VCU lands nationally ranked recruit, Melvin Johnson

Shooting guard Melvin Johnson and University of Miami peacefully parted ways July 11th, Johnson committed to VCU after visiting earlier this week.

July 21, 2012; 9:00 AM • by Aaron Williams

Update – July 21st, 9:09 AM

Adam Zagoria, who broke the original news about Melvin Johnson decommitting from Miami, is reporting that Johnson has committed to VCU!

The 6-foot-3 guard from The Bronx and St. Benedict’s Prep committed to VCU after visiting the school this week, his mother, Kizzy, confirmed to SNY.tv.

VCU was Melvin’s first–and only –visit after being released from Miami. Johnson is the second ESPN 100 player to join the Rams (for comparison: UVA has three, Georgetown has three, Virginia Tech has none).

For a bit more, head over to the New York Post.

— ∮∮∮ —

Original – July 17th, 3:02 PM

Shooting guard Melvin Johnson and the University of Miami peacefully parted ways July 11th as head coach Jim Larranaga granted him a release from his national letter of intent. The release allows the ESPN Top-100 / Rivals 4 star recruit to play immediately in 2012. While the reasons for the mutual separation are unknown, Johnson will try and find a new home in the next few days.

Several lists of potential schools have circulated, but VCU, USF, SMU and Villanova are all potential targets. According to Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria), Johnson will visit VCU on Wednesday July 17th. As ESPN’s 85th best player in the country, Johnson would be a huge last minute grab for the Rams, as he’s even more highly regarded than Jordan Burgess.

At 6-foot-3 and 175lbs., Johnson is a true shooting guard. He has the ability to score from all over the court, and his speed and length would fit the Ram’s defense well.

Johnson attended St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, and played AAU basketball for the Long Island Lightning.

— ∮∮∮ —