Basketball Program Announces Two Early Signings
11/12/1999 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
"This group of guys will be a tremendous asset to our program," Coles said. "They give us a lot of energy and hope, and the ability to maintain and even elevate Miami's basketball tradition."
Johnson, a 6-foot-5 off-guard, averaged 29 points and 14 rebounds per game during his junior season at Garfield Heights High School. A preseason McDonald's All-American, Johnson is ranked among the nation's top 75 recruits by several national scouting services.
"Johnson is ranked No. 2 in Ohio and No. 48 in the nation," said John Stovall of Prep Spotlight Scouting Service. "He has a tremendous skill level and is capable of playing at the next level. He has the potential to be the next big- time player to come out of the Mid-American Conference."
According to Coles, Johnson may be the most highly touted recruit he has ever signed.
"He is the highest-rated recruit I've ever pursued as a head coach," Coles said. "Julius has great all-around skills. He's a great passer, a good ball handler and a very good scorer. I think he has a chance to play at the next level."
A dangerously quick point guard, Mason averaged 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds per game as a junior at John Hay H.S. Mason has been ranked as one of the Top 10 recruits in Ohio by All Star Sports Report national scouting service and one of the top 150 players in the nation.
"Mason is another guy that has a chance to arrive and make an immediate impact at Miami," says Bob Gibbons, editor of the All Star Sports Report. "He's not as well known as Johnson, but he is just as quick and explosive."
Coles sees a bright future for the 6-foot-2 Mason.
"Chester is going to be a very good player," Coles said. "He's quick and gets to the basket a lot. We're looking for him to have a great career at Miami."
