At the recent MLK Classic in Berkeley, Franklin High of Elk Grove pulled out a 54-51 victory over Deer Valley. A major contributor to the win was junior Darin Johnson who is the No. 13 ranked prospect in his class according to NorCalPreps.com. The wing prospect has helped his Wildcats to an 18-5 record and his team is likely the league favorites in the Delta Valley Athletic League.
At 6-foot-5 and 188 pounds, Johnson is an athletic wing who can slash or play above the rim with ease. But in the MLK classic, he hit several perimeter shots to make him a truly versatile offensive threat. Playing with the local Oakland Soldiers Blue 17U club during summers, Johnson is getting national attention.
Here were some comments from Johnson about the schools that have expressed interest and their conferences.
Atlantic Coast (Virginia Tech): Johnson says, "I love the way Virginia Tech recruits big guards that have a dream of going pro. Especially being on the east coast, this is a reason why it is my favorite. They play big time schools like Duke and North Carolina."
Big West (Pacific and UCSB): Johnson says, "Pacific and UCSB are cool schools. My sister goes to Pacific. UCSB lets you play your game, and Coach Williams is outgoing with his players."
Mountain West (UNLV): Johnson says, "UNLV is a school you go to, to make things happen. Especially being in Vegas that have an upper hand. They have an up tempo style and they get after it."
Pac-12 (Arizona State, USC, and Washington State): Johnson says, "Washington state is amazing, great campus, and wonderful coaching staff. I would be glad to play in their system. They get buckets and play good D. I also have taken an unofficial to Washington State. Arizona State is a school you want to be at. Players like Eddie House and James Harden have came out of ASU. Plan on taking a visit soon to check it out. USC is a Pac 12 powerhouse that I am really interested in. Great coaching, I love coach O'Neil's personality. He's a funny guy. I see myself fitting in at USC."
SEC (LSU): Johnson says, "LSU is in the SEC, pros come out of LSU, and coach Trent Johnson loves his wing players. They have an up tempo style which is crazy - that's something I want to be a part of."
WAC (Fresno State, Nevada, and San Jose State): Johnson says, "Fresno State is a school where you go to compete, they are moving up the charts in rankings, a great option. Nevada is a school that produces pros, for example Armon Johnson, Will Mcghee, Kurt Snider. San Jose State is a school of talent. A very big school that also has a big time schedule."
West Coast Conference (San Francisco and Santa Clara): Johnson says, "San Francisco is a school that wants players to go pro. Coach Rex is straight up and says 'you won't fit in if you don't want to go pro.' Amazing quote, they also love to compete and win. Santa Clara is an amazing school with great education and has the best library in the country. Coach Keating also is a straight up guy, and that's what I love about his program."
As the regular season ends, watch for Johnson leading his Wildcats in the postseason in Elk Grove, California. Then watch for this high flyer to be on the national recruiting spotlight.
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