Georgia guard waiting for Golden opportunity

It seems like Trae Golden has been on the high school scene forever. The strong-bodied guard from Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern committed early to a national power then split ways less than a year later. He's scored big points at the prep level and yet the four-star junior still has over a year and a half to play in high school.

Golden is leading his team to an early 5-0 record this season and one of the top scorers in the Peach State.

Golden is at his best when powering to the basket with the dribble and knocking down three-pointers. He did that against Cherokee High School last Friday night. Golden scored 29 points on seven of 20 shooting from the floor. He hit five three-pointers and went 10 of 11 from the foul line.

The Rivals150 junior said the reason for his team's success is also the team's balance. Golden isn't the only Division I prospect on the roster. Kadeem Batts is going to Providence and the Reddick brothers, Colin and Charlie, have both signed with Furman. Golden said he feels more at ease this year than any other year at the high school level.

"This year I feel like I don't have to do everything. I don't have everything from one to 10. I don't have to do everything on the court. I can share my responsibility on the court. It's more of a team thing now. Everyone gets touches. Everyone is having fun," Golden said.

"Just being thrown into it my freshman year helped me become a better leader and it helped me become ready for everything that I have had to deal with."

Golden was not only being thrown into the mix on the hardwood, he learned early the pros and cons of being a highly recruited youngster. After a sizzling summer in between his freshman and sophomore seasons, Ohio State pressed hard for a commitment and Golden quickly pledged to his father's alma mater. Less than a year later, the two parties split ways. Since then, Golden has not paid much attention to the recruiting process.

Golden said Texas, Connecticut, Florida, Marquette, Pittsburgh and Georgia have been in contact the most. He took it easy in the fall, making just one unofficial visit. He stayed local and trekked to Athens to see Georgia's campus.

"I'm really not thinking about [recruiting] that much," Golden said. "Schools are contacting me but I'm just taking it all in stride. I really don't have a timetable for anything."