HOYA SAXA! New Zealander ’24 C Julius Halaifonua Commits to Big Man U

The 7-footer reclassified and is expected to enroll at Georgetown soon.

New Zealand big man Julius Halaifonua has committed to the Georgetown Hoyas for an August enrollment. Halaifonua, a 7-foot center from The NBA Global Academy, recently reclassified from the 2025 class to the 2024 class, according to On3.com. Halaifonua was previously rated as the No. 3 center and No. 33 overall prospect in the 2025 class by On3. He is now ranked as the No. 60 overall player in the class of 2024 and the No. 11 center.

Halaifonua told Travis Branham of 24/7, “Over the course of the last year I’ve developed a great connection with Coach Cooley and [Brian] Blaney. I believe in what is being built at Georgetown and believe there is an opportunity to contribute to the program’s success in my first year.”

Halaifonua elaborated, “I had a great visit to campus and was able to see firsthand all of the resources in place at Georgetown for a successful program. My future teammates were welcoming and they all share a common goal to improve. Also, I feel I can achieve and grow as a person and as a student at Georgetown as it is a world-class academic institution. I’m excited and look forward to getting on campus officially.”

Halaifonua joins a highly rated 2024 class of Thomas Sorber, Kayvan Mulready, and Caleb Williams. Cooley also added transfers Jordan Burks, Curtis Williams Jr., Malik Mack, and Micah Peavy.

Halaifonua took a visit to Georgetown this past weekend, which was reported to be an official visit.

The decision ostensibly came down to Georgetown and UNC with reports that the Tar Heels had moved on, presumably because of the strong rumors Halaifonua was already headed to the Hilltop.

A few weeks ago, Halaifonua was reportedly down to Kentucky, Xavier, Georgetown, and North Carolina, however, late-July reports indicated that 7-footer Julius Halaifonua would not be considering Kentucky or Xavier.

Halaifonua, an 18-year-old, is believed to be a legit 7-footer and potentially 280+ pounds. At the 2024 adidas Eurocamp, he was measured to be 6′ 11.75” with shoes, 284 lbs, 7′ 1.75” wingspan, 9′ 2.25” standing reach, and with a 15.25 inch standing vert.

Halaifonua told Pro Insight about his game, saying, “[A program would be] getting a big who loves to share the ball, works hard, is physical, and just loves the game of basketball … and that’s it.”

Airtime Australia Scouting wrote that “Julius is a supremely talented 7-footer who is now just the second New Zealander to be selected for the prestigious NBA Global Academy in Australia. His fluidity at his size, combined with an incredible IQ and strong shooting touch, means he is clearly New Zealand’s #1 prospect, regardless of class. As Julius uses the Academy to get into elite shape, and understands his strength and how to use his body, he will quicky become one of the best prospects in the world in the 2025 class.”

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