Looking out for No. 1
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Spain Park (Ala.) four-star shooting guard Jamal Johnson isn't in a rush to make a college decision.
The No. 51 player in 2017 has things left to do before a commitment is made. He wants to take official visits, see several campuses and meet more coaches. Most importantly, he wants to feel certain of his choice.
He's not there, yet.
"I'm not really thinking about college right now," Johnson said. "I just want to win a state championship and get better as a player."
Johnson and Spain Park are expected to contend for the 7A state title this season. The Jaguars are off to a 4-2 start with both losses coming to out-of-state schools during the State Farm Tournament of Champions held over the weekend in Illinois.
Johnson's teammate and longtime friend, five-star forward Austin Wiley, made a commitment in September. Wiley, who chose Auburn, was certain of his decision. Johnson hopes to be next year.
"I'll make a decision probably after I take some official visits," Johnson said. "I'm still looking at a lot of schools."
Johnson has several options. His offer total reached double digits before the end of his sophomore season. The list includes Auburn, Alabama, UAB, Florida, Georgia, Wake Forest, Stanford, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, among others.
"Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia, Stanford and Wake Forest are the ones texting and calling me the most," Johnson said.
Johnson has visited both in-state SEC schools, the most recent being a visit to Alabama in November. Johnson is familiar with Tuscaloosa. His father, Buck Johnson, was a star for the Tide in the mid-80s.
Johnson is considering following in his father's footsteps at Alabama. He's also considering joining Wiley in Auburn. Neither his father nor his friend is pushing him either way.
"I love playing with Austin," Johnson said. "We've been playing together for so long and it would be good to continue playing together in college, but he knows I'm going to do what's best for me."
That's what Johnson's father would like from his son.
"My father wants me to make the best decision for me," Johnson said.
It could be Auburn. Johnson has developed a good relationship with Auburn associate head coach Chuck Person, who played against Johnson's father while at Auburn. Person stays in contact with the Johnsons and was in the crowd Nov. 17 for Spain Park's 72-61 win over Minor.
"Me and Coach Person have a really good relationship," Johnson said. "I like all of Auburn's coaches, the whole coaching staff and the way they run their program. I know it would be a great opportunity. I value the way they run their program over there. They do it very well."
Johnson plans to visit Auburn for at least one game this season. He'll also visit Alabama. Johnson visited Georgia in September and plans more trips after the season.
"I want to make the best decision I can," Johnson said.
Regardless of where his father and friend played or plans to play.
Johnson's Weekend Highlights
