"The Sky is the Limit" for JaJuan Johnson
Rising senior power forward, JaJuan Johnson has a big summer ahead of him. The 6-foot-10 forward from Indianapolis's Franklin Central High School, has improved by leaps and bounds in the last year and a half. After years on the freshman and junior varsity teams, Johnson's hard work may have just paid off. "He has improved more this year than any player that we've ever had," says Coach Mike James of Franklin Central.
"I think you can tell we feel he is a special kid, more for who he is, than what he is," said his high school coach. "The upside is that he is a great kid, works hard and has a great attitude," James said.
Johnson averaged around 15 points per game to go with 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 blocks for his high school team. Franklin Central went 15 and 8 this year, but played the ninth toughest schedule in the state of Indiana this past season.
Xavier, Purdue, and Butler have all officially offered scholarships to the four star forward. Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio State, Louisville, and the University of Tennessee have all been to games and practices to evaluate JaJuan. The University of Missouri also offered before their coaching change, but that may have changed with coach Mike Anderson taking over for Quinn Snyder. Thus far, Johnson has visited Xavier, Purdue, and Butler unofficially.
Johnson could excel in an fast paced style of play. He's being recruited mostly as a power forward or center, however there has been some interest in him as a small forward. "He can defend any position on the floor. He has really improved his shooting skills," said James. "The sky is the limit," proclaimed James.
Even with his thin frame, Johnson bench presses 300 pounds, and squats 200 pounds. He also sports a 7-foot wingspan, and a 30 inch vertical leap. Johnson will know his summer schedule very soon. He will be playing AAU ball with the Speice Central Stars.