Tigers land top 30 prospect

CLEMSON — Clemson men's basketball landed a highly-touted prospect in Noel Johnson on Friday, giving the program a boost after the departure of Terrence Oglesby and graduation of K.C. Rivers.

Johnson bolsters a depleted perimeter and gives the Tigers a second top-30 incoming prospect according to ESPN, which ranks the 6-7 Johnson 30th overall, four slots behind future teammate and former Pinewood Prep star Milton Jennings.

Clemson benefited from the sudden resignation of Southern Cal coach Tim Floyd earlier this month, leaving the program after an alleged cash payment to an associate of then-recruit O.J. Mayo. The events caused Johnson to ask for and be granted his release from the Trojans.

Sources expect Johnson to immediately help on the wing.

Johnson has the range to help ease the floor-spacing, collapsing-on-Trevor Booker concerns created with the losses of Oglesby and Rivers, while also adding length and athleticism on defense.

A combination of Tanner Smith, David Potter and incoming freshman Donte Hill was expected to fill minutes at shooting guard and small forward, but Johnson becomes the team's most talented wing option.

Johnson gives the Tigers a potential complete and dyna-mic scorer, which the team lacked along its perimeter last season. Johnson has the ability to score off the dribble, create shots for himself, and showing shooting range well beyond the college 3-point line at Fayette County (Ga.) last season. Johnson is also regarded as an excellent passer.

The scouting reports say Johnson must improve ball handling and defense. He could also stand to bulk up (185 pounds) and is unlikely to replace Rivers' rebounding prowess.

Following the loss of Oglesby last month, Purnell said the Tigers had a chance to become better defensively, though floor-spacing was a concern as the Tigers lacked a returning player who has been efficient while also shooting a high volume of 3s.

Johnson could be make an impact on both sides of the court eventually, and it will be interesting to see how he fits in Oliver Purnell's rotation.

Booker is the only player Purnell has guaranteed a starting position to. Booker can play either center or power forward, Jennings could play either forward position, Booker's brother, Devin, is also in the 2009 class and considered by some to have a higher ceiling than his brother. He along with Jerai Grant will likely see major front court minutes.

Demontez Stitt and Andre Young figure to battle for the starting point guard position, potentially playing alongside a new Clemson star.

Reach Travis Sawchik at >tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at >www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.