BIG MAN U: Georgetown to Host New Zealander ’24 C Julius Halaifonua on Official Visit

The 7-footer reclassified from 2025 and looks to enroll somewhere soon

New Zealand big man Julius Halaifonua is reportedly down to North Carolina Tar Heels and the Georgetown Hoyas for an August commitment/enrollment decision. 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 reportedly taking an official visit to Georgetown this week.

Halaifonua was reportedly down to Kentucky, Xavier, Georgetown, and UNC, however, reports on Thursday 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.”

There are rumors that Halaifonua may visit UNC after his stop on the Hilltop. A quick announcement after Julius poses for some photos would be optimal, but most folks would expect him to travel to Chapel Hill to test the waters (if the Heels’ staff has not given up).

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