Mondays with Bobby, featuring Mitchell Henry

Justin Johnson, a rising senior at Perry County Central High, announced via his Twitter page Tuesday that Western Kentucky is among his top five programs he’ll be looking to sign with. Johnson is a 6-foot-7-inch, 235-pound forward also looking at Auburn, Boston College, Miami (Ohio) and Providence. I spoke with him about what he likes about WKU.

Why is WKU in your top five? “They’ve been there since Day One and just do a really good job recruiting. I’ve stayed in touch with coach Harp (Harper) and coach B (Boyden) and just now getting to know coach (Shawn) Forrest a little bit. They do a really good job recruiting and they’ve been with me since Day One so I had to put ‘em in there.”

What may separate WKU from the others? “I’ve been there, probably, over 10 times and they just treat me like part of the family when I go down there. I know all the guys, so it’s really good to get to know all the guys quick like that and know who your future teammates will end up being. That stands out a lot.”

How do the commitments of Rob Marberry (WKU) and Zack McCormick (Miami of Ohio) affect you? “Those two right there are two of my lifelong best friends. Me and Rob have been roommates the past two summers. Then Zach’s been thrown in there with us, too. Both of those guys are my dudes and I’ve talked to both of them just about every day. Rob, I was one of the first people he told (about his commitment to WKU), so I’m real excited for him to go there. Then Zach going to Miami of Ohio – I’m real proud of both of those guys.”

Is the plan to sign a letter of intent in November? “That’s the plan right now. I’m not gonna lock it in, but hoping everything can get worked out and I can get that done in November.”

Filed under: Basketball, Talkin’ bout the Tops