Noel Johnson, so named because he was a Christmas Eve baby, is about to bestow an unexpected summertime gift upon one blessed college basketball team.
Himself.
Recently graduated from Fayette County High, the 6-foot-7 guard/wing player has declared himself back on the market for recruiters after wiggling out of a signed letter-of-intent with the University of Southern California. Johnson, concerned that the NCAA may levy severe penalties on the program for alleged improper payments to former player O.J. Mayo, sought and was granted a release.
Those concerns were validated Tuesday, when coach Tim Floyd abruptly resigned. In a brief letter to the USC athletics director, the coach cited waning enthusiasm as the impetus for his decision — understandable in light of the Trojans' bleak short-term future.
Johnson is one of three signees who have bailed on USC. Additionally, three underclass starters from last season declared for the NBA draft. Probation and forfeited victories loom if the NCAA concludes there is fire where there is smoke.
Suddenly, Johnson is one of two unattached graduates on basketball dean's lists of recruiting websites, such as Rivals.com (No. 53) and Scout.com (No. 56).
And his father's cellphone is ringing as regularly as sleigh bells around the time of Noel's birthday parties.
"See this?" Lynbert "Cheese" Johnson said, holding up the phone that vibrates, beeps or breaks into music every few minutes with coaches a'calling. "My phone bill is high. Way over the minutes. They seemed to know [about Noel's release] before I did.
"At the end of the day, though, this is a good situation."
Printouts in their Fayetteville apartment display scouting reports and data on suitors most alluring to the family, which includes mom Andrea. With college rosters all but locked in for next season, Noel is taking full advantage of his status to project immediate playing time with the leading candidates.
There are four, he says, in no special order: Nevada-Las Vegas, Charlotte, LSU and Xavier. Two campuses have entertained him; the other two will soon.
Georgia Tech and Georgia?
Both are in play, Noel says. He is acquainted with Tech coach Paul Hewitt and pals with local incoming freshmen Derrick Favors and Mfon Udofia, both of whom have hard-sold the Yellow Jackets by phone, Noel said. ("It's wide open," he has responded.)
Given the familiarity of people and place, "I would feel more comfortable" at Tech. Yet, USC caught his eye and then his heart because of "the whole California thing," so staying in the 404 or 706 area codes is no priority.
As for UGA, new coach Mark Fox, eager to tap into metro Atlanta, has wooed Noel fervently, says his father.
Noel appears prepared for what lies ahead. Among the framed photos and loose jerseys hanging from the apartment walls that chronicle his basketball upbringing, one stands out: A snapshot of a diapered 17-month-old launching his mini-ball toward a toy rim. Nice form, too.
"I've always put the ball in his hands," Lynbert said.
There was no camera, only memories, to document 5-year-old Noel accompanying dad to his job in the produce department at Whole Foods. The apple of Lynbert's eye kept grabbing fruit and firing it toward a basket.
Honed on New York City playgrounds, the older Johnson excelled at Wichita State, then had a pot of coffee for one season with the Golden State Warriors before competing overseas for five more. Several befriended contemporaries of repute, from Tiny Archibald to Xavier McDaniel (Noel's godfather), have provided tutelage.
Lynbert: "The excitement [of celebrities] doesn't get to him like it does others."
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