Geron Johnson of Garden City CC (KS) gave Memphis a verbal commitment after taking a visit at the end of January. Johnson, who transferred to Garden City from Chipola College (FL), had interest from Kansas, Oklahoma State, Wichita State, Pitt, Nebraska, Dayton and a handful of others.

Johnson gets to the basket with a quick first step and is able to elevate and finish around the rim better than anyone in the country at the JC level. He has a good handle and is at his best when attacking off the dribble or in transition. He has been in some trouble in the past, but with his talent and upside it’s well worth the risk for Memphis. He is averaging 19.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this season at Garden City.

The major hurdle for Johnson now is to qualify academically. Johnson must have a very good spring semester and graduate from Garden City. If he doesn’t graduate in the spring, he does have the option of finishing up in the summer. While the summer is an option, many players tend to have more success if they can have their associates degree completed in the spring. This allows them to get on campus and begin working out with the team throughout the summer. JUCO transfers need as much time as possible to get acclimated because they only have a two year window to learn a new system (not four like HS prospects).