Gonzaga College High School's Paul Johnson was named Gatorade Player of the Year for the District of Columbia and was recruited by basketball powerhouses ranging from Georgia Tech to Pittsburgh.
But after a groin injury during his senior season, the big-time schools dropped out of the race for Johnson. And, as late as last week, there was a strong possibility that Johnson, whose father Henry Johnson captained the 1976-77 Penn squad, would come to Penn.
Even though Paul will not be making his home in West Philadelphia, Quakers fans will still see a lot of the 6-foot-7, 190-pound swingman. On Tuesday, Paul committed to Big 5 rival La Salle and coach John Giannini.
Paul ruled out Penn last week -- canceling an official visit scheduled for last Friday -- narrowing his choices to La Salle and George Mason.
"The coaching staff just seemed like they will be able to help me get better and get to where I want to be," Paul said.
Henry and Paul's mother, Merinda Herron -- both Penn graduates -- strongly encouraged Paul to commit to Penn.
"His mother and I were certainly high on Penn and that was our first choice for him," Henry said. "The consolation for me is he will be in the Big 5."
However, Henry made no secret of where his allegiances will lie in future battles between his alma mater and his son's new school.
"I told him while I will not root against Penn," Henry said. "I will root for him."
Despite his injury problems, which forced him to sit out four games in January, Paul still averaged 17 points and eight rebounds per game.
Paul will be in Philadelphia this summer to take classes, but for now he and his family are just glad the recruiting process is over.
"I want him to get back to the basics of being a high school senior," Henry said.
-- Jeff Greenwald
