Photo Credit: USA Today HSSports

Coming to Crisler: 2018 PF Brandon Johns Commits to Michigan

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

In one of the biggest wins on the recruiting trail in the Beilein-era, the Wolverines coaching staff officially got word that the state’s top ranked player in the 2018 class, East Lansing (MI) PF Brandon Johns, has committed to Michigan.

Commitment

Scouting Report

Johns is a perfect fit for Michigan. His length, size and shooting ability makes him everything you’d dream up for in John Beilein’s offense. Though he’s not the most athletic player in the country, he has the ability to get to the rim and finish, on top of being able to shoot the rock from all over the court. He should make an immediate impact in Ann Arbor.

The first thing that sticks out about Johns is his combination of size and athleticism. A sturdy 6-foot-8, Johns has a college ready physique and is someone who physically already looks like he belongs in college basketball. Johns is a very strong kid, and he combines that strength with excellent vertical athleticism. While not the most physical player, his combination of size and athleticism allows Johns to finish around the rim in traffic, and is someone who has improved greatly as a rebounder.” – via Brian Snow, Scout.com

“Johns now sports an excellent frame, with smooth athletic ability, even finishing above the rim with some quick bounce and unexpected explosiveness at times. He has good shooting mechanics, allowing him to knock down jumpers from beyond the arc with regularity, certainly with his feet set but also occasionally off the dribble at times. His ball-handling is a work in progress, but he showed the ability to attack closeouts and get to the basket in a straight line, something that could develop into real shot-creation ability down the road. – via DraftExpress

Recruitment

Though Johns is right in Tom Izzo’s backyard, Michigan’s John Beilein was able to land him thanks to the fit within in the offense, as well as the athletic and academic opportunities in Ann Arbor. This was a major win for both Beilein and assistant coach Saddi Washington, as Johns is one of the top players in the country and the top ranked player in the state.

  • Height: 6’8”
  • Weight: 215lbs
  • Hometown (School): Lansing, MI (East Lansing)
  • Notable Offers: Michigan State, Purdue, Indiana, Texas, Xavier
  • Rankings: Scout (4*, #100 overall) – Rivals (4*, #43 overall) – 247 (4*, #51 overall) – ESPN (4*, #40 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: Four star, #54 overall, #18 PF, #1 in Michigan

Highlights

As for the Rest of the Class

Johns is the 2nd overall commitment in the class, the first commitment out of Michigan and the first forward. But he won’t be the last as Michigan is good shape with Revere (OH) F Pete Nance, Pickerington North (OH) F Jerome Hunter, Robbinsdale (MN) F Race Thompson and Piedmont (NC) F Hunter Tyson. This class should be one of Beilein’s best.

Photo Credit: USA Today HSSports

Garrett Fishaw
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