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The Tyler Royal Interview (Pittsburgh, PA)

 

Name: Tyler Royal

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Height: 6-8

Position: Power Forward/Center

High School: Carlisle (PA)

Graduation Class: 2027

GPA: 3.8

AAU Club: Team Durant EYBL

Status: Uncommitted

Recruiting Email: tylerroyal.27@gmail.com

CARLISLE, PA -- Tyler Royal is a 6-foot-8 Big by way of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Royal has also spent time in Lewisburg, before making his way down south to Carlisle. He's currently a sophomore at Carlisle High School, and previously ran with Team Durant on the Nike EYBL circuit this past summer. Royal is a promising prospect, who many have regarded for his distinguished character, hard working nature as he earned his way onto the 2024 PennLive boys basketball All-Newcomer team as a freshman.

One of the more intriguing upcoming prospects, Royal's case is very much different compared to others I've witnessed. Even within a year of development, the RPN has seen a lot of growth in the young man. Flipping from a basketball player to a hooper, Royal has a traditional game while still learning the in's-and-out's on how to play with structure down low. Being impactful with his two-way play - finishing in the paint, using his frame on the defensive end - working on his mid range game, sending shots back to Pittsburgh and playing like a grown man above the rim, Royal has continued to push himself and took a hard nose approach to bettering himself this offseason. 

Although, we could yap about how good he is on the court, let's take a deep dive into his character:
Now, we know what you're all thinking when we all have encountered Mr. Royal. He stands at 6-foot-8, a very muscular frame, can be reserved, but you would be surprised with how the young man carries himself. I've been monitoring and watching Royal for quite some time since last fall, but while his focus and cut throat style of play opens eyes, he has an old school feel that will open many doors for him in life. 

Even throughout this monthly process, he willingly filled out my recruit form on his own time before reaching out, answered every question to the fullest professional extent, and has even shown the most upmost respect displaying his mannerisms. The young man seems to be raised right as I even question his age *laughs*. In all seriousness, I have high hopes for Royal not just as a ball player, but someone that can help impact the future of the world.

The RPN caught up with the 2027 prospect on his prep career, experience with Team Durant and the outlook heading into sophomore year.


Tyler Royal Interview
Tyreese Smith: "Tyler Royal! Glad you could make it. I'm pulling a double here bro, so let's just get into it. When did you first start playing basketball?"

Tyler Royal: "Hi sir! The first time I started to play basketball was around second grade. I was playing in a rec league called, Upwards. This was when I lived in Lewisburg."


Tyreese Smith: "Can you describe your game from the skill standpoint."

Tyler Royal: "I like to think that I’m a good teammate first. I’m willing to do whatever to help us win. I’m an athletic big that runs the court well, and can finish above the rim. I’m working on my bag, but my go to now would be working from the dunker spot near the rim."


Tyreese Smith: "You've moved around a lot inside of your 15 years, but how was it growing up in Pennsylvania?"

Tyler Royal: "It’s been great growing up in Pennsylvania. I’ve enjoyed playing different sports growing up. I was a pretty good football player when I was young. I’ve also loved the move to Carlisle.  I enjoy the classes at the school, especially the engineering courses that I’ve taken. Basketball in Carlisle has a ton of history as well. Everyone in the community is really supportive, and the gym is packed for every game."


Tyreese Smith: "How was your freshman season?"

Tyler Royal: "My freshman season was a great experience. I learned what it would take for me to play, and win at the high school level. As the season went on, I began to be given more opportunities to play more minutes. As a team we went 18-8. We played well leading up to the playoffs, but missed our chance to go to states."


Tyreese Smith: "Experiencing something different with Team Durant this past offseason, must've been a life changing summer for you. Let's talk about it, though. How was your 2024 experience with the DMV club?"

Tyler Royal: "Playing with Team Durant was a surreal experience this past offseason. Traveling with Durant was a great way to see how later in my career, managing school and basketball would look. The team is loaded with high major talent. Being able to compete against those guys on a day in and day out basis has made me a better player. Durant helped me develop all my skills, both on and off the court the court. On the court, they pushed me to be a complete player. Off the court, they taught me skills on how to represent myself and a brand. The EYBL circuit was crazy. Seeing KD and Melo at games was cool. We made it to Peach Jam and finished in the top four."


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

Tyler Royal: "I’ve been working on every part of my game this summer because I’m not satisfied yet.  Team Durant really pushed us all to be total basketball players. There’s no 'guard', or 'big' work. Everyone is expected to handle the ball, shoot, rebound and defend every position. They’ve been pushing me to make myself uncomfortable. I appreciate that even though the season is done, they are available to work with us. I’ve also been especially focused on my footwork and shooting with my trainers at Unleashed Potential. I’m really pleased with the progress I’ve made. Finally, I put a real focus on trying to take care of my body. I work with Explosive Sport Performance to get quicker and stronger. We are also working on making sure my mobility is where it needs to be as I’m doing Cryotherapy and compression for my recovery. I feel significantly more prepared for my sophomore year."


Tyreese Smith: "Which player would you say you look up to the most at the moment?"

Tyler Royal: "The player I look up to the most is Giannis Antetokounmpo. I like him because of how physical he plays, and his joyful personality. I think we’re similar in that he was very raw at my age, and worked very hard to get better in his high school years. That drives me to get better."

"I'd additionally have to say KD." Royal continued "He’s 17 years in and still working like he has to earn his spot.  From the non-basketball side, he takes care of everything for us, and put me in a position to chase my dreams of playing in college. I’m beyond appreciative of that."


Tyreese Smith: "Who would consider your role models?"

Tyler Royal: "My role models are my father and mother. Both of them blazed their paths to success. Having them to look up to is a blessing. They have pushed me, and are always supportive."


Tyreese Smith: "What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?"

Tyler Royal: "In my opinion, I think that it’s the unnecessary pressure of measuring yourself against someone else success. With social media, it is very easy to think you’re not as good as another player. The way I see it, you only see the best of someone on social media. You’ve gotta focus on running your race. Everyone’s path to the same place isn’t going to look the same."


Tyreese Smith: "Never too early to give it a thought, but it’s important for recruits to have an idea about college basketball. What do you ideally look for in a school?"

Tyler Royal: "For me, I’m very interested in a school with a great engineering program. I want to make sure I’m set up for life after basketball. The next factor would be the fan base. I would love to play at a school that has a crazy atmosphere on game day. I’d like to play somewhere that my family could come to my games as well. The meal plan also needs to be right *laughs*."


Tyreese Smith: "What's the outlook heading into sophomore season?"

Tyler Royal: "We’ve been steadily improving as a program. As a team, we want to take that next step is to get to states and make some noise. We’ve got a lot of older guys coming back, and some young guys that are going to surprise people this year. Personally, I want to work on my consistency. While I’m just a sophomore, I want to lead with my actions in practice, warmups and in the games. Finally, the goal is just to be better than I was the day before. If I do that, I think I’ll be where I want to be at the end of the season."


Tyreese Smith: "Thank you Royal for taking the time to talk to me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?"

Tyler Royal: "Thank you Mr. Smith for the interview. I would say if there is one thing I’ve learned through my career, it is to keep pushing. Even if you don’t see your dreams today it doesn’t mean it won’t happen tomorrow. If you work hard, surround yourself with the right people, and stay focused, you can set what your limits are."


Tyler Royal flushing one down against Reading in the 2024 District 3 6A Quarterfinals | Sean Simmers/PennLive | ssimmers@pennlive.com | February 23, 2024




Twitter @Tyler_RoyalT

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Location: Carlisle, PA 17013, USA