By: Darnell "Tate" Johnson from hoopsreport.com

 

The 2010 class maybe the deepest class in Kentucky history. There are over 20 kids in this class that should play high major to mid major basketball in the future. We start at the top with a very talented guard from Covington Holmes, Ricardo Johnson.

 

Ricardo Johnson (Covington Holmes High, Covington): We have watched Ricardo play for the last two years but the rest of the state wasn’t welcomed to Ricardo talents till his talent was put on the largest stage at the state championship in Rupp Arena. Ricardo was the catalyst for leading his team to the finals against Mason County. Even though Covington Holmes came up short it wasn’t from lack of effort from Ricardo, who was a star in the game and made the all tournament team. Ricardo can do it all from the point guard, shooting guard or the wing position. This kid is definitely a high major talent.

Edited October 13, 200818 yr by gold sunrise

Nice write up for the young man and I cant wait to watch him flying through the lane this year.

Ricardo Johnson IMO is going to end up being a big prospect. Hes a heck of a high school player. I look forward to watching him some this year.

Ricardo Johnson IMO is going to end up being a big prospect. Hes a heck of a high school player. I look forward to watching him some this year.

 

I agree. He's already a big prospect and his junior year hasn't even started. I know he has attended Indiana, UK, and UC on unofficial visits for the pre season madness events and Georgetown (Hoyas), Miami (OH), and Xavier are also after him hard.

 

I don't think a lot of us, including myself, truly realize how good this kid is considering we've only seen him one year since last year was his first year at the varsity level in KY. I think we could see him as a Mr. Basketball candidate if he lives up to his #1 ranking for his class.

 

If I had to compare him to someone, it'd be Scotty Hopson of last year, only with a better work ethic and plays better defense.

I agree. He's already a big prospect and his junior year hasn't even started. I know he has attended Indiana, UK, and UC on unofficial visits for the pre season madness events and Georgetown (Hoyas), Miami (OH), and Xavier are also after him hard.

 

I don't think a lot of us, including myself, truly realize how good this kid is considering we've only seen him one year since last year was his first year at the varsity level in KY. I think we could see him as a Mr. Basketball candidate if he lives up to his #1 ranking for his class.

 

If I had to compare him to someone, it'd be Scotty Hopson of last year, only with a better work ethic and plays better defense.

 

I love Johnson's game, but he is not Scotty Hopson in comparison. Hopson will be starting the 2G at UT this winter and is 6'7" and is unreal when it comes to "hops" (pun intended). Johnson has a unique game and will continue to improve with age.

I love Johnson's game, but he is not Scotty Hopson in comparison. Hopson will be starting the 2G at UT this winter and is 6'7" and is unreal when it comes to "hops" (pun intended). Johnson has a unique game and will continue to improve with age.

 

I think I was talking more about Johnson's ability to play inside or out but also being able to handle the rock and run the point.

I think I was talking more about Johnson's ability to play inside or out but also being able to handle the rock and run the point.

 

Hopson cannot run the point. Handles are limited. Hopson gets way up on his perimeter shots. Johnson is more fluid on the wings. Hopson is simply an athletic gem. After seeing UT's setup and facilities, he'll be happy and will have a strong four years there.

 

Johnson will have a different game and his own unique strengths. He's going to a very very good player.

Hopson cannot run the point. Handles are limited. Hopson gets way up on his perimeter shots. Johnson is more fluid on the wings. Hopson is simply an athletic gem. After seeing UT's setup and facilities, he'll be happy and will have a strong four years there.

 

Johnson will have a different game and his own unique strengths. He's going to a very very good player.

 

Considering you've probably seen Johnson more over the summer on the AAU circuit than me where would you say he's improved from last year?

 

I have seen him several times in Holmes open gyms but you can't really gauge one's ability from that.

Considering you've probably seen Johnson more over the summer on the AAU circuit than me where would you say he's improved from last year?

 

I have seen him several times in Holmes open gyms but you can't really gauge one's ability from that.

 

If I had to pick one area of his game, I would say its ballhandling. Then a close second would be his overall confidence. He's young, once he gets a feel for how the game is played he will take it to another level as will Pittman.

I love Johnson's game, but he is not Scotty Hopson in comparison. Hopson will be starting the 2G at UT this winter and is 6'7" and is unreal when it comes to "hops" (pun intended). Johnson has a unique game and will continue to improve with age.

 

If he doesn't play much harder than he did in high school he won't see the floor much for UT. If I was associated with University Heights I would have been embarassed by the effort he gave. That being said he is as athletic as any freshmen in the country this year.

 

Johnson would probably compare more similar to a smaller Darius Miller IMO. Although I believe Johnson will be a little more skilled.

If I had to pick one area of his game, I would say its ballhandling. Then a close second would be his overall confidence. He's young, once he gets a feel for how the game is played he will take it to another level as will Pittman.

 

That's good to hear. The think with Pittman, IMO, is at times he loses focus on the court which separates Johnson from Pittman. Johnson will be very tough to stop for anyone in the state this year.

 

I know he's bigger than Jackson of SC but who would you give the edge to considering they will most likely be guarding eachother when they meet?

That's good to hear. The think with Pittman, IMO, is at times he loses focus on the court which separates Johnson from Pittman. Johnson will be very tough to stop for anyone in the state this year.

 

I know he's bigger than Jackson of SC but who would you give the edge to considering they will most likely be guarding eachother when they meet?

 

Jackson. He will be able to get to the rack against Rico IMO, and his ball handling is better. Both are good jumpers. Jackson is also an excellent rebounder and defender. Rico is probably a better outside shooter. Both have similar types of bodies.

Jackson. He will be able to get to the rack against Rico IMO, and his ball handling is better. Both are good jumpers. Jackson is also an excellent rebounder and defender. Rico is probably a better outside shooter. Both have similar types of bodies.

 

I think you may be underestimating Johnson's defense a little. Offensively Rico will be able to get to the rack against Jackson and in being such a strong finisher down low may have that advantage over Chad as well. Rico is a VERY strong kid for his size and weight and has definetly bulked up a little since last year.

 

The one advantage I'd give Jackson hands down is ball handling. I'd much rather see Jackson handling the rock for my team as a PG.

I think you may be underestimating Johnson's defense a little. Offensively Rico will be able to get to the rack against Jackson and in being such a strong finisher down low may have that advantage over Chad as well. Rico is a VERY strong kid for his size and weight and has definetly bulked up a little since last year.

 

The one advantage I'd give Jackson hands down is ball handling. I'd much rather see Jackson handling the rock for my team as a PG.

 

The game is going to be good, and I would have to say that both will have trouble guarding one another. Also isn't J.J. considered the better defender?

The game is going to be good, and I would have to say that both will have trouble guarding one another. Also isn't J.J. considered the better defender?

 

J.J is the better defender so these two may not even be matched up when SC has the ball. After thinking about I think we'd probably see these match ups: Riley v Manning/Ford; D. Johnson/Housley v Guyn; J. Johnson v Jackson; R. Johnson v Euton; Pittman v Phares