Another Big Game for Brandon Johns
So I ventured across Lansing tonight to watch East Lansing face Grand Ledge in high school basketball and future Wolverine Brandon Johns did it again. He got hit with two fouls early, and was up to 4 midway through the third but managed to will his team to erase a 10 point deficit with 3 minutes left, force overtime, and help East Lansing to a 74-67 win. The newspaper said he had a game high 28 points (19 in 4Q/OT), 5 boards, and 3 steals. He's an incredibly exciting player to watch and I can't wait to see what he does in Ann Arbor.
EDIT: I found highlights online
Another big night for Michigan commit Brandon Johns: 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals as East Lansing overcame a late 10 point deficit to beat Grand Ledge 74-67 in OT. @Brandon_Johns0. pic.twitter.com/dnRoq9AtBW
— Jay (@JayDSarkar) February 14, 2018
February 13th, 2018 at 11:22 PM ^
He has had a great senior year - and he is a smart kid to escape EL. He voluntarily spurned Izzo and MSU before their shameful skeletons were exposed. Getting him from Izzo's cold, clammy grasp was the biggest Beilein recruiting win of his career IMO. Also, that phone call with Izzo when Brandon called him to break the news ('it's not me, it's you) where Izzo pressured Johns uncomfortably is just another tidbit revealing some character issues with MSU's coach. Can't wait to have you as a Wolverine Brandon!
February 13th, 2018 at 11:35 PM ^
can he make free throws?
February 14th, 2018 at 12:34 AM ^
the thoughts that UM got him from Izzo.
MSU gave him a courtesy offer, they rarely attended his games and Johns showed little interest in ever playing for the Spartans. It was evident as early as his Soph. year Johns was looking to play outside East Lansing and MSU was looking at other targets with different profiles.
Michigan got a good player from the state of Michigan, thats really it.
February 14th, 2018 at 12:42 AM ^
You’re High!!
February 14th, 2018 at 12:46 AM ^
Johns phone discussion after commitment to U of M! If you have better insight than the player then repost it! I guess he would’ve said sorry Brandon we don’t want you buddy good luck @ Michigan. Yes we should minimize the fact that Beilein captured a recruit from East Lansing! Sounds about right!
February 14th, 2018 at 12:51 AM ^
Brandon Johns was their,”Top Target” for 2018!
February 14th, 2018 at 7:23 AM ^
I’ve seen in a long time. Izzo was yelling on the phone when Johns called to let Izzo know. Unless you think Johns is a liar...Izzo was recruiting him since middle school
February 14th, 2018 at 9:21 AM ^
Ah yes, the "I didn't even want to go to Michigan so I didn't apply" argument of the MSU faithful.
February 14th, 2018 at 12:53 AM ^
Brandon Johns was well documented to be IZZO’s top target for 2018!
February 13th, 2018 at 11:38 PM ^
Can he play the point here? Seems to be a weak position currently for us.
February 14th, 2018 at 12:02 AM ^
David dejulius highlights. PG is not a worry after this year.
February 14th, 2018 at 2:26 AM ^
I concur. Dejulius is going to make many opponents look terrible at defending. I cant wait.
February 13th, 2018 at 11:47 PM ^
SHOCKING
February 14th, 2018 at 3:46 AM ^
Flip book? +1
February 14th, 2018 at 3:46 AM ^
Flip book? +1
February 13th, 2018 at 11:57 PM ^
Keep it rolling, Brandon.
February 14th, 2018 at 12:09 AM ^
I want to watch a full game of his to see how his coach uses him. Any starter over 6’3” should have 5 boards easy
February 14th, 2018 at 12:33 AM ^
Becuase of his foul trouble. He got super cautious in the paint late because sitting on 4 fouls (3 of which I think came as shooting fouls inside the half circle) because of the situation he was in. Not sure of his average but I have seen him pull down more than 5 with ease.
February 14th, 2018 at 3:14 PM ^
...were offensive charges, one was defending a 3-point attempt (from behind...a bad foul), the last was a MONSTER block at the rim, that was only called because he continued his arm motion through the player's body.
The only chunk that I saw him sit, was early in the 3rd, after picking up two quick ones (the 3rd and 4th, 3-point attempt and block).
February 14th, 2018 at 4:34 AM ^
Because 1 game taken out of context is such a good indicator of future performance.
