Royals, a 6'10" center from Whiteville, North Carolina, played college basketball at Florida State University from 1970 to 1973.

In his career, Royals averaged 16.7 points and 12.0 rebounds per game and as a junior led the Seminoles to the program's first Final Four in 1972.

However, his professional career lasted just two ABA games (and 4 total points) for the San Diego Conquistadors in the 1974–75 season.

[2] Royals died on April 16, 2009, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Wilmington, North Carolina.

[1] This biographical article relating to a United States basketball player, coach, or other figure born in the 1950s is a stub.