Prospect Spotlight: Jadin Johnson (2021)
There’s no denying that Council Bluffs Lincoln’s young wing Jadin Johnson has basketball in his blood; his dad and uncle were both college athletes (uncle Ron Kellogg played for Kansas in the 1980s).
And now, that college athlete pedigree is being passed down to one of Western Iowa’s brightest young stars,
“One thing my dad tells me is to be student of game, and to be great,” said Johnson, one of Iowa’s most productive freshman hoopsters.
Division I colleges are already paying attention to the 6-foot-2 slasher; Drake and Nebraska-Omaha have had Johnson on campus to watch a game. And with a big summer ahead, Johnson could see that recruitment begin to take-off.
“I like to hit a mid-range jumper, get into the paint, look for open teammates and I rebound as best I can,” said Johnson.
“I need to work on my shot percentage and defense, just not getting beat off the dribble. And, I’m always working on crashing the glass more.”
Johnson is averaging 6.9 points per game this season for the 11-9 Lynx, which is among the best from 4A freshman. But it’s his 35 percent field goal percentage that’s been a detriment to the otherwise great season.
“I need to be more confident when I shoot the ball,” said Johnson. “I don’t think I’m taking bad shots, but I just hesitate when I shoot.”
Not many freshman get the opportunity to play varsity. Johnson has not only played as a frosh, but has been starting all season.
“I’m just happy to have the opportunity to start with the varsity as a freshman. I try and help my team get wins and just help the team out in any way I can,” he said.
“My role is to drive and kick to the open man in the corner; and on defense, get stops and steals, and rebound.”
Johnson tried out for the Iowa Barnstormers and made the cut. He says he’ll try out for MOKAN in two weeks.
Regardless of which program he plays with, Johnson is excited for the opportunity to get better this spring and summer.
“I’m not committed to any program just yet. But this offseason I’m going to get into the gym before and after school, and get in the gym whenever I can.”