February 14th, 2018 at 5:51 AM ^
Isn’t that what this entire thread is about?
February 14th, 2018 at 9:36 AM ^
Miss the part where it says ANOTHER big game?
February 14th, 2018 at 10:16 AM ^
He hardly played the second half. He had his fourth foul before half time. He posterized a kid on a swat block and was phantom called.
February 14th, 2018 at 12:50 AM ^
He is a going to contribute no doubt. I can’t help but question the talent level of the competition after watching this though. He had easy layup after easy layup. It makes me think that his adjustment to D1 basketball could be more difficult than some anticipate. I am expecting a similar trajectory to Livers freshman year, with maybe better offensive production.
February 14th, 2018 at 12:56 AM ^
He’s gonna struggle against D1 comp and have a Trajectory of Livers? Livers was starting by the MSU game! He took Duncan’s spot. I hope you’re right! Lol
February 14th, 2018 at 1:02 AM ^
No, in fact it probably is the 4th most talent rich area in the state lagging behind Detroit, Saginaw/Flint, and the West Side in no particular order, however, it's not like Livers was routinely playing players of his own caliber last season. Even in the state tournament it took until the semifinal for him to face a Grand Rapids Christian super team (with Xavier Tillman) that knocked out Isaiah's Kalamazoo Central side. I think Brandon has the game to succeed but it will take him a bit to get a proper feel for the college level.
February 14th, 2018 at 6:49 AM ^
Watch is AAU film . Zero
Worries
February 14th, 2018 at 10:13 AM ^
Grand Ledge officiating is something straight out of Columbus. John’s is a hell of a player and kid. Glad he’s coming here, he’ll be perfect with the young bloods we have now.
February 14th, 2018 at 10:53 AM ^
to get Brandon Johns onboard. He is going to be really good. Coming from East Lansing just sweetens the pot.
He is part of what could be a special recruiting class. Combined with the 2017 class, Matthews and Teske - we could have some really great basketball over the next few years. Go Blue!
February 14th, 2018 at 11:19 AM ^
Serious question--what is to love about Teske? He's very solid on D, but it's going to be a momumental drop-off on O from Wagner to Teske. I think the team struggles early with Teske clogging the lane and not as agile setting screens.
I guess I'm asking if peopel are expecting a huge leap from him? I'm expecting the offfense to struggle without Wagner's athleticism and shooitng.
February 14th, 2018 at 1:22 PM ^
My hope for Teske is a Jordan Morgan-like contribution. Morgan was a defense first, screen and roll demon. Teske will have to develop more mobility to reach a Morgan level setting screens, but he'll get better. JB can effectively utiliize such assets in his offense.
The problem? We need the guards and wings to step up next year to fill a potential Wagner void. Morgan had a slew of talented slashers surrounding him. Perhaps DeJulius, Brazdeikis and an improved Matthews, Poole, and Simpson will fulfill this role. We'll see.
February 14th, 2018 at 2:42 PM ^
Teske should be a solid guy in the middle and already willingly bangs with anyone. I like him. But he is no Jordan Morgan. JM was very athletic and smart by his senior season. Teske will never be that quick to where he's defending 30 feet from the basket and then getting back. And Jordan was tremendous rolling to the basket.
February 14th, 2018 at 3:43 PM ^
but morgan never had a post game. teske should be able to develop one. perfect that 6 foot jump hook with both hands kid.
February 14th, 2018 at 7:18 PM ^
And Teske will be a better shot blocker than Morgan. He won't BE Jordan Morgan, but I think he can fulfill a similar role. Primarily a defender, rebounder, and screen-setter - with a few 10-15 point games sprinkled in.
February 14th, 2018 at 3:27 PM ^
I know we have grown accustomed to thinking of defense as an afterthought, but I for one am really pleased that we finally have a space-eating shot blocker down low. As he bulks up, I would use him like a more trad big (thinking a Haas or Olah) who can force double teams and kick out to shooters (he was considered a good post passer in HS).
Anyway, would take Teske any day over another soft, undersized Donnal type, even though, unlike Donnal, he probably isn't going to have the occasional big scoring night. He doesn't seem afraid to bang down low with other super-sized dudes.
February 15th, 2018 at 10:44 AM ^
Player from Sparty!!
Cue the Snoopy happy dance.....