Recruiting Report: Al Johnson (2018)
Al Johnson (2018), who continues solidifying himself as one of Ohio’s top Division II prospects, is going through a transitional phase in his basketball journey. With Akron Ellet graduating major talent, the 6’7”-6’8” forward is gaining a lot of responsibility going into his senior season.
While much is yet to be seen with how he will handle these tasks, one thing is for certain: Johnson is welcoming the challenge.
“I’ve been kind of waiting for this, kind of expecting this since I was a freshman … I knew this day was going to come. It was just a matter of, was I going to take it on when it comes or sit around and lay down,” Johnson said.
Johnson identified blocking shots, setting screens, and rebounding as his primary skills right now. Much of that has to do with his role with Ellet during his first three high school seasons.
Again, he’s seguing into more expectations now. With June just days away and the actual senior season in arms reach, Johnson is hoping to add some more offensive skills to his game.
“[I’m looking to add] my outside shot and definitely my post game. Through the years, it hasn’t really been my role to post up much. My freshman and sophomore year, I was more so a ‘screen guy.’ Get other people open for a shot or AJ Gareri open for shot. Now I have to be the guy to post up and get big down in the post,” Johnson said.
He also mentioned that he plans to continue utilizing his strength as a screener, but would like to add the option of popping out for jumpers off of that action.
The final way in which Johnson is hoping to transition applies to his college transcript. Johnson struggled with grades his freshman year, and now holds a 2.1 GPA and 18 ACT score.
“My grades, they weren’t that great my freshman year. And I had to make a really high comeback from that. But they’ve been going right up since then. My freshman year, I was a goof-ball but I’ve matured since then … This year it should be going over a 2.5 [GPA],” Johnson said. He will also re-take the ACT at some point.
Johnson, who has only been playing basketball since the 8th grade, will be traveling with Ellet to the Akron and Youngstown State team camps this coming month. He also told Prep Hoops that there may be a few more camps they’ll attend as a team.
Recruitment
Johnson discussed a number of in-state programs when we got to the subject of recruiting, including his offer from Malone.
“I have an offer from Malone University … I’ve been recruited by Walsh University and Ashland University. But this hasn’t been straightforward, I’ve either been there or talked to the coaches over there,” Johnson said.
Specifically, Johnson has already been on a visit to Malone.
He plans on checking out Ashland’s campus in detail when he attends a camp there this summer. As far as Walsh, he’d like to visit there also, but is yet to set a date.
Furthermore, there a few other programs he has spoken with in the past.
“Other schools, I’ve texted Alderson Broaddus, Miami of Ohio. I haven’t texted Akron since [Coach Keith] Dambrot went to that school in Pittsburg. Haven’t talked to them in a while,” Johnson said.
While many teams may continue posturing themselves for a shot at Johnson, it’s important to understand that he’s not going to base his entire decision on the basketball team.
“I want to go to school on scholarship and all that. But I want to excel in school. I don’t want to go there strictly for basketball just to say I played basketball for this and that. For me, it’s mostly important to actually get a degree and going on to becoming something.”
Specifically, Johnson wants to study theology and go into ministry.
“I’ve always wanted to become a minister, so I want to study theology. Grew up in the church, and that’s kind of the thing I’ve always wanted to do … My family is just church-oriented. I grew up in the church and I play the piano at my church, so that’s one of my other things I like to do,” Johnson said.
Expect Johnson to continue opening eyes this summer. He truly impressed us in Reynoldsburg recently, as he’s grown tremendously since the grassroots season of 2016.
@Alfredjonhson15 @ElletBoysbasket @nthonyCgarcia Highlights from the Super 16 in Columbus https://t.co/wTpds8m3Ym
— Team Dad (@teamdad2018) May 24, 2017
Watch “Al Johnson Class of 2018 – TNBA Kaminski 17U – Spring and Pittsburgh Jamfests” on #Vimeo https://t.co/dIulF9SLdG
— Alfred johnson (@Alfredjonhson15) May 11, 2017
