Johnson ready to focus on recruiting

During the season Arizona native and current Findlay Prep standout Nick Johnson didn't really put much focus on his recruitment. The 6-foot-2 combo guard instead was focused on winning a national championship for his team, and playing well on the court. Now that his season is over, the focus is beginning to turn back to his recruitment.

The Oakland Soldiers drew a lot of attention with their play at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League tournament in Hampton, Virginia, and Johnson was a major reason why. With a host of talented guards surrounding him, Johnson played his usual solid floor game.

"It is great we have a lot of talented players on this team," said Johnson. "Some people don't even have to show out. We have five great guards that know how to play out together. During the whole (EYBL-Hampton) tournament Jabari (Brown) was on. You have to not be selfish. It is just great to win, and that is the overall goal."

With the Soldiers, Johnson switches off from point guard and shooting guard, and shows his versatility. That versatility along with athleticism and an ability to make shots, has Johnson as one of the hottest prospects on the West Coast.

"It is just the same old, same old, Arizona, Kentucky, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Wake Forest, Ohio State, and just a lot of people," said Johnson of his recruitment.

For a while Johnson wasn't at all even looking at recruiting, but now he says that is beginning to change.

"Up until last week I was just focused on the season, but now as it gets to the summer I am going to being to pay more attention to my recruiting," explained Johnson.

Growing up in the Phoenix area, Johnson has seen Arizona and Arizona State his whole life, and now the two of them are very active in his recruitment.

"It's pretty cool," explained Johnson of being a priority for both of his home state schools. "I have been watching both schools since I was a little kid, and I have also had a chance to build a great relationship with both coaching staffs."

He continued, "ASU has been recruiting me since the eighth grade so I know them real well. With U of A, Coach (Sean) Miller has been recruiting me real hard since he got the job, and I have a great relationship with them."

Another school that has been active in recruiting Johnson is Ohio State. At this point he hasn't made it to Columbus, but Johnson is developing a relationship with head coach Thad Matta.

"They are cool guys, Coach Matta is real cool and has stressed to me that they have a great campus and everything and I need to check it out," explained Johnson.

While at this point Johnson is in no hurry to make any kind of decision, he does know what he will be looking for in a school.

"I just have to look at all of my options, and see the coaches and the relationships I have with them," said Johnson. "Also I have to like the campus and the style of play."

Currently Johnson is rated as the No 51 player in the country overall and the No 12 shooting guard.