Player Spotlight: Justin Johnson

We continue our prep basketball coverage with the spotlight on Justin Johnson, 6-7, Phoenix, (Ariz) Brophy College Prep. We sat down with Johnson to discuss his recruiting, new coach Tony Fuller (former Stanford assistant) and growing up the son of retired NBA great Eddie Johnson.

Justin Johnson and his Bronco teammates kick off the 2006-2007 season tonight at home against Salpointe.  Game time is 7:00pm

Player Spotlight:

Name: Justin Johnson

School: Brophy College Prep

Position: F- G        Ht: 6’ 7 1/2          Wt: 190

High School Coach: Tony Fuller

Cager Report: What were your stats from last season?

Johnson: 14 ppg  7 Reb

CR: What is your official height and weight?
Johnson: 6’ 7 ½    190lbs

CR: What is your greatest basketball memory?
Johnson: Well, as a player I would have to say my greatest basketball memory was beating St. Mary’s at ASU. That was my personal first win against them as a brophy player.

CR: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Johnson: To do whatever I can to get our team a victory.

CR: What aspect of your game have you really worked hard to improve? What area would you like to keep improving on?
Johnson: I want to improve on my ball handling. I want to keep improving on my rebounding and driving to the basket as well.

CR: Who are some of your teammates that people need to watch out for?
Johnson: Our pg Nick Rivers, he has the ability to become one of the better point guards in the state.

CR: What are your goals regarding playing basketball in college?
Johnson: My goals are to go to a school where I can get playing time and be in a system that fits my style of play.

CR: Would you consider staying in state to play in college?
Johnson: I would consider it, ASU seems to be headed in the right direction with Coach Sendek and Arizona is a top program every year.

CR: What would your top 5 college choices be? Do you have any offers yet?
Johnson: Yes I have offers but I intend to wait till the spring signing period and because of my age 17. Prep school is an option as well.  I can’t say I have a top choice; however I would love to go to a school in the Pac Ten Conference or a School on the West Coast.

CR: Who is the best player you ever played against? Why?
Johnson: I would say Jerryd Bayless, because he brings it every game and is one of the most competitive players to play against.

CR: Name one opponent who you really respect and why?
Johnson: Once again, Jerryd Bayless, although our apart of our school’s hated rival school St. Mary’s, I know how hard he has worked to become the player he is today and I respect his work ethic.

CR: What Club Basketball team do you player for in the Spring and Summer?
Johnson: I played for the AZ Stars.

CR: How do you think your coach would describe you as a player?
Johnson: Expects me to be an all-around player and a leader.

CR: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a player?
Johnson: My strengths starts off with my ability to shoot the ball, I can rebound and defend and also pass. Ball handling is probably my weakest but its above average.

CR: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Johnson: My favorite athlete would have to be Tracy McGrady. Just because I love what he can do on the floor and some of the stuff he does I can do as well.

CR: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Johnson: “Your only as good as you last game” Dad

CR: Tell us what can we expect from your team this season?
Johnson: A tough- hard nosed team who will get up in you every single game.

CR: What position do you think you will play in college?
Johnson: Either a 2-3

CR: What can a college program expect from you as a player?
Johnson: A hard worker who can shoot, rebound and defend.

CR: What will the main factors be when you choose a school?
Johnson: The education given to me and the system the schools plays in.

CR:  How has your Dad influenced your basketball career? 
Johnson: He has been a major influence obviously. He’s always been there for me. HE’s has ALWAYS gotten on me for things, but in the end I believe they have made me into a very good player. I can remember in 7^th and 8^th grade how horrible I was. Without him working with me I wouldn’t be the player I am today.

CR:  In a father/son one on one competition, tell us what happens?
Johnson: A lot of smack talks. It gets to the point where its just brutal. I remember when I finally beat him. I was talking so much head. We played 3 games. I beat him the first. Blew him out the 2nd. And he killed me the third. He says he is still the winner because he won the last one, but I say otherwise. I don’t think we have played since then… Can you blame him though?

CR: If we asked Mr. Johnson, would we get the same answer?
Johnson: Most likely, yes. He admits I whooped him.

CR: A new coach (Tony Fuller) at Brophy, tell us what the major differences so far have been, in his philosophy, practice plans and your development as a player?
Johnson: Major differences. For one, practices are a lot more intense than my first three years of brophy basketball. He expects a lot more out of us as well. He is a college minded coach so he has a lot more to teach us to become better players and a better team. His biggest want out of us is to be a tough team who will compete every game and he puts a huge emphasis on it.

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PrepCA.com & PrepAZ.com has started our exclusive coverage of prep basketball and will continue extensively throughout the season, so be sure to tell all your teammates, coaches, family and friends.

Athletic directors, coaches or fans who would like to suggest a player to be featured may contact PrepCA.com/PrepAZ.com Publisher Gary Trousdale at

Thanks to Justin and his family for giving us the opportunity to conduct this interview!

Gary Trousdale
Publisher
PrepCA.com
PrepAZ.com