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.
Julius Halaifonua, a seven-foot big man out of NBA Global Academy, will take an official visit to Georgetown beginning on August 1st, a source tells @247Sports.
Recently reclassified from 2025 to 2024.https://t.co/4KC1WnveJi pic.twitter.com/lQ5yU9Aifw
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) July 30, 2024
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.
Two schools emerge for 4-star center Julius Halaifonua as we move closer to a decision READ: https://t.co/rmR8gEvSJu pic.twitter.com/vewiiAAYXV
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) July 25, 2024
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.”
We touched base with Julius Halaifonua in Atlanta, following an MVP-level performance at the #NBAAcademyGames, where he touched on his growth over the past year, changing his body and mentality, the latest with his recruitment, and more (sound on). pic.twitter.com/ZKUPCUFfzS
— Pro Insight (@_proinsight) July 15, 2024
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).
#CarolinaFamily please show @HalaifonuaJ Julius Halaifonua the love from the biggest Fanbase in the Nation. Let him know much we would like him to become part of this Recruiting Class! pic.twitter.com/ltPp8BPsXr
— The Carolina Family (@THEUNCFAMILY) July 25, 2024
Here are some other links and videos:
Nice few days at NBA Academy Games for New Zealand PF Oscar Goodman and C Julius Halaifonua.
Goodman showed off his playmaking ability and outstanding feel, skill and physicality.
Halaifonua a terrific passer at 7’1 who is skilled in the post, in PnR and even stretching floor. pic.twitter.com/qv8Cj7iMJV
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) July 12, 2024
New from @_proinsight:
Our staff traveled to Atlanta to attend #NBAAcademyGames and analyze some of the top prospects from around the , including ‘25 Julius Halaifonua.
https://t.co/7JTG33bqc6 pic.twitter.com/bZ7HGaH0D0
— Pro Insight (@_proinsight) July 28, 2023
7-0 Julius Halaifonua (New Zealand) splashes the corner 3
Halaifonua recently officially visited Xavier and Virginia Tech.https://t.co/9oEEvLP2Fu pic.twitter.com/muHQKGM2hx
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) February 16, 2024
Julius Halaifonua is an elite 2025 prospect out of New Zealand. At 7’0 he has great hands, touch and is light on his feet. Highlights are from the recent NZ Secondary School Nationals with @RossaBasketball @HalaifonuaJ pic.twitter.com/K4KHVaJK4Z
— Matt Lacey (@mattlaceynz) October 22, 2022