Johnson to play for USC next year

Angelo Johnson has waited long enough. The prep school point guard will play college basketball next year, instead of 2008 as he orginally planned. The four-star guard signed a National Letter of Intent with Southern Cal on Wednesday.

Johnson, a 2008 USC verbal pledge from Stoneridge Prep in Simi Valley, Calif., will join his teammate Mamadou Diarra in the incoming Trojan class.

The Minnesota native was originally in the 2006 recruiting class but needed time at a couple of prep schools to qualify. After reviewing his academic standing with USC, Johnson is on track to graduate and play next year.

"Coach (Tim) Floyd and coach (Gib) Arnold really made me feel wanted," Johnson said in a press release. "They are building something special there and I want to be part of the USC family. The school, its players, their success and the new facilities give me the best chance to grow academically and athletically."

Johnson led a college prospect loaded Stoneridge team this year in scoring (13.7 ppg) and in assists (4.1 apg).