Johnson Commits!!!

[Dane Pound]

Fox says Mike Johnson has committed! Cancelled his visit to South Alabama, Hawaii and North Texas, announced he's coming to Albany.

[Dane96]

WOW...that is a nice coup!

[GODANESGO]

Great get!! Welcome Michael!

[haggyland]

Nice Johnson.

[Clickclack]

Can we get any more info on him.....can he play at this level?

 

Welcome aboard Mike....!

[I rock(ed) the Cape]

According to his coach, he's another guy that can create his own shot off the dribble, something sorely missed last year...between him, ambrose, josh, and raffa our backcourt should be prolific for the next few years...

[Clickclack]

I only caution because at this stage everyone looks great! Let's hope he is as good as advertised....the fact that South Alabama was looking to snag him is a good sign.

[B9j2j6s]

Don't forget the learning curve for JUCO transfers. It took Siggers half the year to get comfortable with our system. Same with Hastings this year, remember he was benched. Hopefully he can get it or he could end up with the likes of Moores and Knight.

[KingDane]

Very exciting.

 

A little wary of a kid who passes up a brief trip to Hawaii.

[Dane Pound]

Don't forget the learning curve for JUCO transfers. It took Siggers half the year to get comfortable with our system. Same with Hastings this year, remember he was benched. Hopefully he can get it or he could end up with the likes of Moores and Knight.

 

For the most part I agree with you about the learning curve although I though Hastings looked pretty good early in the season. I thought his move to the bench was more because we were having trouble scoring and with outside shooting.

[Patch]

Some stats on Johnson -

 

Michael Johnson, Blinn . . . . . . . . . 26(G) - 142/260 54.6% (FG%) - 17/42 40.5% (3PFG%) - 107/136 78.7% (FT%) - 408 15.7 (PPG)

 

Article on Michael Johnson.......

 

Jags Search JUCOs for Point Guard

 

By Doug Konkel

Posted Apr 2, 2008

 

 

The South Alabama Jaguars search for point guard help has led them to Itawamba Community College's Anthony Brock, Lamar (Houston) High School's Josh Bonney, and now it takes them to Blinn Community College's Michael Johnson.

 

Under Johnson's leadership at the point, Blinn finished with an 18-13 record. Along the way he averaged 15.7 points, 5.7 assists and 3.4 steals per game - shooting an impressive 54.6% from the field and 78.7 percent from the free throw line. Statistics don't tell the whole story, though.

 

He brings a toughness, a will to win," said Blinn coach Steve Spurlin. "Just a good overall team player, one of those guys that plays hard every night and wants to win."

 

While Johnson brings strong defense and a willingness to get everyone involved, there are questions about his ability to shoot the three. Coach Spurlin dismisses these observations.

 

"If anybody ever criticizes him, they says he can't shoot. Well, Mike works his shot in the gym every day. I tell everyone, lay off him and see what happens. He doesn't hunt for a three, but if the opportunity presents itself he'll step up and knock it down. His game is to get to the rim, get fouled or get somebody else involved. He's an old school guy as far as that goes. Just because the line's out there doesn't mean you have to shoot it."

 

The numbers bear this out as Johnson averaged less than two three-point shots per game but hit over 41% for the season.

 

Currently Johnson has trips set up to South Alabama and Albany and is still being pursued by North Texas and Wichita State. He currently holds offers from all four schools and there is still a possibility that other schools may get involved before the spring signing period starts on April 9th. Until USA gets a commitment from at least one of their point guard targets, expect the staff to stay in close contact with Michael