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Ex-Dunbar star Johnson chooses Memphis

Johnson has matured since brushes with law, mentor says.

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By Sean McClelland, Staff Writer 12:42 AM Friday, February 10, 2012

Oft-troubled Dunbar High School graduate Geron Johnson, a sophomore at Garden City (Kan.) Community College, verbally committed to play basketball at the University of Memphis on Thursday.

“I think the kid has learned from his mistakes,” said Sedric Toney, the former University of Dayton and NBA player who identifies himself as Johnson’s mentor.

A 6-foot-3 guard once considered a top-60 recruit nationally, Johnson was arrested in high school on a theft charge. He then attended Chipola College in Florida only to be kicked out following a marijuana-related arrest that led to a three-week jail term. “I don’t think we need to talk a whole lot about the bad things,” Toney said. “This is a good opportunity for him to continue to do positive things.

“I’m not saying he won’t make any more mistakes. Nobody can predict, but let’s just pull for the kid to come through.”

When Johnson chose GCCC, it was thought he had been stashed there by Kansas. He took visits to Kansas and Memphis while also considering Wichita State, Marshall and Washington. GCCC coach Kris Baumann said Dayton inquired, but Toney said nobody from UD ever called him.

Averaging 19.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists, Johnson favored Memphis partly due to the presence of assistant coach Damon Stoudamire, a former NBA guard.

“He really wanted to work with a guy that can teach him about how to play at that level,” Baumann said.

Johnson needs to graduate from the junior college to be eligible next season.

“He’s doing OK,” Baumann said. “That’s kind of the story of his life. He’s just doing OK. He loves to play ball. He’s always put academics second, but he’s enrolled in all the right classes.”

Johnson becomes Memphis coach Josh Pastner’s first commit since the school announced its move from Conference USA to the Big East for the 2013-14 season.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@ DaytonDailyNews.com.

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