Had only seen Johnson on video before and his athleticism popped off the screen in those viewings. He had a couple of those plays that make him an interesting prospect. The bouncy sophomore volleyball spiked one shot attempt hard into the ground. Then in overtime got loose on the baseline for a huge alley oop. The box for vertical explosiveness is clearly checked with Johnson. But in watching a full game, an area of improvement was clear. He needs to improve his lateral movement, as his hips are a bit stiff for an athlete of his caliber. Improvement there would help his ability to cover guards and attack when handle the rock.

Continuing the theme of bouncy tweener prospects. Johnson is another youngster who is starting to play above the rim. At his best when he’s a high motor two-way impact player. Cleaning the glass or blocking shots on defense, while an offensive rebound and lob threat. Has the movement profile to be a bigger guard/wing as well. As long as he puts the time into developing his handles and shooter. While hopefully keeping a mindset of being impact in the paint.

Johnson is a rim runner, athletic small town prospect. Any freshman who is already catching lobs in transition and off backdoor cuts is a name to track. Even better, his highlights against Mannford includes him crashing the glass for a putback slam, and even blocking shots. It’s only highlights for now, but it is still a strong intro for a promising athlete. With a football background as well, Johnson might have multiple paths to the next level. Speaking for the basketball side, there’s a lot of promise as he’s already maturing into an above the rim impact player.