Prospect Spotlight: Garrett Johnson (2020)

Adam Ayalew

June 29, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

If you are a high school basketball fan who lives in Northern Virginia and you don't know who Garrett Johnson is, it won't be much longer before that changes. The class of 2020 shooting guard, who has undergone a serious growth spurt in recent months (and is probably still growing), looks set for a breakout junior season at Oakton. Johnson caught up with Prep Hoops during a recent interview that touched on several topics, including an update on his recruitment. PH: What's it like playing with Takeover? What's the biggest thing you learned during the spring? GJ: "The biggest thing is just in practice. Getting so much better. Because Coach Doug (Martin) really breaks down the game. Every aspect. Making sure that you're working hard. And defense, he stresses that a lot. And just the skill work we do in practice. I've gotten a lot better in the spring." PH: What type of feedback do you get from Coach Doug about your overall game? GJ: "His main thing with me is just aggressiveness, and playing more confidently. He believes in the skills I have to go out there on the court and produce, but I just have to get more confident with my game. Getting stronger too." PH: What is the most improved part of your game since last season? GJ: "I've gotten better in almost every aspect, but I've just been trying to attack the rim more lately. Because I don't want to rely on my shot, and just trying to get my shot more consistent too." PH: How tall are you now? GJ: "6'5." PH: Are you taller than your brother yet? GJ: "I'm close." PH: How are your grades right now? GJ: "They're really good. For whole the year I have a 4.1. Last year I had a 4.1 too." PH: What do you think is the biggest adjustment you've had to make coming from AAU to summer league? GJ: "I think just playing with guys who haven't played at this level really. And trying to get other guys involved. Trying to build our team chemistry. We're a really inexperienced team right now." PH: What's your role going to be like? GJ: "The primary scorer. Make sure I'm getting others involved when I'm doubled. Getting boards because I'm going to be one of the bigger guys on the court as well. Playing lockdown defense on the opposing team's best player." PH: What do you hope to accomplish while you're away from your AAU Team? GJ: "Just making sure my high school team gets better. And also just working on being the guy on my team. And taking that responsibility to win games with the ball in my hands." PH: Who's recruiting you right now? GJ: "I'm getting some interest from Ivy and Patriot League schools. The main school that's recruiting me right now is Princeton. I went to their camp earlier this month, and they want to have me back up for a visit." PH: What do you hope to bring to a college program down the road? GJ: A guy that can knock down the 3, be athletic at the rim, and play defense. Use my length."