College Hoops: Antonio Johnson Proves Not Always About Where You Play

The big time schools don't always have the best players. While the big time players aren't always at the best schools. The same could be said about Antonio Johnson who is coming off a championship year as a senior at Whitney Young High School (Chicago, IL)

Johnson a 6'3" 230-pound forward is beginning his career at Moraine Valley, and while that may not put him on the map, his play and drive to be the best certainly will. While you may not read or hear Johnson's name everywhere this is one place you can go.

I was able to speak with Johnson and hear his take on what we can all expect as he heads into college. Moraine Valley, a small time junior college that has sent six former players to four year universities. 

First year college, life-time player.

Q: What should those at Moraine Valley expect you to bring night in and night out?

A: "As I come in, I'm going to do what is asked of me by the coaching staff. I'm here to improve my game but also here to showcase my talents of explosiveness. I love to drive to the basket and whether I get fouled or not, I'm going to finish the play."

New man on campus.

Q: What would you want those to know about you before they see you on the court for Moraine Valley? 

A: "Basketball is my therapy, whenever I am angry, upset, or even happy, I usually go to the gym and work out. If I'm not working out alone I'm always running pick-up games with friends to work on my game and better myself."

What lies ahead? 

Q: It's your first year in college ball and your starting at a small school, how can you ignore the "small school" label and still go out and dominate?

A: "As mentioned, it is my first year in college, first year in the college basketball circuit so all I'm looking to do is learn the system, play my game and lead my team to the best season we can have." I'm happy as long as we get better as a team and I improve as player.

Story of Antonio Johnson, a freshman in the college system who's just happy to be playing the game he loves. Jamall will rise to the top and this big time player who attends a "small school" will soon be a household name.