Marquette University Athletics
Junior College All-American Johnson-Odom Signs With MU
4/15/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
April 15, 2009
Milwaukee - The Marquette University men's basketball program has signed one of the top junior college players in the nation, Darius Johnson-Odom, to a National Letter of Intent, head coach Buzz Williams announced Wednesday afternoon.
Johnson-Odom, a 6-2, 190-pounder, will arrive on campus this summer and have three years of eligibility with MU.
"We are extremely excited to add Darius to our 2009 recruiting class," Williams said. "Similar to our November signees, Darius has a tremendous story not only as a player, but more importantly as a person. His path to Marquette is unique, and the guidance of his family and coaches throughout this process has been impeccable.
"He fulfills a distinct need for our team on the perimeter, and having three years of eligibility left increases his value to our program immensely," Williams added. "He will be another great representative for our program on and off the floor."
A First Team NJCAA All-America selection at Hutchinson Community College, Johnson-Odom chipped in 21.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He was also tabbed the Jayhawk West Freshman of the Year and claimed a spot on the first team all-conference and all-region squads.
Johnson-Odom's scoring average of 21.6 points per outing ranked first in the region and 14th in the nation. He collected 22 games of 20-or-more points and netted at least 30 points on three occasions. His 46-point outburst against Coffeyville CC on Dec. 5 marked a school record.
A NJCAA National Player of the Week honoree, Johnson-Odom set freshman season records at Hutchinson in both free throws made (191) and attempted (248). His season scoring average is the second-best effort in Blue Dragon history and he finished in the top-10 in eight different categories.
Johnson-Odom prepped at The Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C., in 2007-08. He averaged 14.7 points, 5.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game and helped the Bulldogs to an overall record of 36-2.
A three-year letterwinner at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C., his tenure was highlighted by a state championship in 2006. Johnson-Odom netted 16 points in the title matchup and was tabbed the game's most valuable player. The Wolverines finished the campaign 27-4 overall and he was named the News & Observer Player of the Year.
As a senior in 2006-07, Johnson-Odom garnered league most valuable player accolades after chipping in 25.1 points per game and helping Wakefield to the state tournament regionals. The Wolverines finished 19-11 overall and his season included a school-record 49-point performance in a win over Wake Forest-Roseville High School. He was named to the second team all-state roster by NCPreps.com.
Wakefield collected 58 total victories during Johnson-Odom's three-year stint with the Wolverines.
MU's first recruiting class under Williams is currently ranked second in the nation by HoopScoopOnline.com and third by Hoopmasters.com. The group is No. 11 on ESPN.com's list, 13th on PrepStars.com, rated 19th overall by Rivals.com and owns the 18th position on Scout.com's top-25 ranking.
Three of the signees (Junior Cadougan, Jeronne Maymon and Erik Williams ) from the prep ranks are consensus top-100 rated recruits.
2009 Marquette Men's Basketball Signing ClassNAME POS. YR. HT. WT. HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL/LAST SCHOOLDwight Buycks G Jr. 6-3 185 Milwaukee, Wis./Bay View HS/Indian Hills JCJunior Cadougan G Fr. 6-1 195 Toronto, Ont./Christian Life Center AcademyDarius Johnson-Odom G So. 6-2 190 Raleigh, N.C./Wakefield HS/Hutchinson CCJeronne Maymon G/F Fr. 6-6 215 Madison, Wis./Memorial HSBrett Roseboro F Fr. 6-10 230 Quakertown, Pa./Quakertown HSErik Williams F Fr. 6-7 200 Houston, Texas/Cypress Springs HS
