For Darin Johnson it was the right time to make a decision.
After taking some time to think about which school best fit his future, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound shooting guard (Sacramento, Calif./Sheldon) announced Sunday he will play college basketball at Washington.
“They’ve got a good thing going with that staff,” Johnson said. “I’m trying to get to the next level. I feel like they’ve got the perfect plan for me."
The senior picked the Huskies over Oregon and San Diego State.
“Coming in, there’s a chance for an immediate impact if you put your work in,” Johnson said.
After seeing Tony Wroten Jr. and Terrence Ross selected in the NBA Draft this year and watching Isaiah Thomas have a successful rookie season in Sacramento, Johnson sees Washington as the right program to develop his skills.
The three-star recruit is also looking forward to playing in the same backcourt with Huskies point guard commit Nigel Williams-Goss (Henderson, Nev./Findlay Prep), ranked No. 48 in the ESPN 100.
“I think it’s going to be outstanding,” said Johnson, when asked about teaming up with Williams-Goss.
Now that he has committed, he plans to push forward Aaron Gordon (San Jose, Calif./Archbishop Mitty) -- rated the No. 6 player in the ESPN 100 -- to join him in Seattle.
“Because I just committed, I’m going to work a little bit harder now,” Johnson said. “I’m definitely trying to get Aaron.”
He also said he plans to reach out to shooting guard Isaac Hamilton (Los Angeles/St. John Bosco) -- rated the No. 26 player in the country in the ESPN 100 -- who has a visit to Washington planned for later this month.
“If we can get the two players that we’re trying to get, Washington is going to be one of those top teams to beat,” he said.