Rakim Johnson
Rakim Johnson
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Expert Analysis
Ari Rosenfeld | Prep Hoops Scout
Controlling the game from the opening tip, Johnson impressed with mature levels of poise and composure throughout. The sophomore guard did the bulk of the ballhandling for West Catholic, taking pristine care of the ball while playing with advanced pace and selectively pushing tempo when appropriate. He put solid pressure on the paint off the dribble, probing well off of ball screens and doing a good job of patiently taking what was there for him as a scorer. Despite being on the smaller side, he showed solid strength to be able to take on contact as a finisher at the rim. Johnson showed himself to be a capable perimeter shooter with his feet set but didn’t present much of a pullup threat and did have some struggles with his efficiency at the foul line. Nonetheless, he finished with 20 points while continuing to establish himself on scholarship radars moving forward.
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Read EvaluationAri Rosenfeld | Prep Hoops Scout
After a somewhat quiet first half, Johnson came alive after the break to control the game for much of the second half and into the overtimes. He was a reliable ballhandler as West Catholic milked clock before showing his downhill burst on a series of tough drives, none bigger than on the final possession of the game. His buzzer-beating jumper to end the third quarter was also key toward securing momentum heading into the final frame. Johnson helped flip the game with his stifling ball pressure at the point of attack, forcing a handful of Prep turnovers. He projects to be a staple of the Burrs’ program moving forward and should be on scholarship-level radars in due time.
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Read EvaluationVan Johnson | Prep Hoops Scout
A quick PG who is in complete command of the game. Plays with a great/fast pace to his game and is good at keeping defenders on hip shielding ball to relieve pressure. Smooth compact handle with great change of pace. Great slow to fast trigger step hesitation moves and hip switch attacks. Great off hand. Good burst downhill. Vertical contact finisher and scorer from all three levels.
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Read EvaluationCarey Smith | Prep Hoops Scout
Johnson posted his breakout stretch of play in SEPA during the 2024-25 high school season by averaging 10 points per game in the Philadelphia Public League. Now it is time for college coaches on the national recruiting scene to stop sleeping on him. Johnson is a quick burst floor general with a high IQ and slick handles. He does the bulk of his scoring damage by using those assets to fearlessly attack the painted area for runners, floaters, and lay-ins. Johnson also excels at pushing the rock in the open court for scores and assists. On defense, Johnson is a menacing on ball presence. College coaches will love that Johnson plays with a poise that is beyond his years.
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Read EvaluationCarey Smith | Prep Hoops Scout
Johnson is a fast point guard with AND1 mixtape like handles who can get paint touches whenever he wants. Once he is in the lane, Johnson can get to the rim for lay-ins, unleash a tear drop or kiss a runner off the glass. If the help defense cuts off Johnson, he will execute a kick out or slip a pass to the dunker spot. For a 2028 prospect, Johnson is extremely poised and does not allow opponents to speed him up. Johnson has also shown no fear when driving to the rack among older, much larger players. During his standout freshman campaign, Johnson averaged 10 points per night and posted a season high 16 points in a win over John Bartram. At the other end of the court, Johnson is a plus defensive player and is willing to guard for 94-feet.
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Read EvaluationCarey Smith | Prep Hoops Scout
Johnson is a speedy and elusive dribble drive guard who can get into the paint for scores, kick out dimes and drop passes to the dunker spot. Despite being undersized, Johnson is not afraid to attack the rim and then convert among the trees. For a freshman, his ability to finish through contact is impressive. At the other end of the court, Johnson is a menacing on-ball defender who picks opponent’s pockets and then pushes the fast break for scores and assists. Recently Johnson (10.2 ppg.) scored 16 points as Gratz defeated John Bartram as well as 14 points in win over Dobbins.
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