Texas Shooter Likes Four

The state of Texas is packed with basketball prospects. So it’s not surprising that one of top players in the Lone Star State stood out at the Kingwood Classic last weekend in Houston. We caught up with Austin Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 170-pound guard from Palo Duro High School in Amarillo, and got the latest in his recruitment.

Johnson, the No. 78 ranked player by Rivals.com, came up big in several games for Team Texas last weekend. In one instance, he scored seven points in a matter of 30 seconds. He converted on a four-point play and on the next possession, he sank a free throw for a three-point play.

“I didn’t see that coming,” he laughed. “I really didn’t. I was at the right place at the right time for the three pointer so when he fouled me I just hoped it would go in. Later on, the and one was big, too. I’m just glad I had the chance to help us win.”

The class of 2005 prospect averaged nearly 27 points and seven rebounds last year. Several programs like Johnson’s winning attitude and dept scoring touch. Despite all the interest from colleges, there isn’t a true leader at this point, he says.

“I don’t really favor just one school right now,” Johnson said. “There are a lot of them sending mail and calling my coaches. But there are a few main ones.”

Those few include Southern Cal, Colorado State, Kansas and Texas Tech. CSU and Texas Tech have offered a scholarship. Playing with Team Texas on the AAU circuit, Johnson believes he’ll garner more scholarship offers by the end of summer.

“There is really nothing as big as this and as good as this,” Johnson said. “This gives us a lot of publicity and a chance to play in front of all of these colleges. It’s been a great experience for me and it’s been good to be on a team like (Team Texas).”

Johnson will be back in action at a national level when he and his AAU team travels to the Nike Memorial Day Classic in New Orleans.