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"One on One" with Noel Johnson

Noel Johnson, a 6’7 wing from Fayette County (GA) is widely considered one of the best pure scorers in the class of 2009 and he recently took some time to talk to us about recruiting, music, his favorite NBA players and much more.

HoopsReport.com: Noel, because you are one of the top rated players in the class of ’09 everyone wants some insight into your recruiting situation. Do you have a list of schools that you are considering? Any favorites?

“As of right now, I’m still open and looking at all colleges (and have) no favorites.”

HR: What are some of the factors you are going to consider when it comes time to decide the school that’s the right fit for you?

“I’m looking at how important the school takes education. Also, I’m looking at how the school takes care of their alumni.”

HR: What do you look for in a coach?

“(I’m looking for) A coach that enjoys the game as much as I do but at the same time wants to help each and every player reach the next level.”

HR: How did your junior season at Fayette Co. (GA) go and what were your stats?

“We made it to the Class AAAA Finals but lost by 6. I finished the season averaging 26 points, nine rebounds and three assists.”

HR: It's summer time and that means AAU ball is upon us and you have been running with several different AAU programs lately (most recently the Atlanta Celtics). Who do you plan on playing with for the rest of the summer and what are some of the tournaments you will be attending?

“A majority of the tournaments will be with the Atlanta Celtics or South Carolina Ravens. I'll be at Bob Gibbons, the Wallace Prather tournament, Nike Peach Jam, Adidas Super 64, and AAU Nationals.”

HR: Who are your favorite NBA teams and players?

“I don't have a favorite team but my favorite players are Carmelo Anthony and Kobe (Bryant).”

HR: What players do you compare your game to?

“Joe Johnson and Tracy McGrady.”

HR: Who is the best player that you've ever played against?

“Michael Beasley.”

HR: During the college basketball season what team do you pull for?

“This year it was Memphis.”

HR: In your opinion who is going to win the NBA Finals?

“The Los Angeles Lakers.”

HR: What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment in your basketball career so far?

“Scoring my 1000th point in (only) two years.”

HR: What are some of the goals that you have set for yourself for the future?

“Play professional basketball or own a lucrative business.”

HR: Do you have any nicknames and if so how did you get them?

“Smooth, (because) people say that's how I play.”

HR: Do you have any other hobbies besides basketball?

“Drawing.”

HR: What kind of music do you listen to and who is your favorite artist?

“I listen to Hip-Hop/Rap. The Game is my favorite rapper.”

HR: What's the hottest song out right now?

“Lollipop by Lil Wayne.”

HR: Who’s the biggest role model in your life and why?

“Both of my parents ‘cause they want me to strive to be the best at everything I do."

HR: You are widely considered a top 20 high school player in the country and young players these days have a lot more spotlight on them now than in years past; so how do you deal with all the attention and the added pressure that comes with the territory?

“I just look at myself as just another individual that plays basketball.”

HR: Is there anything else the fans out there should know about Noel Johnson?

“Nobody can beat me in any video game and I'm a funny person”.

HR: Shout-outs?

“Fayette County, Atlanta Celtics, Mom, Dad, Friends and Family”.

This article is associated with the following player(s):
Johnson, Noel

POSTED: 5-14-2008

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