Michigan Basketball: Carlos Johnson would be perfect addition for 2020

Michigan basketball has the commitment from Ohio star Zeb Jackson and is looking for someone to complement Jackson’s abilities. Carlos ‘Scooby’ Johnson would be the perfect addition to the 2020-21 class.

Benton Harbor native Carlos ‘Scooby’ Johnson is one of the most talented recruits out of the entire 2020 class and Michigan basketball is paying attention. Back in January, Scobby was offered by Michigan and coach John Beilein and Saddi Washington are hoping their strong relationship with Carlos will pay off.

Here’s what Johnson had to say about the Michigan basketball coaches.

"“(Washington) always hits me up,” Johnson said. “He tries to be funny sometimes (laughter). But he is always hitting me checking on me, seeing if I want to come up and stuff like that.”“Coach Beilein… we’ve developed kind of a crazy relationship already (laughter). Just from me coming up there. The three times I was there with him (on visits, not counting camps)… he’s a cool coach, but he’s about business. Kind of like the coach I’ve got right now.”"

Scooby isn’t your typical High School student, he’s not relying on his athletic ability alone. Instead, Carlos takes the same dedication he applies to the court to the classroom. The desire to thrive both on and off the court is something that will play out on the recruiting trail.

That academic and athletic mentality bodes well for Michigan basketball as they were just awarded the APR public recognition award for the eighth straight year. The honor is given out to “programs who finish in the top 10% of their sport with regard to multi-year APR scores.” APR stands for Academic Progress Rate.

So you can say Michigan holds itself to a higher academic standard and Carlos recognized that during a visit to Ann Arbor.

"“They stay on top of academics and it isn’t always about basketball with them. It’s also about academics,” Johnson said. “They’re one of the top five rated academic schools anywhere, so they just stay on top of it.”"

Where Scooby ranks

247 lists Johnson as a four-star with a 9544 composite rating. He is the No.2 player out of the state of Michigan and No. 105 nationally. 247 ranked Johnson at the power forward position; however, Scooby’s more positionally fluid as he grows into his game.

"“That’s been where he has shown the most improvement… dribbling and facing up now,” Benton Harbor coach Corey Sterling remarked. “He hasn’t played the post as much this year because we’ve got other post players. He is basically a guard for us. He brings the ball up for us and he plays the wing.”"

According to Rivals, Johnson is a small forward which is more appropriate considering his size at 6-foot-6-inches and somewhere between 210-220-pounds.

As the SF spot, he is ranked 25 positionally and 99th nationally.

Although, the rankings might be a bit off. The No.1 player in the 2021 class, Emoni Bates, faced off against Johson and Co. in a battle that resembled the fight scene from the 300 film.

How did it end? Bates and Scooby combined for 74 points. Scooby came out on top with 38 to Bates 35.

Where will he go?

Carlos has a crystal prediction and it’s an undecided one. While Michigan would be a great fit considering what Johnson wants out of the college experience, he’s keeping his options open for now.

"“I’m still exploring my options at this point,” said Johnson. “I think I’m probably going to give it until the end of the summer or the start of the school year next year.”“(It’s going to come down to) where I fit in best at, (and) the environment. I think those are the really main two things.”"

Where will he fit?

Michigan basketball will have an immediate need for solid shooters and lockdown defenders when it becomes Scooby’s turn to hit the college basketball circuit. Charles Matthews and Jordan Poole are on the outs, looking to make a name for themselves professionally. Ignas Brazdeikis could be following them.

When it would come time for Johnson to dawn the maize and blue, Zavier Simpson, Jon Teske, and Austin Davis will have exhausted their eligibility.

Should the unlikely scenario of Michigan not adding any more recruits or transfers and Johnson becomes the only other addition to the 2020 class, he could see immediate playing time possibly the next Isaiah Livers situation where Scooby would work his way up to the starting role.

Or, he could be the next freshman to lead the Wolverines on a deep March Madness run. Based on his tape, the latter seems more plausible.

If you don’t believe me, you can watch his Hudl highlights here.

And you don’t have to worry about Carlos’ ability to hit the clutch shot. During the State Championship game against Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Johnson hit a game-winning three-pointer giving Benton Harbor the trophy.