This summer, Hillcrest Prep added the services of one of the nation's Top 50 prospects in the 2020 Class, as 6-foot-7, 185-pound senior wing Donovan "Puff" Johnson decided to relocate to the state of Arizona and finish his high school career at the national prep power. On Tuesday, after narrowing his list of schools this summer, Johnon decided to end his college recruitment in preparation for the NCAA Early Signing Period.
The younger brother of Phoenix Suns' gifted rookie wing Cam Johnson, Puff Johnson had narrowed his long list of college offers down to (3) college programs - North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame. On Tuesday, Johnson announced his college decision - joining his brother and announcing his decision to sign with the North Carolina Tar Heels.
While Johnson's decision comes as no real surprise, it is a tremendous commitment for the gifted, left-handed wing prospect. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Johnson's decision to play for UNC is huge for an Arizona basketball prospect. The state of Arizona has not had a top-rated prospect elect for the Tar Heels in my (25) years of covering basketball in the state, so this commitment will be one to remember for the Hillcrest program, as well as for basketball enthusiasts in the state - proving again just how much the level of basketball in the state has improved.
Johnson will help to strengthen a high-powered Hillcrest offensive attack this season, as he is a gifted scorer and shooter with range. He has good length of body and can be a mis-match for opposing defenders.
Congratulations to Johnson and his family, as well as the Hillcrest Prep basketball program on this amazing accomplishment from our Arizona Preps' staff. Johnson plans to major in Business Administration in college.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Johnson is a long, lengthy wing prospect with a thin frame and a left-handed shooting stroke with range on his shot. He has a quick release on his shot and can score from deep or from mid-range, where he possesses a nice mid-range game. He is still very thin physically and needs to add serious physical size and strength still to his thin frame to maximize his potential as a player. Has good overall versatility and can play as a 2 or 3, but is at his best as a small forward that can make plays off the dribble, and create for himself and others. A good ball handler. A solid passer. A solid defender that plays passing lanes, but needs to continue to focus on his ability to defend quicker players on the ball. A good slasher and finisher. Has tremendous upside physically as a player.
