Following the addition of Gerard Coleman and Drew Barham at the SF position for the 2012 class, it's become clear that the 2013 recruiting class will focus on the backcourt. With four scholarships available to give out, it would come as a huge surprise if Gonzaga didn't add two high-level guard recruits in the 2013 class.
The latest guard to receive an offer from GU is Darin Johnson from Sacramento, CA. The 6'4 guard has had a very productive AAU season with Play Hard, Play Smart, which captured the attention of the Gonzaga staff.
"I started really hearing from Gonzaga the week after we got back from the tournament in Long Beach," Johnson explained. "I think it was the second week of April. Coach Giacoletti and Coach Lloyd have been recruiting me."
With the increased focus on having guards that can lockdown on the perimeter, it shouldn't be a surprise that Johnson has drawn the attention of Gonzaga on the AAU circuit.
"I've been playing for PHPS (Play hard, Play Smart)," said the 3-star guard. "I feel like we play aggressive. We play hard-nosed defense and we want to win every game. I think that's the most important thing about our team."
Not surprisingly, the impressive play has led to an increase in interest and offers for Johnson, who is rapidly approaching double-digit scholarship opportunities.
"I've been hearing from pretty much all of the Pac-12, the Mountain West, the WCC, Drake and Virginia Tech from the ACC," revealed Johnson. "I have offers from USC, Pepperdine, St. Mary's, USF, San Jose St., Bakersfield and now Gonzaga." (Editor's note: Johnson was offered by WSU after his visit on Saturday)
Johnson received his offer less than 24 hours ago while he was on an unofficial visit to Gonzaga. The most exciting part of the visit actually came from South America, when Mark Few hopped on the line from Brazil with some big news.
"The visit was crazy," the PHPS guard said with a laugh. "The coaching staff was great. He (Coach Few) called Tommy while I was with him and he said he wanted to talk to me. He just told me that he was in Brazil coaching, but he wanted me to know that there was a spot on the team for me and that I had an offer. He just told me to keep working hard and improving this summer."
With the Gonzaga offer in hand, Johnson admits that the Zags have moved up his list and that he will be back to check out the school even more in-depth in the fall.
"Gonzaga is definitely one of my top schools now," admitted Johnson. "I was talking with the coaches about it, and my mom, dad and I will for sure be taking an official visit."
As more offers come in, Johnson admits that he wants to take some time to make a decision. However, if possible, he would like to commit and sign by the November signing period.
"I haven't really thought about that," the Sacramento guard said of committing. "I'm still open and I'm still balancing things out. I know I do want to commit in November, but if for some reason I can't make my choice then, I would wait."