Player: Blaze Johnson
Class: 2028
Height: 6’3
Program: Overtime Elite
Rewinding back just a few weeks ago, our scouts at Phenom Hoops had a great opportunity to watch some big-time talent on the court at the Seros Invitational in Bermuda Run (NC). Players from around the country came to compete, including several big-time prospects for Atlanta Xpress.
One player that happened to suit up for Xpress for that weekend was 2028 6’3 Blaze Johnson, who previously played with the Atlanta Celtics.
Our own scout, Patrick O’Brien, said Johnson was a standout at the event, having said this on X: “2028 Blaze Johnson (Atlanta Xpress) has been a strong force in this game. Excelling in getting downhill and attacking the basket, scoring or creating contact.”
And it was also recently released by Rivals that Johnson is a Top 30 prospect in the Initial National Rankings for the Class of 2028.
However, back to what we saw on the court at the event, Johnson certainly proved before it all that he was going to be a talent worth watching and monitoring in the coming years. Johnson is a 6’3 guard that plays with a strong overall feel, having a good feel in being able to attack off the bounce, be physical and get downhill, and also comfortable in scoring from the perimeter. He brings a nice balance and consistency from multiple levels, especially at his size. Johnson shows comfort all over the court, playing with pace and feel, playing within the offense, and displaying strength in his ability to make plays for himself.
It is easy to see why schools are already targeting him for the Class of 2028, earning an offer from Maryland shortly after the Seros Open and holding other offers from Georgia Tech, UNLV, and Radford. But expect that list to dramatically increase quickly over the years.
Phenom 1-on-1 with Johnson:
Phenom: How would you best describe your game?
Johnson: I would describe my game as patient and able to space the floor while creating a shot for myself or a teammate. I like to push the floor, swinging the ball up the court. Also, I like to operate off of ball screens to create for the big man and myself.
Phenom: Recruitment has started early. What was it like to get an offer recently from Maryland?
Johnson: It was great, it’s a great feeling, especially when a coach is willing to invest in you as a younger player. Definitely motivates me even more.
Phenom: What other offers do you hold, and what interests are coming early on?
Johnson: As far as offers, I hold Radford, East Texas A&M, UNLV, Georgia Tech, and Maryland. Interests, schools like Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, and UAB have shown early on.
Phenom: Any dream school or schools for you?
Johnson: Kansas, UConn, USC, Kentucky, and Duke.