Stanley Johnson

McDonald’s All-American Recap:

In Chicago, Johnson showcased what he was previously missing: a jump shot. And now, he’s a top-5 player nationally. Standing at 6-6 and 220 pounds, Johnson has an NBA-ready frame to go along with a quick first step and the ability to make a living at the rim. His combination of power and ability to finish at the basket are unrivaled from the wing position.

He is also a lock-down defender, with decent length and lateral quickness to wall off defenders on the perimeter.

Physically, Johnson has always looked the part of an NBA small forward. But with the recent ability to create shots off the dribble, Johnson becomes a scoring threat every time he touches the ball. Johnson is a grown man on the high school level, with the ability to finish through contact and defend. He certainly has holes in his game, particularly 3-point shooting, but he continues to improve and is rounding out his game.

McDonald’s All-American Preview:

Standing at 6-6 and 220 pounds, Johnson has an NBA-ready physique to go along with a quick first step and incredible explosion. His combination of size and power on the perimeter make him unstoppable on the high school level. He is also a lock-down defender, using physicality and lateral quickness to wall off defenders on the perimeter.

During last summer’s July recruiting period, Johnson legitimately defended three positions. He flies in transition, often just grabbing a D-rebound and starting the break himself.

Ironically, though, my biggest concern is currently Johnson’s biggest strength—his physical makeup. I wonder if Johnson has already maxed out physically. If so, as other players continue their physical development, he won’t be able to overpower them for the rest of his career. Johnson must develop a jump shot to round out his game and prevent this from happening. If he continues to develop physically and his jump shot improves, Johnson has scary NBA potential because his explosion through contact is at a professional level.

Nike Global Challenge 2013 (Washington D.C.):

Johnson had another great showing. I was impressed most by how he slowed down and let the game come to him, yet still had a profound impact. In the Championship game, he finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists, but he never once forced a bad shot or neglected to swing the ball to open teammate. His performance earned him Co-MVP honors.

Right now, I’d say Justin Jackson and Johnson are the two most polished small forwards in the class. While Jackson is a lanky swingman with a soft touch to 25-feet, Johnson is a strong bully with supreme bounce and finishing ability. Johnson was clearly in control on defense as well—when Joel Berry started heating up, Johnson switched onto Berry and shut him down. No doubt Johnson caught the attention of NBA Scouts in attendance.

Nike Peach Jam 2013 (North Augusta, SC): Johnson is on another level, in terms of athleticism and the way he effortlessly impacts all areas of the game. He can power his way to the rim, where he rises above the competition and dunks everything. He can dominate from outside and inside, and he is a physical rebounder from the wing. He is a beast at this level. He’s improved every year since his freshman campaign, and at 6-6 and 220 pounds, he has pro potential.