Recruiting Report: Grant Johnson (2018)
Quickly becoming one of Iowa’s best prospects, 6-foot-8 power forward Grant Johnson is a big reason why Van Meter is off to an 9-0 start. With good size, some nice versatility and a quickly developing feel for the game, Johnson…
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Continue ReadingQuickly becoming one of Iowa’s best prospects, 6-foot-8 power forward Grant Johnson is a big reason why Van Meter is off to an 9-0 start.
With good size, some nice versatility and a quickly developing feel for the game, Johnson has started to draw some college attention.
He was vague when describing his interest, but did say some was coming in.
“I’ve gotten a lot of letters from D2, NAIA and D3 schools. I’ve gotten a couple elite camp invitations, and I’ve been out to visit a couple schools,” said Johnson.
“I mean, I think about (recruitment) a little bit. It’s definitely not my focus right now, but it’s in the back on my mind.”
Johnson has taken a big step this season to become one of the Iowa’s most productive bigs, and he mentioned it’s his versatility that makes him most dangerous.
“I’d say I’m a pretty good rebounder for my size; I rebound the ball pretty well. I’m a good inside-outside threat, and I’m a really good passer, I think,” said Johnson.
“I want to be power forward who’s a really good defender and a good scorer. I want to try and continue shooting better from outside; I’m a good shooter now, but I can always improve that.”
As a sophomore, Johnson played sparingly and averaged less than a point and a rebound per game. This season he’s been fantastic, averaging 10.3 points on 61 percent shooting, 2.9 blocks and 7.3 rebounds per game.
“They just want me to be a leader; we all have a role and we all know what we’re doing,” said Johnson. “And we have six guys or seven guys that can score. So we just need a guy that can step up on defense and get loose balls and rebounds.”
The scoring and efficiency have been great for Johnson, but it’s the shot-blocking that really stands out.
“A lot of it is I I have really good timing and really long arms,” he said. “And I can play off-ball pretty well, and I think I have good help defense.”
With a great start and the talent to sustain, Johnson says the goal for Van Meter is a state tournament berth – and that seems a very realistic possibility.
“I’m going to try and average a double-double, I’m close but not there right now,” said Johnson. “And obviously the goal is to make it to state, and to win a conference championship.”