The Basketball Interview…with Wil Johnson
One of the top lead guards in the state is Wil Johnson of Harrisburg. Who is his favorite player? A 90s Hall of Famer!
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
“My favorite part about game days is just knowing it’s game day and being able to hang out with the guys and prepare whether were on road games or home games.”
What makes your crowd unique? What is a memorable thing that they’ve done that you will always remember?
“Our crowd, specifically the student section gets very into the game. Our upperclassmen in the student section show the same intensity and hype that we show them for their football games, so overall it’s usually a loud environment.”
Who is the toughest player you can recall playing against in South Dakota basketball and why?
“The toughest player I’ve ever played against is Nate Davis from Watertown. He can shoot the three, score off the dribble and pretty much do it all which makes him very difficult to guard.”
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
“Our biggest rival is probably Brandon Valley, we’ve been playing and battling with their group of seniors since we were in 6th grade playing in youth tournaments.”
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
“My favorite player ever is Reggie Miller because he is the most clutch shooter of all time.”
What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
“Nike all the way.”
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
“My favorite venue to play at is at home, our student section brings so much energy its incredible.”
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
“I would like to play in The Premier Center at the state tournament.”
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
“Us varsity players and most of the JV players are usually with each other all of the time. This year we have spent a lot of time lifting and playing at open gyms that we have created great team chemistry and a brotherhood.”
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
“The best advice/quote I’ve heard from someone is from our sophomore coach Darin Dahle, he said “Don’t watch the action, be the action.”
Who is your basketball influence?
“My dad, he has pushed me and supported me all the way throughout youth basketball and still does now and I couldn’t thank him enough.”