The WCC snags another one

The first month of school has been a hectic time for Orlando Johnson, a 6-foot-5 senior wing from Palma High School in Salinas (Calif). Johnson went through football withdrawal after he gave up the sport he has played since he was eight years old to concentrate on basketball. He had to deal with fielding daily calls from various college coaches recruiting him in basketball, in between working out and school. However, after several visits to college campuses including an official visit to Loyola Marymount, Johnson decided he had seen enough. After weighing his options, he gave a verbal commitment, ending his recruitment.

"LMU is the school for me," said Johnson. "I picked LMU, because it is far enough, but it is not too far where my family could come down and see me play."

Other schools Johnson was considering include Pacific, Montana, Wisconsin Green-Bay and St. Mary's.

Besides the location, Johnson considered several factors when picking LMU. He thought about his family, the rise in the LMU basketball program and his future role on the team.

"I have family in LA so they can come and see me play," said Johnson. "Also, LMU is a program on the rise. They almost got to the tournament last year, as they lost to Gonzaga at the buzzer. I can be part of something that is happening."

Paul Alioto, head coach at Palma, was very happy to see Johnson's achievement. "Orlando is a great kid first and foremost," said Alioto. "He gets along with everyone, he is humble and hardworking. He has overcome a lot of obstacles to get a basketball scholarship."

Johnson's commitment to LMU makes him the second Northern Californian to give a verbal commitment to the West Coast Conference school. Brandon Walker from Bishop O'Dowd in Oakland was the first.

"I have talked to and have developed a friendship with Brandon and I am looking forward to playing with him," said Johnson.

Jamelle Damon, Orlando's older brother and guardian said LMU is the perfect fit for his younger sibling. "Orlando gets to play in the WCC and our family will be able to see most of his games," said Damon. "It's a place he can go in and play immediately. He can be a big fish in a small pond rather then a small fish in a big pond."

Last year, Johnson had a strong junior campaign for Palma, which lost in the Division IV Central Coast Section semi-finals to Sacred Heart Cathedral. He averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game as a do everything player. He is an inside/outside threat with the ability to slash to the basket or pop out and hit the perimeter jumper. He also rebounds the ball well for his position and can take over a game from the wing spot.

Johnson continued his strong play over the spring and summer with Bob Bramlett's West Valley Basketball Club, which played at the Houston Kingwood Classic, Reebok Big Time and Best of the Summer tournaments.

His play garnered looks from UNLV, Cincinnati, Clemson, Texas A&M and Oregon State. St. Mary's, Santa Clara, Pacific, Portland, Loyola-Chicago, Wisconsin-Green Bay and Buffalo offered scholarships.

But its proximity as well as playing basketball in the Los Angeles region were additional incentives for Johnson, when it came down to giving a commitment to LMU.

"The coaching staff at LMU believes that I can come in and contribute right away to the team," continued Johnson. "They play a tough schedule against the best teams and I also like the high level of basketball competition in the area. There are a lot of college guys and pros playing basketball in the area and in the summer, I can play against a lot of these guys and develop my game further."

To prepare for the upcoming season, Johnson is working out with his brother Robbie Johnson, a former collegiate basketball player at Weber State and professional overseas.

"I am just working on my game and getting ready for this season," Johnson continued. "I don't have to worry about college. I can just go out there and play."