- Michigan
STATE CHAMPS! SCOUT TEAM: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Julian Roper picks Northwestern
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s shooting guard Julian Roper announced Monday he was headed to Northwestern University, to play for Chris Collins’ crew.
The 6-foot-3, 183-pound Roper chose the Wildcats from among 10 offers, including Wisconsin — where this year’s teammate, Lorne Bowman, is headed — Alabama, DePaul, Illinois, Iowa, Miami (OH), Missouri, Ohio State and Toledo.
Roper ranks as a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports, the fourth-highest ranked player in Michigan’s 2021 class, and ranked the No. 28 shooting guard in the nation.
“It’s been a long journey. But it’s only the beginning,” Roper said in a video posted to his Instagram account Monday.
“I want to thank God for giving me the gifts, talent and ability to reach this point in my life. I want to thank my family, friends, teammates and coaches for all the support over the years. Next, I want to thank my brother and sister for being my No. 1 fans. I would also like to thank all of the coaches that have taken the time to recruit me. Finally, I would like to thank my parents for their countless sacrifices. Without them, I wouldn’t be the player or the person I am today. With that being said, I am excited to announce I’ll be continuing my academic and athletic career at Northwestern University.”
Roper helped lead the Eaglets to a Catholic League championship, and a berth in the district championships when the winter postseasons were halted. He earned honorable mention Division 1 all-state honors from the Associated Press.
He’ll join Clarkston center Matt Nicholson, a member of Northwestern’s 2020 recruiting class, in Evanston, Ill., in the fall of 2021.
— MATTHEW B. MOWERY
