AAU “Mid Major” and Dynamic Duo Enjoy Symbiotic Relationship
Ron Bailey, Publisher
August 31, 2006 - Success, however personally defined, is often predicated on finding a niche. Bill Gates and Paul Allen found one with the personal computer. Peter Angelos developed one with asbestos litigation. Bob Johnson saw there was no presence on cable television targeting black households, and started BET.
This rule of thumb applies to athletics as well - look at the Arena Football League succeeding when the USFL failed. AAU/travel team basketball is no different, with some programs focusing on high major athletes, whereas others focus on less high profile, yet talented in their own right, basketball players. Enter Nova United.
“We’re the mid-major of AAU” said Nova United’s coach and director, Randy White. “I like who we are, and what we do, for our guys”.
According to White, that can be defined as generating exposure for its players – Nova United’s, or Nova-U as it is known, had 16 class of 2006 players receive Division I, II, and III scholarships despite receiving no sponsor support. Resultantly, White shared “The kids and I pay for everything”.
Besides thoroughly enjoying coaching Nova-U’s 17 and under squad generally – a team White labeled “so much fun” to work with – he also identified his interchangeable senior backcourt tandem of Ben Wheeler and George Johnson as “right up there with the best I’ve coached”.
Regarding the two standouts, White further stated, “They are very close, and have earned each other’s respect. They really enjoy playing with each other”. In fact, based upon this duo’s all-around hoops ability and penchant for unselfishness, he would tell the team “just run the floor, they’ll get it to you”.
One example of these guard’s synergy stood out during the next to last event of Nova-U’ schedule, Las Vegas’ Big Time tourney. In the first game out of pool play, White and his charges found themselves down 11 with less than a minute to play. After a furious comeback, the team faced three point deficit, and possession of the ball. Johnson, with around four seconds left, decided to forgo an open shot and passed it to a less guarded Wheeler, who sank the jumper at a buzzer. Though Nova-U went on to lose the game in the extra session, that sequence more or less epitomized both young men’s contributions.
Arch-Competitive Johnson does what it takes
At 6’4” 185lb’s George Johnson is a two sport standout that gets it done with not only skill, but toughness. “He’s an acquired taste” opined White, which means the more you see Johnson play, the more your respect and value his game. In addition to being an extremely unselfish player who is great with both hands on the court, White labeled Johnson “a gritty kid”, who does not hesitate to “mix it up when you need that”.
George Johnson, a standout at Wakefield, High School (Arlington, VA), is a two sport standout known for his competitiveness. On the hardwood, he brings it.
“He’s a combo (guard) kind of guy” added White. “He doesn’t have the quickest foot speed, but is strong enough to stay with point guards” in addition to other perimeter players - including small forwards.
When asked about his never-back-down on court mentality, George believes it is central to his effectiveness. “I have to think that way” he said. “When I haven’t done it before, I went out there and didn’t play well”.
Not excelling on the hardwood is something Johnson doesn’t make a habit of doing. While attending Wakefield High School (Arlington, VA) last season, George provided per game averages of around “15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists”. Almost two years ago as a sophomore, he was central to Wakefield’s run at a state title, and according to White not only displayed his trademark toughness and can-do mentality, but “hit big shots” as well.
In addition to hoops, Johnson excels on the baseball diamond, where as a pitcher, he shared his fastball was “clocked at 91 miles per hour”, and has an “average in the 80’s”. George loves both sports, and is unable to pick a favorite, saying “When it’s basketball season, I like basketball, and when it’s baseball, I like baseball” more.
For his exploits, Johnson has received a scholarship offer from High Point, and considerable interest from “Winthrop, American, and George Mason”. There is a chance George could play both sports throughout college, but will most likely chose one before or after his freshman year. He is unsure when a commitment will be made.
With such talent on the diamond, there is a possibility minor league baseball teams could come calling. Though he indicated “No one’s (from professional baseball) talked to about it” others in his baseball life have mentioned it as a possibility.