here from the UK. Yes, that has nothing to do with source material here, but I laugh every time that I think of it.

Tilley is a hybrid forward who can provide service in multiple ways. From sending shots down to earth, playing above the rim, stretching his game to the wing, while hustling his behind off to make winning plays, the 6-foot-8 big provides a sense of quality leadership even if its by example. Surprisingly, Tilley stated during the process that he feels he's much better defensively at the moment (probably isn't wrong), but seeing how much of a nightmare he can be when confident, I wouldn't put it past bro. Man knows thyself where others would not understand. Tilley is a skilled prospect who should be on a college coach's radar as I have full belief that he's a good addition to any program.

The RPN caught up with the 2025 prospect to discuss the start of his journey, first year experience at West Hall and an outlook on the last chapter.

Teryk Tilley Interview

When did you first start playing basketball?

"I’ve been playing ball since I could speak. I played since about six and my dad has coached me all the way through. I didn’t really fall in love with the game until I met real basketball players who took the game seriously, and had passion for it. My real love for the game started right at the beginning of high school in ninth grade."

Can you please describe your game from the skill standpoint?

"I am a stretch big who is available to shoot at all three levels. I’m considered a better defender because I can rebound, block, and steal easily due to my size. While I wouldn’t consider myself an offensive dominant player, I can still post well and score contested shots.

I still have no clue why I thought you were British for months, but how was life growing up in North GA?

"You're good *laughs*. Growing up in Royston, it is very different from mainstream cities. We have no athletic culture and have never had a professional basketball player from our town. The closest thing was Franklin county, which only had one pro athlete. My transition to West Hall seemed nice at first getting out of Royston. It was far different from my previous private school. A lot of bad influences where we had pot smokers, kids rolling with guns outside of class and more. Just keeping it real you know. This last year has been a large adjustment for me, but for the better."

How was your junior season?

"My junior season was a let down. I was expected to be a leading scorer, rebounder, and in the running for Player of the Year in my region. Unfortunately, I came into my first five games on an ankle injury, and kept getting bad sprains as the weeks went by. Eventually, I caught a two week break for rehab then only for the first game back, a sprain in the other ankle. Our team seemed to suffer as well. Having two starters with previous ACL tears and the remainders in low spirits. Everyone was split up as chemistry plummeted over time, and overall wasn't the year we were expecting. We will be getting our get back tho. I’m doing everything to make sure of that!"

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

"I wake up everyday at 5 to get to the gym at 6 before school. In those minutes, I try to get anywhere from 200-500 shots up, depending on what my workout for the day is. Everyday I rehab my legs, so that we don’t get a repeat of last year. Icing and doing various ankle exercises. I try to get 2-3 workouts in a day and one weight room program in. When summer breaks out, my workouts double in length. My main trainer is my dad as he knows my ways better than anyone else."

Who is your favorite player and why?

"I love watching Jayson Tatum because he’s been a crazy productive 2-3 throughout his NBA career. His game always make sense to me having a good 3 ball, or a dunk in the paint. And, recently I’ve been seeing myself watch a lot more of Paskal Siakam as well. He’s a simple player with a crazy affect on the game, which is not always scoring."

Who would you consider your role models?

"Funny enough my British roommate, Jay Taylor is a big inspiration for me. When I first met him, I knew ball was what he wanted to do in life and I digged that. I didn’t really have a set goal for ball until I met him, and wouldn’t be where I am without him. Another role model is my dad. He brought me to where I am today, and I couldn’t have had nothing to do with ball without him. I pray for days I can see him not have to work for the success that I will bring him."

What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?

"I believe building skill is no longer a challenge as everyone who wants to play pro ball, has the ability to play pro ball. A challenge that younger players struggle with worldwide is the portal and how it affects your players. Now that Division 1 is much harder to accomplish, great players commit to smaller schools just to get recruited by a D1 school for their second year. Another challenge is confidence. When players my age see all star talent coming from 16-17 year olds, their hope diminishes. In reality, everyone has their own path, and we all have the opportunity to accomplish the same things at different pace."

Our interests change throughout time, but it’s important for recruits to have an idea about college basketball. You’re almost at the finish line of the process, but what do you ideally look for in a school?

"First, I'm looking for a school where a major in exercise science is presented. Academics come first. To go into ball, though, I look for a school in the southeast region that has a good ball program. They don’t necessarily always have to be D1, as on my list only half of my schools were D1. I also would like to have schools with a good coaching environment because a bad coach can be the end of your career. I also look into schools that offer good athletic facilties. Some of the best coming from places such as Lipscomb University and Kennesaw State in."

What is the outlook heading into senior year?

"I don’t see this year as my last chapter, but the beginning of a new one. Although I sit with zero offers, I’m doing everything I can to put myself out there. While I do believe our high school record will be a lot better, I’m hoping to get out there enough to have my school paid for and my future all lined up. My biggest goal for my senior year is to lead my team as I should have last year, and return our name after poorly performing for many years before."

Close to wrapping this up, but let’s think through this question. What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next five years? Rap to me.

"I’m thinking that after this last year of basketball, I’m going to be successful enough to get an offer from any school that’s paid for and get my degree in exercise science. I will work my hardest to become the best version of myself and hopefully fulfill my dream of playing pro ball."

Thank you Till for taking the time to talk with me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?

"It’s hard to keep grinding alone. Try and find someone in life who matches your skill, and can learn the game. Whichever you’re doing. You’ll both grow together as people. Thank you for having me!"