Johnson to focus on hoops

Orlando Johnson, a senior student-athlete at Palma High School in Salinas (Calif.), had some difficult choices to make at the start of the school year. Johnson, a highly coveted two-sport athlete in basketball and football, decided to give up football, a sport he has played since he was 9-years-old to focus on playing basketball.

"I gave up football to give 100 percent to basketball," said Johnson. "Basketball is what I want to play in college, so I want to really focus on this."

This despite the fact his 6-foot-5 frame, musculature and athleticism are ideal for Division IA college football. Now that he has additional time to hone the skils in his sport of choice, Johnson's recruitment will likely increase.

"I am just working out everyday and trying to get used to playing basketball year round instead of just a few months out of the year," said Johnson. "It is different and it is more of a challenge now, but I am getting in shape and getting ready for the basketball season."

Johnson, who played every position on the basketball court, helped Palma advance to the Division IV Central Coast Section semi-finals where they lost to Sacred Heart Cathedral. He averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, despite the fact he was not in complete basketball shape.

"He led us in scoring, rebounds and assists last season," said Palma coach Paul Alioto. "He bought into what we were trying to teach and he gave our team a swagger, and that helped give other kids on the team confidence and we won."

After the basketball season, Johnson continued his strong play with Bob Bramlett's West Valley Basketball Club, which played in Houston at the Kingwood Classic, the Reebok Big Time (Las Vegas) and Best of Summer tournament (Los Angeles). In the quarterfinals of the Big Time, Johnson's team lost by nine points to Mean Streets Express, the eventual tournament runners-up. In that game, Johnson held his own against Eric Gordon while scoring 16 points.

With a strong showing during the club circuit, Johnson's recruitment has picked up heavily. UNLV, Cincinnati, Clemson, Texas A&M and Oregon State have shown some interest, while St. Mary's, Santa Clara, Pacific, Portland, LMU, Loyola-Chicago, Wisconsin Green-Bay, and Buffalo have offered.

He plans to sign during the early signing period. He has visits scheduled with LMU on September 8 and 9th and Montana two weeks later. Pacific, St. Mary's and Loyola-Chicago are also at the top of his list.

Johnson prefers a program where he can come in and play immediately. "I am looking to going to a school and having an impact," said Johnson. "I want to make a name for myself and play against the top notch schools that were not recruiting me. I want to give them something to think about."

Johnson is a full qualifier with a 2.7 GPA and 1350 SAT score.

With summer ball officially over, Johnson is focused on getting better for the high school season, which he says he wants to be Palma's best. "The team has a lot more experience and everyone has raised their games," said Johnson. "Last year, we were good but this year we will be even better."