Charleston Southern strikes again with Upward Stars
The Upward Stars big men are migrating to Charleston Southern. Wesley Johnson is the second big man to commit to the Big South program this week. Johnson, a 6-foot-8 big man from Greenville, S.C. made his decision on Tuesday morning.
Johnson almost didn't make it, at least in his mind. When Johnson knew where he wanted to go to college, he was ready to make the call and commit.
But then his teammate and close friend Javis Howard made the same exact call to the same exact school and committed to Charleston Southern. Johnson was worried that the space might have been filled before he could accept the scholarship.
"I was getting ready to call coach and then (Javis) committed," Johnson said with a laugh. "I panicked. I thought there was the only one (scholarship). I was upset too because I felt so good about this school. Three seconds I saw Javis tweet out the news, I called the coach. He said 'We still want to get you down here.' I was so relieved."
Johnson and Howard made for a nice 1-2 punch with the Upward Stars this year on the circuit. Together, they helped the Stars win the Nike Memorial Day Classic and advance to the Final Four of the Best of the South.
Johnson said he looks forward to lining up with Howard on the Charleston Southern low blocks.
"It is great to play with him on Upward. He's so much fun and taught me so much," Johnson said. "Playing alongside him for two years, I know what he likes to do. I can read his body language and emotions. I feel like we'll just gel. We played together against some of the best talent in the country. Going into college, I'd rather be someone I know. "
Johnson said he also strongly considered Presbyterian and Jacksonville.