Post by doctorwho on Nov 6, 2008 11:10:50 GMT -6
By MIKE KNAPP Sun-Times News Group
Jelani Johnson hasn't even started practice for his senior season with the Waubonsie Valley basketball program, but he already has decided where he is going to play for the four seasons after that.
Johnson, a 6-foot-3-inch swingman, has verbally committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Western Illinois University under coach Jim Molinari.
Waubonsie Valley forward Jelani Johnson after a ball that rolled out of bounds during the team's 56-51 loss to Neuqua Valley in the sectionals last season. Johnson, a senior, has already verbally committed to play at Western Illinois University next season.
(Sun File)
"I think it is outstanding," Waubonsie coach Steve Weemer said. "He's a kid that has gotten better and better every year. Every kid has a different approach to recruiting, but he felt comfortable with the staff there, and it is a good fit for him academically and athletically.
"You love kids that have good character and come from a good family, and he is that. He will work hard, and from a hoops standpoint, he is going to keep getting stronger."
Johnson started receiving attention from schools at the end of last season, but things began to heat up over the summer when he played well at a tournament in Las Vegas. Johnson credits a visit to the Macomb campus, as well as Molinari's reputation as a coach, in making it an easy decision.
"When I talked to them, the coach seemed like a nice guy and his background (taking both Northern Illinois and Bradley to the NCAA tournament) is good," he said. "And when I went to visit, everyone was welcoming and guys on the team were nice to me."
A first-team Sun All-City selection a year ago, Johnson averaged 12.7 points and 6.9 rebounds as part of a Warriors squad that won 22 games and a regional title.
His commitment means Johnson will join former teammate Justin Peaster in the Division I ranks next year. Peaster, an All-Area honorable mention last season, has walked on at Northern Illinois. Jon Rice, a teammate in 2006-07, is a member of the Belmont program in Tennessee.
Jelani Johnson hasn't even started practice for his senior season with the Waubonsie Valley basketball program, but he already has decided where he is going to play for the four seasons after that.
Johnson, a 6-foot-3-inch swingman, has verbally committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Western Illinois University under coach Jim Molinari.
Waubonsie Valley forward Jelani Johnson after a ball that rolled out of bounds during the team's 56-51 loss to Neuqua Valley in the sectionals last season. Johnson, a senior, has already verbally committed to play at Western Illinois University next season.
(Sun File)
"I think it is outstanding," Waubonsie coach Steve Weemer said. "He's a kid that has gotten better and better every year. Every kid has a different approach to recruiting, but he felt comfortable with the staff there, and it is a good fit for him academically and athletically.
"You love kids that have good character and come from a good family, and he is that. He will work hard, and from a hoops standpoint, he is going to keep getting stronger."
Johnson started receiving attention from schools at the end of last season, but things began to heat up over the summer when he played well at a tournament in Las Vegas. Johnson credits a visit to the Macomb campus, as well as Molinari's reputation as a coach, in making it an easy decision.
"When I talked to them, the coach seemed like a nice guy and his background (taking both Northern Illinois and Bradley to the NCAA tournament) is good," he said. "And when I went to visit, everyone was welcoming and guys on the team were nice to me."
A first-team Sun All-City selection a year ago, Johnson averaged 12.7 points and 6.9 rebounds as part of a Warriors squad that won 22 games and a regional title.
His commitment means Johnson will join former teammate Justin Peaster in the Division I ranks next year. Peaster, an All-Area honorable mention last season, has walked on at Northern Illinois. Jon Rice, a teammate in 2006-07, is a member of the Belmont program in Tennessee.