Xavier Johnson

[Drew]

Xavier Johnson, Bishop O'Connell, Combo Guard

Just de-committed from Nebraska. From Arlington, VA and considers Coach Kenya to be a "father figure".

Thinking if we offered this would go rather quickly.

 

[Drew]

Explosive PG that can get to the rim quickly:



A 6’1″ point guard out of Arlington, Virginia, Johnson is rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN and a composite three-star prospect by 247.

Johnson is expected to play right away for the Huskers.

“He’ll play right away,” Miles said without hesitation. “I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”

Johnson currently plays for Bishop O’Connell high school in Virginia, while playing for Team Takeover in the AAU circuit – which is the same AAU program that produced senior captain Evan Taylor and NU’s leading scorer, James Palmer Jr.

We spoke with former ESPN and current Prephoops.com scout Joel Francisco to determine the impact Johnson can have on the Huskers. Francisco, a scout for over 30 years, watched Johnson and his team play at the 2017 Torrey Pines Classic and has a good baseline for where the Husker signee is at today.

“No one could really contain him, halfcourt or fullcourt,” Francisco said. “He was unstoppable off the dribble and he could pinpoint passes with either hand. His vision was impeccable.”

After watching Johnson, Francisco said he reminds him a lot of current Milwaukee Bucks point guard Eric Bledsoe.

“Physically, he reminds me of Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe couldn’t really shoot it in high school, but he was really quick and could really get to the rim,” Francisco said.

While showing a lot of promise, Francisco mentioned that Johnson’s biggest opportunity to improve would be his perimeter shooting.

“His only real concern for me is his outside shooting,” Francisco said. “At the collegiate level, especially in the Big Ten, you have to be able to keep the defense honest.”

It’s more than just his physical traits that make Johnson an impressive prospect at the collegiate level, Francisco said that his competitive fire compliments his physical attributes and goes along well with a tough mental makeup.

“Playing for Team Takeover, you kind of get this mentality of wanting to rip the other team’s heart out,” Francisco said. “And playing for Coach Wooten (of Bishop O’Connell), he certainly demands a lot out of his players.”

New Recruit Brightens Future for Nebrasketball - Husker Hype

 

[Guapo]

Gotta think Georgetown will be all over this

 

[tcf15]

Xavier Johnson tells Prep Circuit he has decommitted from Nebraska - He talks about this decision
“I decided to open things up to help me take a step backwards to re-evaluate things again due to a coaching change with Coach Kenya Hunter,” Johnson told Prep Circuit. “Coach Hunter was the person who recruited me and we developed a big bond together that my parents trusted. I feel like I could go to him anytime in Nebraska when my parents wouldn’t be there.”

 

[Zionn]

Gotta think Georgetown will be all over this

Think they are about to land some other guy we've never heard of ; )

 

[gtcam]

Interesting player with speed, leaps and keen ability to get to the hoop
A late blossom from 3* to 4* in most ratings
I would definitely take a look at him

 

[HawkHusky]

Yes please.

 

[Storrs South]

 

[gwhuskyfan]

I seem to like him the most of the guys we've seen reported for this coming year

 

[Guapo]

Think they are about to land some other guy we've never heard of ; )

Do you think their talent levels are

a kin, tho?

 

[Chief00]

Think they are about to land some other guy we've never heard of ; )

Blazing true - LOL

 

[lange10]

Adams is seemingly the better perimeter shooter based on the quotes from above and considering that's a glaring weakness of ours I'd prefer Adams.

 

[UConnStats]

I seem to like him the most of the guys we've seen reported for this coming year

Agreed. He has tools you can’t teach via his athleticism. Also even though he basically can’t shoot, he’s 70%+ from the FT line, which is an indicator that not all hope is lost. He’s also adept at creating turnovers defensively and rebounds well for his height. He reminds me of Rozier stylistically.

 

[puppygenius]

I swear he looks like Jerome Dyson 2.0, personally I was a Dyson fan. Rome was from DMV too. Wasn't JD's 3pt% around 31% or so? But he was tough as balls with no fear of going to the hole or getting fouled and I will take that. A slasher/take it to the hole guard to complement Jalen since he does not do this well. Hopefully the jumper will improve, he's got nothing but time and proper coaching if he decides to come here. *STILL NEED A SHOOTER BUT.....

 

[YoungFree]

So even with this kid Nebraska only had the 67th ranked recuriting class (247 sports) so if we were able to sign this kid and Adams without filling our third scholarship we will only be sitting at #73 behind the likes of Rutgers, UC Santa Barbara, Buffalo, Rice, and Old Dominion.

I know it's not all about numbers but would this be a smart move for us?

 

[Tex-Lager93]

Considering that these are ‘lean’ times to be recruiting for ‘18, my head is spinning from all of these various mentions. Awesome. Trust the process.

 

[Rico444]

So even with this kid Nebraska only had the 67th ranked recuriting class (247 sports) so if we were able to sign this kid and Adams without filling our third scholarship we will only be sitting at #73 behind the likes of Rutgers, UC Santa Barbara, Buffalo, Rice, and Old Dominion.

I know it's not all about numbers but would this be a smart move for us?

Considering our entire recruiting class decommitted in March/April and there's not a ton left out there...I would say not to worry too much about rankings.

 

[tcf15]

Rough day for Herman

 

[Kemba'sYogurt]

Rough day for Herman

@bazzketball13 would know

 

[UConnStats]

Rough day for Herman

Prayers up for Herm

 

[YoungFree]

Considering our entire recruiting class decommitted in March/April and there's not a ton left out there...I would say not to worry too much about rankings.

Very, very true

 

[tcf15]

From when he committed to Nebraska:
Blessed with above average quickness, toughness and long arms, Johnson also has a high motor and some versatility. When playing the point, he's focused on getting the ball to his teammates and making the right decision. Those times he's off the ball, he uses his athletic gifts to get to the rim and make things happen. His jumper needs some work, but the plan is for him to run the show and become a high end defensive player.

 

[Tex-Lager93]

Rough day for Herman

Maybe we could send a signed jersey to the grandson if XJ goes from a Husker to a Husky.

 

[nomar]

Prayers up for Herm

Thoughts & prayers to the entire Deshler community, which I'm going to go ahead and guess is also where Dave Wingett and his Uncle Striper live.

 

[YoungFree]

I want to know who makes a custom-made jersey for a high school player? Are they related?