Prospect Spotlight: Nick Johnson (2018)
Hoover’s Doug Wilson may have left an all-state void in the paint when he graduated last season, but Nick Johnson could surprise some people as he attempts to fill it this winter.
A tenacious 6-foot-6 forward who can also step out and hit a jumper, Johnson missed last season after an ACL injury he sustained while playing his 16U offseason.
He says says missing last season was tough, but he’s excited to get the chance to turn some heads this winter.
“It was devastating at first (missing last season), I was supposed to play behind Douglas and make a big impact on the team. And sitting, it really hurt because my recruitment really went down, and I missed that whole July too,” said Johnson.
“I think I’ll play good this season. My injury is healed all the way, and I’m strong sand ready to play.”
He played his whole spring and summer with Kingdom Hoops Red 17U, and hasn’t missed a beat since coming back from his injury. He’s still a stretch-four with a nice combo of grit and finesse.
“I make an impact by rebounding and playing defense. I can shoot the ball a little bit and I can post up,” said Johnson, who classifies himself as a stretch-four.
“I need to improve on ball-handling and making better decisions on offense. And then getting my teammates involved and being a leader.”
As a senior, Johnson’s role with the Huskies will be to lead, and to help fill that void left by one of Hoover’s all-time greats, Wilson.
“He (Coach Courtney Henderson) wants me to be be a big part of the team this year, just picking up for Douglas where he left off,” said Johnson. “And also just help to get us to state so we can compete for a title.”
As for his recruitment, it certainly didn’t help missing his 16U summer and subsequent junior season, but he’s still seeing some trickle in.
“I talked to SWCC, and Coe talked to me a little bit earlier. But missing last July hurt,” said Johnson.
“I feel like I’m a little but under the radar still. But it could go up my senior season.”