Johnson still considering all options

The MLK Classic in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the staples on the January calendar for high school basketball and this year's field has a handful of things to keep on eye on.

Most notably Shaquille Johnson, one of the top unsigned guards in the Southeast. He will take to court with his Lee High School team on Saturday against Dunwoody, one of the top powerhouses in Atlanta, featuring Florida State signees Chris Singleton and Pierre Jordan and LSU bound Delwan Graham.

Johnson, a 6-foot-3 guard, and his Lee (12-2) teammates know they will have their hands full in the marquee game of the two day event at Raines High School.

"I think the game could be a big confidence booster for our team if we get that big win," Johnson said. "Everybody knows how tough they are. I told my team regardless of the outcome, we're going to get ready for a state run with a game against a tough competitor."

Johnson is a tough competitor. He's off to a strong start in his final year of high school. The three-star guard is averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds a game so far this season and he continues to shine as one of the top players in the Sunshine State this year.

Because of his great start and undecided decision for college, Johnson will certainly be one of the most watched seniors in the MLK Classic field.

Johnson officially visited Jacksonville, Tulane and Virginia Tech in the fall and has a pair of official visits left to use. He says he hopes to use both of them after the season is over.

"I just wasn't sure. I wanted to wait things out before I signed with anyone," he said. "I haven't closed the door to anyone else because I'm still taking calls. The new schools that are coming in told me that I was one of their first options but they thought that I had signed so they didn't contact me. But as soon as the signing period was over, they started calling."

Those that have called include George Mason (offer), Georgia Tech, Cincinnati, Central Florida (offer), Penn State (offer), Marshall (offer), South Carolina (offer) and Wichita State. Jacksonville and Tulane are still in the picture, he says.

Even with a flurry of visits from coaches trying to build a relationship this season, Johnson said his focus is on the hardwood and this weekend.

"The main thing is getting a state championship," he said. "That's the only thing."