re: Tide Hoops | Offseason

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Five-star London Johnson focusing on six as decision nears

London Johnson used the past year to establish himself as one of the top point guards in the 2023 class with scholarship offers coming in from all over the country.

Earlier this month, Johnson decided to take his shot at the international game as he used his dual citizenship with Jamaica to play in the 2021 FIBA U17 Centrobasket Championship. In six games, the five-star prospect averaged 36 points per game and helped Jamaica finish 6th overall.

With that behind him, Johnson is now nearing a college decision. He’s hoping to announce his school for the next level within the next month or so. He cut his list to 12 schools last month, but says he’s now focused on Georgia, Virginia, NC State, Clemson, USC and Alabama as his commitment nears.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Alabama: “They have a point guard coming in next year, Jaden Bradley, who might go one and done. I know they play fast and a lot of transition.”

Clemson: “I have a good connection with the coaches. They have a lot of graduating guards coming up. They signed some big men, so now they need some guards.”

Georgia: “I like coach [Tom] Crean and coach [Steve] McClain. I think if I go there, it would be like staying home. When I went on a visit, coach Crean compared my style of play to what they do on film.”

NC State: “I like coach [Kevin] Keatts and coach [Roy] Roberson. I have a good connection with them as well. I feel like they are pretty loaded at guard right now.”

USC: “I like coach [Eric] Mobley. When I went on a visit there, we had a great connection. I feel like the program is a good basketball program. I watched practice and I could see how I fit in there.”

Virginia: “I like coach [Tony] Bennett and coach [Jason] Williford. We have a great connection, and I could see myself fitting in there. On film, they showed me how I could fit into what they do.”

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RIVALS’ REACTION

Johnson said a decision could come as soon as right around the turn of the year. He hasn’t set a date or time yet. As he approaches his commitment, he’s not tipping his hand in any way about which school could win out for his services.

There has been speculation about Johnson potentially moving up into the 2022 class or considering professional options, but he sounded pretty firm on his plan to stay right where is. The school that wins out in his recruitment will be landing an elite scorer and playmaker with great size for a lead guard. He also has the potential to be an elite on-ball defender with his length and quickness.

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