Justin Johnston

4/17/02: "Justin Johnson never planned to be in this position. After signing with Kansas State in the fall, the 6-8 BF at Merrilville (IN) High played his senior year focusing on the college experience that awaited him in Manhattan, Kan. But somewhere along the line, Johnson's situation changed dramatically, and he now finds himself going through the recruiting process all over again after being released from his scholarship to KSU." - PrepStars

11/14/01: signed with Kansas State

7/11: "Justin Johnson of Merrillville has been in attendance all week at the 2001 Nike All-America Camp at IUPUI in Indianapolis. We had a chance to speak with him during an interview session about his college recruitment, summer plans and a look ahead at his Merrillville squad next season. Johnson is trying to accomplish two things at Nike to kick-off his July month of non-stop action traveling with Bloomington Red on the summer circuit. "I want to size other players up while I'm here," Johnson said. "And show people that I am one of the top players in the nation." With solid play thus far at the camp, Johnson seems to show the spark that could push him back into one of the nation's elite players. He also feels that he hasn't been getting the recognition that other Indiana preps have received on a nationwide level. "I haven't been getting all of the other noteritiy as some of my friends from down south," Johnson exclaimed. According to Johnson, he receives interest from a wide range of schools, including most of the Big 10. However, he listed the following to us: Michigan State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Boston College and Georgetown. The Merrillville star also likes the in-state schools such as Indiana and Purdue. "I would like to take a visit to Indiana University," Johnson added. "I'm not sure about Purdue, they already have my positon covered." He has taken unofficial visits to Michigan and Illinois thus far. Johnson would also like to make an official stop at to see Tubby Smith at Kentucky. Tennessee is liked because of new coach Buzz Peterson. Johnson knows he will feel pressure being a senior for Merrillville and coach Jim East. However, he has been working out daily with fellow teammate Lavel Cook, a PG for the Pirates. As a junior, Johnson averaged 14 points per game, grabbed eight rebounds each contest and averaged three blocks." - Matts Stats

7/8/01: "Some have been disappointed with Justin's performance so far this summer, and they may have had an argument as he has looked uninspired at times. But the inspiration looks to be back as Justin attacked the boards, ran the court and really played hard. If he continues to play in this matter it will be easy to see why he has drawn the attention of the likes of Boston College, Michigan State, Kentucky, Tennessee and virtually the entire Big Ten." - PrepStars

5/21: "6’7 BF Bloomington Red. With players like Sean May, Chris Hunter, and Brandon Cameron on his team Johnson might be getting overlooked. He is a strong and tough player who brings his hard hat with him and is a true BF who is happy patrolling the paint for rebounds and garbage buckets. He also has some nice post moves. A bit undersized he will likely slip to a lower to mid major school and make them very happy." - Phog.net

5/1: Listed as the 3rd best Center in Indiana, in his class. - Hoosierland Report

4/10: "This 6-8 BF from Merrillville (IN) High struggled somewhat this weekend. Didn't look particularly strong. But showed good athleticism taking it to the hoop. More evaluation is necessary to get a good hold." - PrepStars (Boo Williams Tourney notes)

2/17/01: "Merrilville needed OT to beat East Chicago 71-67. Pirate Jr. 6-8 Justin Johnson scored 11 with 7 rebounds." - INBNews.com

1/7/01: "Big Ten Prospect 6-8 Jr. Justin Johnson led Merrillville to a 52-41 win over Crown Point. Johnson scored 16 points and was a load inside..." - INBNews.com

1/01: "Long and lanky power forward prospect who has received early IU attention. He has a real nice mid-range and turnaround jumper. Decent strength but was outplayed by the bigger Sean May at the State AAU semis last summer. Played well at the St. Louis Eagles Invitational in late spring action. Has mentioned that IU is one of the schools he will consider seriously. Several Big Ten schools are recruiting him hard." - Peegs.com

12/31/00: "The 6-8 High Major Junior scored 12 and tried his best to hold off 4A (9-0) Pike but the houdini act from his 'mates was too much too overcome. Merrillville (7-3) waved the white flag in losing 74-54 to Pike in the widely watched Indiana Basketball Hall Of Fame Classic Tourney Championship" - INBNews.com

9/28: "certainly is capable of 20ppg. and 10-15 rpg, but he saw little court time last season. He gained confidence and notoriety this summer playing in James Dye's SYF Summer program." - INBNews

7/26: "SYF's Johnson Excels. Adam Schaper plays for the SYF Players, an AAU team based out of Indiana. Schaper's going to attend Iowa State in the fall of 2001. However, he's not the best player on SYF's roster. That honor appears to belong to a junior big man. For a recruiting junkie, it's a rush to stumble onto a new player every now and then, and that's exactly what happened today. BF Justin Johnson announced his presence in a game against Houston Select. After throwing down a dunk, 25 college coaches broke out their highlighters and began feverishly running shades of yellow, blue and green marker over his name. Johnson scored 19 points in the contest, but more importantly displayed outstanding promise. He's a good looking 6-8, 200 pound athlete. Offensively, he has some game and will hit the boards. He certainly has the look of a potential Top 50 member of the Class of 2002." - Rivals100 Hoops

7/2/2000: The 6-7 lanky, rangy, broad shouldered Merrillville center may have the most potential of anyone in the class. Physically active, agile and explosive Johnston just needs offensive refinement of his raw skills. Kenyon Martin is his favorite player thus Cincinnati has been his favorite school. He also likes Michigan State, Purdue and Indiana at this time. Recruiters may follow his progress this July as he travels with James Dye's SYF club." - inbnews.com (Indiana Basketball News)

Merrillville is the same HS that Jamaal Davis attended.