Dior Johnson: A Rising Star in College Basketball

By Justin Rubin June 21, 2024 17:25

Photo by Pitt Athletics

Dior Johnson is an elite point guard from the 2022 class with one of the most publicized high school basketball careers imaginable at this point. Johnson Hails from Kingston, New York, and came into the limelight due to his impressive basketball career, which landed his name on sports fans' list as an intriguing college-bound prospect.

High School Career and Early Career

It was an ascent that began as a youth he played alongside older teammates and showcased ball handling and scoring rarely seen at that age and reached the national stage when Johnson was in the seventh grade. Johnson suited up for an NBA Sparq record 9 high schools in 5 states during his hooping career in high school. He showed us the talent as he broke the New York boy's basketball state record for being the youngest player to score 1,000 points.

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Dedication To A College Basketball

Johnson - who went on to make a landmark decision of his own by committing to play college basketball for the Pitt Panthers in June 2023 - later writes, of those offers hitting one phone after another: He followed up by picking Pittsburgh based on the sort of challenge he feels best suits him, with second-year coach Jeff Capel - described by Champagnie as someone he can "just be himself around" while still being pushed to his limit as a player. Although Johnson had committed previously to both the Orange and Ducks, the wideout's quest to find a home proved that Pitt was his new favorite landing spot.

Career Highlights, Career trajectory and potential

One of the top players in the class of 2022, exactly, consensus four-star offensive lineman Ryan Jakubowski has verbally committed to Penn State. On the court, he has become an elite floor general and one of the top-rated lead guards in the country, allowing him to be recruited by some of the most prestigious programs in college basketball. A top 50 recruit in the 2012 class and an ESPN grade of 88, it's clear that Johnson has what it takes to be a major player in college basketball.

The Path Ahead

From the moment Johnson committed to play college basketball for the Pittsburgh Panthers it's been clear in his own words that he wants to develop, grow and improve as a player. He said he would focus on improving his handle, work on defense, and work to make the court free for his teammates and create his own. Johnson is headed to the college ranks with aspirations of being one of the top guards in the nation, and his commitment to the game should give him a long-lasting impact on college basketball.

In the End

The willpower to strive for greatness on the court is evident in Dior Johnson's path from a youthful phenom to a future college basketball player. His top-level talent and competitiveness have caused him to emerge as a name to watch in college basketball. As he prepares to move on to the next level of his basketball career, Pittsburgh is excited to see the influence and production this new rising star can have at a collegiate level.