'They play fast': Why this high-scoring prep point guard picked Bradley basketball
The Bradley men's basketball program has received a commitment from Jaquan Johnson, a high-scoring guard from Wisconsin.
The Milwaukee Pius XI Catholic High School senior is a physical 5-foot-11 point guard who averaged 27.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals as a junior last season on his way to third-team all-state in Wisconsin.
"I’m a pass-first guard, but I score at will," Johnson told the Journal Star on Friday night. "... I’m very excited (to get this commitment this out of the way). It takes a lot of stress off me (and) get ready for the season."
Johnson — whose nickname of "Bully" was given to him by an AAU coach as an indication of how he plays — is an "ultra-quick and very physical point guard who can attack off the bounce and create for himself and others," according to wissports.net. He also had offers from Grambling State, Kennesaw State and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.
Bradley recruiting 11 high school players with offers from Bradley men's basketball
A strong relationship built with Bradley coach Brian Wardle was a huge selling point for Johnson.
"He talked to my family a lot," Johnson said. "Things like that. Got to know them."
Bradley's offensive style, especially utilizing their strong guard play, also was a selling point for Johnson.
"They play fast," Johnson said, "but like they also have that little guard there (5-foot-8 Duke Deen), so I definitely was watching a lot of him. I like how they put him in the right position, because I know that me and him are almost the same size.
"Me and him will be doing the same thing."
In an Instagram post, Johnson said:
"It’s always ... been my dream to be a D1 basketball player thanks to coach (Brian) Wardle and the rest of Bradley coaching staff for believing in me," Johnson wrote on his Instagram post. "Thank you to all the people that’s been on this long journey with me and giving me the opportunity to go to the next level!
"It’s only up from here! 100% committed."
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Bradley basketball recruiting: Jaquan Johnson commits to BU Braves
