Young Boy Langford Ready To Show And Prove In The Summer

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

March 12, 2007 - Although disappointed with his team’s early exit from the 5A Playoffs, Johnson High (Hunstville, AL) forward Joshua Langford is ready to rebound after the tough loss to city rival Lee High. The 6’6, bouncy frosh forward is already one of the top youngsters in the area; and with continued skill development and focus he’ll undoubtedly become one of the best ballers in the state.

“I worked on my footwork and left hand last summer while playing for the Alabama Lasers AAU squad” he said. At last year’s Nike Peach Jam, Langford displayed his athleticism and quickness, albeit in a reserve role

Though a young player, Langford is starting to create a buzz in the Dirty South. (McDowell)

At just 14 years old, Langford is also one of the youngest high school phenoms in the city, but he’s just tapping his enormous potential. Joshua’s hoops potential is limitless, but his basketball future isn’t the most important thing to him.

“I know I have to continue to work hard in the classroom and on the court. I won’t be able to play unless I have my grades.”

The freshman projects as a three or small forward down the road, Langford currently plays the power forward/ center for Johnson High. Langford has trouble finishing at times and needs to also work on his handle for further ascension in his game. Colleges like Langford’s attacking nature and fearlessness in going inside. (Click here for Johnson High coverage)

Defensively, Joshua tends to drift, but that will improve with coaching and the increased responsibility in having to shut down the opponents best interior and wing threats.

On the offensive end, if he is to continue to play the post for the Johnson Jaguars he will have to find a go-to move and learn to keep his composure under pressure. Langford can be his team’s go-to threat as he continues to develop.

Schools such as Mississippi State, Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Clemson and UNC, have already begun to take notice.

In possibly his most impressive performance of the season Joshua led the Jags to victory with 16 points and yanked down 11 rebounds versus Decatur High during the Hunstville Times Classic back in December. Decatur featured Alabama signee Rico Pickett.

His fine play throughout the season can be attributed to hard work, added to guidance and direction from a multitude of friends, family and mentors.

“Everybody stays in my corner and tells me to keep working hard and stay positive and things will work out fine.” Highly influential to Josh both and off the court is his AAU Coach and mentor William “Wig” Pearson.

“Coach Wig tries to keep me focused and playing hard. He sees the potential in me as a basketball player and a person and wants the best for me on the court and in life”, says Josh.

While basketball may be Langford’s forte, he knows academics are the key to a successful future once the ball stops bouncing. This humble, laid back young man recognizes what it takes to get to where he needs to be and doesn’t forget his upbringing.

Dorothy Langford, Josh’s grandmother and Brenda Fletcher, his mom, instilled upon him early the value of hard work and discipline, an ethic in which he has heeded.

“My grandma and mom raised me to be strong. They were hard on me when I was little, but I see now that they were just trying to prepare me and I really appreciate it.”

Not one to be relegated to the basketball court, Langford also enjoys cutting hair, singing/rappin’ and hanging with his friend Vernon Bone and his girlfriend Lakresha White.

Hoops fans can see Josh this summer with the Lasers again, as well as, at the Nike Camp, the Hoop Jamboree and the NCAA First Team Camp in August.

i95ballerz will closely monitor this rising young man’s ascension through the high school ranks and bring you the latest happenings in his recruitment.