2018 G Xavier Johnson [Pittsburgh- Signed LOI]

He didn’t make the McDonald’s squad but he’s having a heck of a year. Seems to get to the rim at will n does a good job getting teammates involved. Would love to see him n palmer on the floor together next year especially since Xavier has the size to play some 2 gaurd 

 
With both Watson and Allen expected to return next season, the addition of Miles’ newest point guard signee, Xavier Johnson, creates an interesting dynamic in Nebraska’s lineups heading into the 2018-2019 season.

A 6’1″ point guard out of Arlington, Virginia, Johnson is rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN and a composite three-star prospect by 247. 

Johnson is expected to play right away for the Huskers.

“He’ll play right away,” Miles said without hesitation. “I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”

Johnson currently plays for Bishop O’Connell high school in Virginia, while playing for Team Takeover in the AAU circuit – which is the same AAU program that produced senior captain Evan Taylor and NU’s leading scorer, James Palmer Jr.

We spoke with former ESPN and current Prephoops.com scout Joel Francisco to determine the impact Johnson can have on the Huskers. Francisco, a scout for over 30 years, watched Johnson and his team play at the 2017 Torrey Pines Classic and has a good baseline for where the Husker signee is at today.

“No one could really contain him, halfcourt or fullcourt,” Francisco said. “He was unstoppable off the dribble and he could pinpoint passes with either hand. His vision was impeccable.”

After watching Johnson, Francisco said he reminds him a lot of current Milwaukee Bucks point guard Eric Bledsoe.

“Physically, he reminds me of Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe couldn’t really shoot it in high school, but he was really quick and could really get to the rim,” Francisco said.

While showing a lot of promise, Francisco mentioned that Johnson’s biggest opportunity to improve would be his perimeter shooting.

“His only real concern for me is his outside shooting,” Francisco said. “At the collegiate level, especially in the Big Ten, you have to be able to keep the defense honest.”

It’s more than just his physical traits that make Johnson an impressive prospect at the collegiate level, Francisco said that his competitive fire compliments his physical attributes and goes along well with a tough mental makeup.

“Playing for Team Takeover, you kind of get this mentality of wanting to rip the other team’s heart out,” Francisco said. “And playing for Coach Wooten (of Bishop O’Connell), he certainly demands a lot out of his players.”
Click to expand...
https://www.huskerhype.com/index.php/2018/01/17/future-looks-bright-huskers-point-guards/

If you can't tell- I (and everyone else out there) am tremendously excited to see this kid at UNL

 
As for Johnson, he has led Bishop O’Connell to a 23-6 record and eight straight victories entering this week’s Washington Catholic Athletic Association tournament. Among teams O’Connell has knocked off are USA Today’s No. 7 Paul VI and No. 15 DeMatha.

Johnson averages 18.9 points, 4.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds. He shoots 77.6 percent from the foul line.

Scouts praise Johnson for his aggressive defense, speed with the basketball, clutch performances — he clinched a Senior Night victory with a steal and fast-break slam in the final seconds — and general toughness. He picked Nebraska over Georgetown and Georgia Tech.
Click to expand...
http://www.omaha.com/huskers/mens-basketball/nebraska-basketball-focuses-on--foot--karrington-davis-in/article_540492b6-4c3c-5245-aa6a-6179009c625e.html

 
Back
Top