Derek Johnson, a 6-foot-5 inside forward from Burlington County Institute of Technology in Westhampton, New Jersey, continues to generate division one interest in his recruiting process. He's a member of the 2011 class, a current junior and one of his AAU coaches, Matt Pauls, is thrilled with his progress both on and off the court.
"He's grow quite a bit," Pauls stated. "This has helped him make a lot of progress over the past year, including the summer period where college coaches had a chance to watch him."
PREVIOUS THOUGHTS ON DEREK'S INDIVIDUAL GAME:
Derek first caught the eye of many when he had an impressive college camp held at St. Joe's in Philadelphia, Penn. during the summer. He competed for NJABC for the 16 and under program at some summer events.
Derek has some perimeter range to 15 feet but is currently a more productive and effective in the paint and near the basket.
Derek can rebound and works hard close to the rim. He has a nice frame and uses it to grab loose rebounds.
WHAT TEAM NJABC'S MATT PAULS THINKS OF DEREK JOHNSON'S INDIVIDUAL GAME:
He has huge upside and works very hard. Most importantly, he is a great young man and teammate. He is new to the grassroots scene, but is on track to having many college options.
EARLY COLLEGE INTEREST:
MAAC, NEC, low to mid level division one interest, waiting to see him again during the high school season, according to Pauls.