Top 2026 basketball recruit Julia Scott made her commitment to Clemson official, choosing the Tigers over Michigan and Notre Dame. The forward from New York mentioned her strong relationship with head coach Shawn Poppie as the deciding factor in her decision.
Julia Scott’s Connection With Poppie Sealed Her Clemson Decision
Scott’s commitment came after extensive recruitment from multiple high-profile programs. The Albertus Magnus standout was clear about what made Clemson special in her eyes.
“We’re honestly so close,” Scott told Rivals about her relationship with the coaching staff. “They care just so much about me, not just as a player, as a person. (Shawn Poppie) has just been amazing. They came to my house for a home visit. They’ve come to my practices. They’ve just tried to get to know me as a person, like I said, and on a deeper level, which made them stand out”.
Scott was impressed with Poppie and his team’s personal touch during her recruitment. She talked about the program’s method, which not only developed the players’ basketball skills but also established real relationships with the recruits.
“It honestly just felt like home the second I walked on campus,” Scott explained. “The coaching staff is amazing, the girls are amazing. I just felt like it was the right place”.
Scott’s choice also showed that she trusted Poppie’s foresight with the plan. The former Chattanooga head coach has a shining track of accomplishments that he brought with him to Clemson, including winning 48 of 66 games in just two seasons with the Mocs.
“Obviously I want a school that can win,” Scott noted. “I feel like Coach Poppie, coming into Clemson in his new role, can definitely do that”.
According to ESPN, Scott ranks No. 25 nationally as a top-25 recruit in the 2026 class. Scout evaluations form analyst praise her as having an “ultra impressive inside-out game” and the ability to “stretch the floor wonderfully to knock down deep daggers.”
Scott plans to contribute as a versatile forward for the Tigers. “I’ll probably be a stretch four,” she said. “Doing everything, shooting the three, posting up, screening, rolling, whatever it is they need me to do.”
For Scott, the commitment represents the fulfillment of a childhood dream. “I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a child,” she said.
Her dedication is still evident, as Poppie began with a bang in establishing the Clemson program. In 2025, the Tigers already pulled in two top-100 prospects, Holland Harris and Amaia Jackson. With Scott, Clemson now has three 2026 recruits: Kimora Fields and Meeyah Green.
