SLU Men's Basketball Signs Justin Johnson

St. Louis - Saint Louis University head men's basketball coach Brad Soderberg today announced that 6-foot-8 forward Justin Johnson (Merrillville, Ind. / Merrillville) has signed a financial aid agreement to attend the University and play basketball for the Billikens. He will have four years of eligibility beginning with the 2002-03 academic year.

"Justin is an appealing player, because he is a big body who can move out and hit the perimeter jump shot," Soderberg said. "He also has a sound low post game. We are pleased to get a player of Justin's ability at this time of the year."

Johnson was a Street & Smith's honorable mention All-America prior to the 2001-02 season and a member of Hoosier Basketball's preseason first-team All-State squad. He averaged 14 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 67 percent from the free throw line. He led the Pirates to a 14-9 record and earned Duneland Conference first-team All-Conference honors while finishing runner-up as league MVP. The Merrillville Post-Tribune named Johnson to the East Chicago/Gary, Ind., All-Area first team.

A three-year letterwinner and two-year starter for traditionally strong Merrillville, Johnson averaged 10 ppg while shooting 52 percent from the floor and 67 percent from the line for his career. He completed his career as the Pirates' Most Valuable Player. Merrillville is the same program that produced Cincinnati's Jamaal Davis.

Pirates head coach Jim East is confident that Johnson will continue to mature into an even more productive player. "Justin's frame will allow for additional weight that is sure to come from the type of strict strength program that he'll have at Saint Louis," East said. "Justin will play more facing the basket at the college level, and that will be a strength for him. He's capable of assuming a leadership role, which he did this year with a young team around him."

Johnson originally signed a National Letter of Intent with Kansas State during the 2001 early signing period. The Wildcats released him from that obligation this spring when their roster was effected by the transfer of two guards.