Bluechip Prospect Jeremiah Johnson Nears Return To The Court
It’s a Monday night in October in Norman, Oklahoma and junior guard Jeremiah Johnson Jeremiah Johnson 6'4" | PG Wasatch Academy Prep Class Of 2024 | 2024 GA is being put through a workout. Like many top high school prospects…
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Continue ReadingIt’s a Monday night in October in Norman, Oklahoma and junior guard Jeremiah Johnson Jeremiah Johnson 6'4" | PG Wasatch Academy Prep Class Of 2024 | 2024 GA is being put through a workout. Like many top high school prospects with aspirations of collegiate success, Johnson is putting in the extra time even after a long day of class and already practicing with his high school team a few short hours before. The skilled guard is the type of player that embraces the work and grind that goes on behind closed doors. The problem for Johnson is that for nearly the last nine months all his basketball activity has taken place behind closed doors.
Two seasons ago, Johnson entered the high school landscape as already one of the most skilled players in the Oklahoma. He started right away for a school that was coming off back to back Class 6A State Title game appearances (winning it all in their first trip). As a freshman, he led Putnam City North in scoring at 16.7 points per game, while shooting a blistering 44% from the three point line. The lanky guard was already turning heads and looked prime for a big spring and summer in front of college coaches, but due to COVID-19 those opportunities never materialized in 2020.
The work never stopped for Johnson, as he started his sophomore campaign with even more range on his jumper and better handles. While also adding an important part to his game. Explosiveness. Johnson assaulted rims with regularity and showed the ability to get wherever he wanted off the dribble. In his first game of his sophomore campaign he scored 30 points against Class 6A westside power Midwest City, and then hung 27 points on eventual 6A State Champions Del City.
Even with college coaches unable to watch him in person, the offers were rolling in as Johnson looked to be on the trajectory of fielding scholarship offers from Blue Blood college basketball programs. Unfortunately in early February of 2021, Johnson’s sophomore campaign came to abrupt end. An unfortunate off the court incident found the talented sophomore in the hospital and away from the game he loved for months.
It’s been a long rehabilitation journey for Johnson and it is nearing the end as he prepares to for an upcoming busy week of scrimmages with his new school, Norman North.
“I just get happier, happier every day,” said Johnson as he opened the interview with a big smile. “It’s been months since I’ve played an actual game. Or been on the court with an opposing team.”
While the fun is nearing, with Johnson even closing out his workout and long day with a handful of dunks. The journey has been anything. Following the incident he needed to relearn the basics before he could even get back to adding to the skill elements of his basketball game.
“The hardest part from the rehabilitation is probably learning how to walk, run and jump again.”
Following the long journey, especially as he saw basketball return to closer to normal and college coaches were able to go out and scout prospects in person, Johnson saw his appreciation for the game grow. “Don’t take it for granted, basketball is going to go on with or without you.”
Basketball will be moving forward this winter with Johnson as one of the top players in a talented Class of 2023 in Oklahoma. With life returning back to normal, college coaches have been flocking to Norman North to watch Johnson in practice. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tulsa Missouri, Butler, Arkansas and more have been among the programs to visit. Along with hosting schools, he has been on the road recently to Kansas, Arkansas, OSU and Tulsa. “The one I really liked was Arkansas, they really prioritized me.” His father, Jeremey Johnson an assistant coach when Jeremiah was at Putnam City North and now at Norman North, confirmed the impact the energetic Arkansas Head Coach Eric Musselman had on their visit.
The younger Johnson followed up that in state programs, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Tulsa, all remain in close contact. And he appreciates the extra connection that they are able to be built from them being nearby.
What exactly is Johnson looking for in a future program? “Loyalty and prioritize me. Let me do what I can do.” Then he added with a grin “Also we gotta win.”
Like many prospects, there’s a certain SEC program that is a dream school for him. “Before the incident, Kentucky had reached out to my dad. So I definitely want to get back in their eyes.”
While bigger goals remain, the Class of 2023 guard is still focused on his next step. This high school season. “Definitely wins. And a show,” replied Johnson when asked what could be expected from Norman North season. “Playing hard and showing everybody Norman North is a good team”
It’s an exciting time for high school hoops in Oklahoma and Johnson is ready to add to the show.
“I can’t wait to get back out there and show people what I got. And show to myself that I can still do this”