Loyola University freshman guard Ty Johnson is in the right place at the right time
CHICAGO —The city of Chicago is well known for its huge basketball market, with plenty of young basketball talent to go around. Loyola University Chicago prides itself on the ability to recruit these talented basketball phenoms. Ramblers鈥� freshman two-way guard Ty Johnson is no different than the standard first-year head coach Drew Valentine has already put in place. Hardworking, unselfish, tough, and competitive. