2023 London Johnson has certainly been a name Phenom Hoops has been familiar with, watching him grow up when he was young, attending multiple camps and playing in multiple events, and now making a name down in Georgia at Norcross. Johnson has quickly become one of the top guards in the country for his class and certainly has several college programs recruiting him hard. But he recently announced before the holidays his Top 6 schools, which consisted of Alabama, Clemson, Virginia, North Carolina, USC, and Georgia.
We spoke with Johnson about the latest, his season, and breaking down his thoughts on each school.
Phenom: Wanted to speak with you first about how everything has been going as far as this season at Norcross for you and with basketball overall'
Johnson: The season is going great. I was fortunate enough o play in the FIBA 17u championships. Although I did not achieve my goal of leading my team to qualify for the America’s Cup this summer ' I was able to further develop my skill set as a leader and firmly establish myself internationally. As for my high school team, we are currently 9-3. I think we are ranked 6th in the state of Georgia. We have lost some key players to other schools, all part of our front line 6'7 or taller but for the guys that choose to stay, our commitment to each other remains strong. Also, I had the green light before ' but now I have a super green light which takes me out of my comfort zone but my coaches tell me that a bad shot for me is considered a good shot because I am so particular about my shot selection.
Phenom: Recruitment has been off the charts for you but you announced your top 6. What was it about those schools overall that made them make your list'
Johnson: The main thing that stood out to me was the connection with the coach, style of play, and the players that they already have there.
Phenom: Wanted to get your thoughts on each program and what stands out about each.
Johnson: Georgia: Georgia was my first offer. The first one is special because it felt so good to be recognized for all the hard work I put in over the years. Coach McClain was super cool. My dad and I made it a point to make sure Georgia was our first visit. The facilities are nice and Coach Crean's passion is evident by the way he works around the clock. They made me feel at home and have been great.
Alabama: I've visited Alabama three times over the past six months. They are special because of the deep connection with the coaching staff and my trainer. He introduced me to Coach Pettway and immediately we hit it off. Coach Pettway has a deep love for Alabama. As an alum, he's set what can be considered the golden standard for players that come through the program. Coach Oates was great.
North Carolina: Having grown up in Carolina, an offer from UNC was very special. Coach Davis, Coach May, and Coach Fredrick have all been very supportive. Specifically connecting with Coach Davis was cool. He is very easy to talk to and loves to laugh. You can tell he really loves Carolina. The staff came out to see me multiple times and really like the value that I can add to their program as a playmaker.
Virginia: Coach Bennett and the Virginia coaching staff have been amazing. They were very detail-oriented in pointing out the pros and cons to how I can improve my overall game. Specifically, in the pick and roll, as I'm making reads. Coach Bennett emphasizes that my shooting ability sets me apart from the other players in my class. In addition to the fact, that I am a two-way player and can defend at a high level as well.
USC: USC has a winning tradition. USC's campus, facilities, and player support system are amazing. Immediately, they made me feel right at home. Coach Mobley shared with me a few of the specific reads that the coaching staff looks for in building chemistry between the bigs and guards and Coach Enfield spoke to me about how my style of play would blend nicely with how they use their bigs.
Clemson: As far as the Tigers, the Clemson coaching staff have been amazing.' Coach Reynolds was the first to recruit me at Clemson.' At 6'7, Coach Reynolds can seem intimidating at first but he is actually really funny and great to be around.' Coach Brownell has been fantastic; he's been very supportive of my play this season.' During my visit, the staff really highlighted how they have a need for my skill set as a great two-way player that is equally gifted on offense as well as defense.
Phenom: Do you have a timeline of when you may ultimately decide'
Johnson: Not exactly sure yet, I will have a commitment day out soon.
