2013 Hoophall Classic preview, NCAA basketball recruiting, highlights: Dakari Johnson, top-ranked center, to star for Montverde Academy

High school basketball star Dakari Johnson with Boston Celtics guard Jason Terry.

Dakari Johnson, one of the top uncommitted seniors, will be on hand in the next two weeks at the 2013 Spalding Hoophall Classic, leaving the warm climate of Florida for the bitter New England winter.

A New York native, Johnson plays for Montverde Academy in Montverde, Fla. and is considered the top center in the nation. At 6-foot-10, Johnson is a force in the middle. With great strength, hands, and footwork, he is tough to stop when he gets the ball in the post.

He’s not going to blow anyone with the athletic ability. He’s just a solid all-around offensive player, with great post moves inside.

Johnson teams with Florida-bound Kasey Hill, one of the premier 2013 guards in the country, to give Montverde a dynamic inside-out combo.

Johnson had previously reclassified to the Class of 2013 in December.

The recruiting side

Johnson is following in the same footsteps as last year’s top center, Nerlens Noel, who's now with Kentucky. Back in December, just before Christmas, Johnson cut his list of offers down to only three schools: Kentucky, Syracuse, and Georgetown. These are the same three schools Noel had before eventually ending up in Lexington.

Johnson had previously eliminated Kansas, Ohio State, and Florida.

Georgetown has a track record of producing great big men under both Hall of Famer John Thompson and his son John Thompson III. Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, Roy Hibbert, and Greg Monroe are just a few that have spent time in D.C.

Syracuse has a loaded 2013 recruiting class, including Brewster Academy (N.H.) guard Ron Patterson (also playing in the Hoophall Classic). However, the Orange have hit the scholarship limit, but will likely have one following the season if sophomore guard and Hoophall Classic alum Michael Carter-Williams will jump to the NBA.

Kentucky is always a threat to land any high-major recruit and the crowd at Blake Arena will likely get a visit from John Calipari during the five-day showcase. Calipari is a constant presence during the Hoophall Classic, returning Western Mass., where he spent eight seasons as the UMass head coach.

When can you see Johnson?

Montverde will take on Findlay Prep (Nev.) in the second-to-last game of the Hoophall Classic, Jan. 21.

While Johnson makes his debut at the Hoophall Classic, his coach Kevin Boyle makes a return to Springfield. Boyle, who previously coached the storied St. Patrick High School (N.J.) program, has been part of several Hoophall Classics, coaching the likes of Kyrie Irving and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Other recommended reading about Johnson
  • Zags Blog - Dakari Johnson cuts list to three
  • NBC Sports - Dakari Johnson reclassifies to 2013
  • Zags Blog - Dakari Johnson talks recruiting

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