Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Houston, TX (Future150) -- Written By: Future150 Staff Member Adam Barnes
Not many kids can say their dad is the head coach of the NBA Brooklyn Nets, but Avery Johnson Jr. can, and he is working hard to make his dad proud.
“I feel so much pressure to be successful. Every time I walk into the gym, people are always looking at me as Avery Johnson’s son. People expect me to be just as good as he was; they expect me to be an immediate star. But at this point, all I can do is be myself, help my team, and work to make my family proud,” said Avery.
Johnson Jr., a 5'11", 175-pound junior, is quietly putting together a successful high school career at John Cooper High School in The Woodlands, TX. As a sophomore, the point guard averaged 17.2 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game while being named the MVP of his squad. In addition to his MVP award, Johnson Jr. was named All-District SPC and All-South Zone.
After spending the summer with the Houston Hoops, one of Houston’s most successful AAU programs, Avery’s recruiting is starting to heat up. Wichita State, UAB, Arizona, Manhattan, South Alabama, Morehouse and numerous others have reached out to Johnson Jr.
“I think all of the programs showing interest are great programs, I am definitely interested in learning more about each one of them,” he explained.
In addition to the schools who have contacted him, Johnson Jr. lists LSU, UC-Santa Barbara, St. Johns, Miami (FL), North Texas, Villanova, and USC as schools of interest.
“I am looking to play in a big city; I really enjoy the big city atmosphere. I am also interested in playing for a top-notch coaching staff with a head coach who has a shown the ability to develop players. I want to play for a head coach who is going to help me become a good player, but more importantly, help me become a great person off the court. Early playing time is nice, but it won’t be my main factor in deciding on a school,” Johnson Jr. commented.
With so much pressure on him to perform at an elite level, Johnson Jr. knows that he needs to continue to work in the gym.
“I like to get in the lane and use the floater, force the defense to breakdown around me so I can spread the ball around to my teammates. I work to keep my turnovers down, make good decisions with the ball, and get the rest of my squad involved. Nevertheless, I know I need to continue to work on my mid-range game and continue to work on my ball handling. Those traits are essential keys of all great point guards,” said Avery Jr.
Even though the pressure is intense, Johnson Jr. enjoys the fact that his dad is the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
“We still spend a ton of time together, and when we can, we get to spend time in the gym too.”
Not only does he enjoy the time with his dad, he is developing quite a nice relationship with many of the players.
“I talk to Deron Williams all the time, he is a great guy. Other guys like Tyshawn Taylor, MarShon Brooks, and Kris Humphries are super cool, they are always trying to help out when they can,” Johnson added.
If Avery Johnson Jr. continues to develop his skills, he is going to be nice player at the next level. He is an extremely smart player who knows how to play the game the right way.
Comments:
I’ve played with him he has unbelievable skill, but also a great person off the court
That’s great, I’m sure both him and his father would be happy to hear that. We are trying to help get his name out there!
I played against Avery. He isn’t flashy, but man he can just grind you out. He seemed like super chill dude too. I think he scored 25+ on us last year. Solid player.