2024's Larry Johnson amidst a breakout summer, talks recruitment
Every summer we see one player that has a breakout.
This summer, it’s Southern California Academy’s, Larry Johnson. A player we’ve covered on here before, Johnson is a 6-foot-5 combo guard. His coach Julius V has been raving about him and it’s evident why.
He’s a terrific finisher and can score on multiple levels. Physically, he looks the part of a college player with a really good frame and uses his size and athleticism to the best of his ability.
Johnson has been on high-major radars but things are really taking off after a successful week at Pangos All-American. Johnson averaged nearly 23 points at the All-American camp. His totals at the event on the dot: 22.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals.
This past season, he began at Huntington Prep, where he burst onto the scene at the Chick-Fil-A Classic in January, where he had some big-time games against national powerhouse IMG Academy and Florida power, Calvary Christian.
As far as his recruitment goes, Johnson has pretty much all high majors in pursuit with the exception of Duke, Kentucky, and others. Johnson is due for an influx of offers and also has a slate of visits he will take starting with Virginia Tech.
Johnson got with Stockrisers.com to discuss his recruitment and his first booked official visit.
Which schools are the most involved in your recruitment as of today?
“Virginia Tech, Alabama, Missouri, Oregon, Cincinnati, St. John’s, Creighton, LSU.”
Any new schools?
“Pittsburgh and Florida State.”
What are your thoughts on Virginia Tech and what they’re pitching to you?
“I like Virginia Tech. They were one of the first schools to recruit me and one of the first high majors to offer me. They have a great coaching staff, they call and check on me, but their pitch to me is that they want me to come in and just play my game. They’re going to let me just be me if I go there.”
How about Alabama?
“With Bama, I watched them coming up so I always just liked their style of play. I watched Collin Sexton every game but their pitch to me is that they want me to come in and just show my game off and basically just the same thing [As V-Tech] just playing my game and being a dog.”
How about a newer school like Pittsburgh?
“They said they like my game a lot. I actually love their style of play as well. Coach Capel is big on my game and they came to see me play during Session One and liked me but haven’t offered yet.”
Are you booking any visits?
“Yes, an official visit to Virginia Tech on the 30th and Oregon as well. I and Oregon haven’t got dates, but it’s going to be this month.”
And as far as your game, how have you elevated?
“I feel like over these last few months my shot has gotten better off the dribble, and catch and shoot. Also just being a good defender, I feel like guarding keeps you on the floor.”