Keon Johnson: Why I signed with Tennessee basketball over Ohio State

Keon Johnson
For The Tennessean

The Tennessean asked Webb School of Bell Buckle senior Keon Johnson to write an essay on why he chose to sign with Tennessee men's basketball. Here is why Johnson, the top college basketball prospect in Tennessee for the Class of 2020 chose the Vols:

Between Tennessee and Ohio State, I wanted to invest my future where I would get a family type environment, an agriculture program for my studies, a place where I can come in as a freshman and make an immediate impact on the floor, and ultimately the university that will help me achieve my goal of becoming a professional athlete.

With these factors in mind, I truly believe the University of Tennessee can help me achieve my goal, as well as it not being too far from home.

When Tennessee coach Rick Barnes first came to see me at my school his first words were:  "I hate recruiting, I would rather be in the gym with one of my guys getting shots up." 

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At that point, he really opened my eyes because he is invested into his players as well as honest to them. While on my first official visit at Tennessee, I walked into the practice gym and saw that Coach Barnes’ office was on the sideline of the court.

While I grew closer to the coaching staff I also got to know the players very well, and I saw the bond between every player translated onto the court that year.

Grant Williams was my host for that weekend, and I did not know how much of an impact he had on the campus, but I knew that if I attended Tennessee then I could have the same impact as a freshman.

On my visit I told Grant that I was going to commit here, and he asked, “Why?” and I told him, “This is what I want to be apart of and I want to be HOME."

I also fell in love with the weight room work that Coach Garrett Medenwald has the team doing. The body transformations are unreal and they effectively prepare you for the game and for a pro career.

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The family atmosphere is unbelievable as well as the fan support. With this all being said I can't wait to play on ROCKY TOP.