Through the Phog
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Kansas basketball: A preview of the 2023 KU Jayhawks recruiting class

By Joshua Schulman

Mar 27, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald's All American East guard Elmarko Jackson (8) dunks the ball during the Powerade Jam Fest at Delmar Athletic Complex. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sport
Mar 27, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; McDonald's All American East guard Elmarko Jackson (8) dunks the ball during the Powerade Jam Fest at Delmar Athletic Complex. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sport /
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Dec 1, 2022; Montverde, Florida, USA; Montverde guard Chris Johnson (1) is chased by IMG Academy guard Blue Cain in the second quarter during the Sunshine Classic basketball tournament at Mills Championship Court on the campus of Montverde Academy. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2022; Montverde, Florida, USA; Montverde guard Chris Johnson (1) is chased by IMG Academy guard Blue Cain in the second quarter during the Sunshine Classic basketball tournament at Mills Championship Court on the campus of Montverde Academy. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

CG Chris Johnson (No. 71 player in the country)

Johnson was once considered one of the best combo guards in the Class of 2023, but a subpar senior year dispelled any of those hopes. He transferred to Montverde Academy for his final high school basketball season and struggled tremendously. MaxPreps lists his 2022-23 statistics as 16.7 minutes per game, 5.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 rebounds on 35 percent shooting. It is a significant dropoff for someone who averaged 19.5 points per game as a junior.

He was once considered the No. 24 prospect in the nation and approached five-star status. Even if he wishes he never transferred from Fort Bend Elkins (TX), Bill Self might be able to get him right. Like Jackson, he prefers to score at the hoop and has not developed a consistent three-point jump shot yet. Johnson’s defense is his strongest aspect.

One year of high school should not make fans overlook his talent. Johnson still has not played a game in a Kansas uniform, and he is bigger and stronger than other guards on the roster. The only concern is that with how often players transfer from programs nowadays, no one knows if he is willing to take on a limited role as a freshman or if he wants to go somewhere where he will play immediately. That question should be answered at some point, but expect Johnson to see minutes early in the season as the coaching staff decides what role they want him to have on the team.

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