Andrew Force:
Future150 National Analyst. Covering High and Middle School basketball.
CHICAGO, IL (Future150) -- After watching him play Wednesday night, UIC extended an offer to Brandon Johnson.
Last weekend Johnson recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds, and eight blocks against a rival opponent.
UIC coaches have been observing Johnson since late 2014. Future150.com reported at the time that Assistant Coach Stew Robinson watched him at the Crete Monee Shoot-Out, where Johnson's Thornton Fractional South Rebels fell.
Johnson scored 14 points in defeat, but sprinkled some D1 skills into the contest.
The 6'7" forward handles very well. He can lull a defender with his low dribble. He doesn’t mind driving to pass, which is rare for a bigger wing.
Head Coach John O’Rourke utilizes Johnson at the tip of his 1-2-2 fullcourt press. Johnson’s footwork is good enough to make him a respectable perimeter defender. He does not get beat off the dribble much for a 6’7” wing. He appears comfortable out in space.
Defensively, Johnson moves pretty well. He can defend a wing or spearhead a fullcourt press. He needs to improve his outside shot to become a feared dual-threat scorer. Rebounds are common, but not consistent.
Recruitment
Bradley offered in September. Chicago State (July offer) and Illinois State (August offer) are also involved.
Schools that are interested include Northwestern, Illinois, Creighton, and Marquette.
Accepting a role
The skills and height of Johnson make his recruitment especially interesting. Will he become a perimeter player in college? Would a low major prefer to plant him on the low blocks?
For AAU he plays power forward. For his high school he shifts between both forward spots.
This season UIC starts 6'5" and 6'8" across their front line. They play three guards together and the Flames truly have enough young bigs in the program that he could float to the wing.
UIC represents the fourth offer for the versatile Johnson.
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