The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/848029
AUGUST 2017 THE WOLVERINE 61 COMMITMENT PROFILE It's the rare in-state basketball re- cruit that leaves Lansing, Mich., for Ann Arbor. Forward Robert Hender- son in the 1980s, in fact, is the only one that comes to mind. However, East Lansing High's Brandon Johns blazed his own trail when he chose the Wolverines over Michigan State, Indiana and Purdue in late June. Johns started feeling good about U-M last summer, if not before. There was still always a question as to whether or not he would be able to pull the trigger, but Rivals.com's No. 43 prospect nationally did it with no regrets and no looking back. A June 23 visit to Michigan for the College Practice Camp, where he played extremely well, sealed the deal. "I thought Michigan was the best fit for me," Johns said. "I feel like I'd have a great opportunity there, and I'd be running in a good spot." But it was more than just that, he continued. "Also, I was once told that you don't need to choose the college, be- cause the college will choose you," he said. "I felt like when I was there for the basketball camp, it was just speaking to me. I just had a gut feel- ing that, that was the place for me." The 6-8, 215-pound Johns plans to play the small forward and power forward positions for the Wolver- ines, and he's proven this summer he should be able to. He's averaged 12.6 points and shot 43.6 percent from three-point range for Spiece Indy Heat on the Nike Elite Youth Basket- ball League circuit, and his stock has continued to rise. One big area of improvement — his ability to play through contact off the dribble. He even initiated it at times, often putting a shoulder down, and his crossover dribble and ability to finish with both hands was impressive. His rebounding, though, might be his biggest area of improvement. Ri- vals.com national recruiting analyst Eric Bossi has been impressed with how far Johns has come in a year. "When I see him play, it seems I'm always catching him when he's at his most aggressive," Bossi said. "He fits the style the game is going toward. "He's a versatile guy and can face up. Yes, he needs to be tougher more consistently, but the physical tools are there. Once he's in a college weight room and pushed every day, everything is there for him to be a very good college player." Johns' stroke is "for real," the ana- lyst added. "He's that new age hybrid four man … he's not a three, but has some three skills to him. He can attack off the dribble from the high post and is a nice, fluid athlete, which allows him to play with skill without sacri- ficing size," Bossi said. "He can re- ally face up. "I think [head coach] John Beilein and his staff have proven more often than not that they get the most out of their guys. Part of flourishing and reaching your maximum capability is being at a place that's a good fit for you." Johns is also choosing a place that should help prepare him for the next level. Beilein has frequently proven he's among the best in the country at development, and when it came time to decide, Johns couldn't look past an offense that seems made for him. "I like how freely I'll be able to play, and I think their style of play fits mine perfectly," he said. "I have a great relationship with Coach B and [assistant] Saddi [Washington] … Saddi and I are from the same area. We just connect in that aspect, and it was just easy to become close." In Johns the Wolverines get another high-character kid who fits the mold of what Beilein looks for in a player, the latest positive step forward for a program that's back on the rise. Johns earned CBS MaxPreps.com Junior All-America honors and was voted the Class A Player of the Year by the Associated Press and Prep Hoops Michigan after averaging 20.6 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.2 blocks while helping East Lansing to a 24-1 record. The team won its conference and district championships. Indy Heat coach Dan Kline said this spring he was impressed with the jump Johns has made since last year. "It's night and day," Kline said. "Last year, it was like a deer in the headlights. He's a go-to guy now. "He knows what is all about. He has a lot of experience, and he knows how to play the game possession by possession. I'm pleased with where he is at, and how far he's come." — Chris Balas Four-Star East Lansing Forward Brandon Johns Picks Michigan Johns was named a Junior All-American by CBS Sports and earned Class A Player of the Year laurels from the Associated Press. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM Johns on U-M "I was once told that you don't need to choose the college, be- cause the college will choose you. I felt like when I was there for the basketball camp, it was just speaking to me."