London Johnson Recaps His Virginia Visit
(Image: RYZE Hoops)
Virginia hosted 2023 Norcross (GA) point guard London Johnson on an unofficial visit over the weekend. While there, he received a new scholarship offer from Head Coach Tony Bennett. Rated as a five-star prospect by Rivals, Johnson is one of the hottest recruits in the country. After this past weekend, Virginia is firmly in the race.
I caught up with him to talk about his visit to Charlottesville.
Special Visit
“My visit to UVA was special,” said Johnson. He spent the full weekend in town, arriving on Friday night and staying through Sunday afternoon for the Blue-White scrimmage. Joined by his father and an AAU coach, they had the chance to watch practice on Saturday before seeing the beatdown of Duke at Scott Stadium, and then of course Sunday’s scrimmage.
“Practice was intense, with a focus on player development. Which I like,” A clearly impressed Johnson explained. “Coach Bennett’s emphasis on character on and off the court was evident in the way his players responded to him with respect, and the way he held them accountable while treating his players with dignity.”
It was the culture of the UVA program that seemed to stand out most to the elite guard, as he noticed the five pillars in action.
“Coach Bennett has established a winning culture based on player development and character. His five pillars of humility, passion, unity, servanthood, and thankfulness were on display throughout my visit. From coaches, players, to team managers, and grad assistants. Everyone has a ‘service-first’ attitude, which is humbling.”
London Johnson's Recruitment
As we’ve gotten used to in recent years, Tony Bennett doesn’t extend many early scholarship offers. London Johnson is the only true point guard in the class with an offer. They need someone that can be trusted to take over the floor general role early in their career. It’s a crucial spot for the program, but also a golden opportunity for the right recruit.
A big guard at 6’4 who always seems to play under control, Johnson possesses a lot of the qualities Bennett looks for in a guard.
“He likes the pace I play with,” London said. “Also the way I can read defenses, and make plays off ball screens.”
Johnson’s recruiting stock surged after a big summer playing for Game Elite on the Adidas circuit. The offers have only continued to pour in as coaches have stopped by Norcross for Fall workouts. He’s up to nearly 30 offers including North Carolina, Louisville, Indiana, Tennessee, and Southern Cal.
He’s actually a Charlotte native, having moved to Atlanta last year. Growing up in North Carolina, the ACC might carry extra appeal, Johnson explained. “I grew up watching Duke and Carolina against schools like Virginia. It’s really cool now to have the opportunity to play in the ACC.”
It looks to be a wide open recruitment right now. North Carolina was seen by some as the favorite, but the recent addition of five-star guard Simeon Wilcher could complicate their pursuit. There’s a really good opportunity for UVA here.
Where It Goes From Here
It’s still early in the process for Johnson. He’s taking an active approach though, learning about all his options. Just in the last week or so, he’s taken four visits to Memphis, NC State, Wake Forest, along with Virginia. Another step forward will come soon, as he plans to trim his long list of offers down to a Top 12.
When it does come time to make a college choice, Johnson already knows what he’s looking for.
“It’s important to choose a program based on integrity, that highlights my style of play, and where I can come in and make an impact on day one.”