PHOTO: Joshua L. Jones, Athens Banner-Herald
Auburn earned a commitment today from former Georgia guard K.D. Johnson, who is from Atlanta and graduated from Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy.
He is 6-foot-1 and weighs 190 pounds. He is built like former Auburn point guard Kareem Canty.
He was a Rivals 4-star prospect.
Johnson is listed as a point guard by Rivals, but he actually spent most of his floor time as a secondary ball handler last season. He played shooting guard in UGA's system. At Auburn, I see him as a combo guard (2) who could moonlight as a wing (3) or a point (1) if staffing conditions require that.
A few things stand out about him:
- He's an intense, physical player.
- He's extremely competitive.
- He was at his best against the best teams last season: 40 points in two games against Alabama, 21 against LSU, 24 in two games against UF.
- He can be difficult because he's so competitive — a trait that generated some opprobrium from the UGA coaching staff.
- He was among SEC leaders (as a freshman) last season in fouls drawn and steals.
- He's probably at his best as a driver in transition, but he also shot 39% from three last season. He definitely can shoot.
- Synergy Sports rates him as a "very good" spot-up shooter — 48 points on 44 spot-up possessions last season.
- He gets loose on the drive, but needs to finish better (44% from 2FG) and be better at the line (62%) to take full advantage of it.
- He fits in with Bruce Pearl's new focus on toughness, which will give the team's defense more edge and fight.
