2018 Aspire guard Jalen Johnson talks transfer, recruitment and more
2018 guard Jalen Johnson helped Hopkinsville make a state tournament push a year ago.
He also excelled on the gridiron, tossing 2,300 yards and 31 touchdowns, but he’ll focus exclusively on basketball this season at Aspire Academy in Louisville. Aspire, a top prep hoops program was in North Scottsdale, Ariz. prior to moving to Kentucky in April.
Johnson, a 6’2″, 178-pounder broke down his move to Aspire.
“The reason for my transfer was to challenge my self to new heights and learn to persevere through tough games and get ready for the college level,” he told Prep Hoops Kentucky.
He currently holds offers from Samford, Kentucky Wesleyan, Murray State, Bethune Cookman and Southern Missouri. Johnson also has drawn interest from Oklahoma and Xavier as of late.
In terms of visits, he spent three days earlier in the month at Bethune Cookman. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there.
“Coach Woody [Taylor] is an amazing coach. It’s going to be crazy to watch them play this year,” Johnson said. “I’m very excited to watch.
Johnson averaged 17.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc.
“This past season is what some could say was a breakout one,” he said. “It was a very productive year and I learned a lot of new things. The part of my game that grew the most was my knowledge of the game and my decision making on the court.”
In terms of his role at Aspire, he says that will be to serve as an on-court coach and control the offense.
He spent this past summer with Hoop Dreams, his first with the program. He said it went well and called them a very good organization.
Johnson has been playing the game of basketball since the age of 2.
He called his biggest asset his overall leadership and ability to get other players on his team involved. He also pointed to his ball handling and scoring.
It might be a little bit longer, but expect Johnson to make his commitment. He is focused on basketball at a very solid program in Aspire so you know he wants to continue to get better. Speed and smarts are certainly on this 2018 guard’s side.
Photo credit: Kentucky New Era