Top-50 incoming senior Larry Johnson talks recruitment, visits
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 really took off after a successful week at Pangos All-American just one month ago. 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.
Two weeks ago, in Las Vegas, Johnson worked out with Terrance Mann and his future head coach, Julius V. Johnson at Peach Jam, had started a game with 9 points in the first 11 minutes but had hurt his hand which is an injury that he has now recovered from, but effected him during his time at Peach Jam.
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. This season at SCA, I expect a breakout, especially with the developmental staff there.
Johnson talked about his recruitment with Stockrisers.com and he has planned several visits.
Which schools are heavily involved?
“Virginia Tech, Penn State, Villanova, Mizzou, Creighton, Illinois, and USC.”
Any new schools?
“Villanova is one of the schools that just hopped in the mix.”
What are your thoughts on Virginia Tech and Coach Young?
“Great guy. I got to chop it up with him on my official visit and other times, but yes, he’s a great person just from talking to him. His pitch to me is that he would just want me to come in and just be myself.”
How about Mizzou, thoughts on them and the coaching staff?
“Cy and Dickey [Nutt] are great guys. I’ve been talking to them since the start of my junior season and I remember the first time they saw me play it was during a pickup session.”
And discuss your new interest, Villanova.
“They watched me play in Vegas and they pitched me coming in, being myself, and development.”
How about Illinois?
“Coach Chester [Frazier] is a cool guy. He was out to watch me in Vegas and they just want me to come in and showcase my game and hoop, I think that’s big.”
Visits, anything planned?
“I got Creighton on September 15th, Penn State on September 22nd, and Illinois is still getting scheduled.”
How would you best break down your game?
“I think I’m a player that can get downhill whenever. I pick up 94 feet. I can create for others, I think that’s the most slept-on part of my game and my shooting. I feel I need to become a more consistent shooter though. But I’m just a winner.”
How do you want your game to evolve?
“I really feel like I can do whatever on the court, but when the confidence is there you get it all. But I just want to become a more consistent shooter and I’m just gonna keep getting better and showing and proving it when it’s time.”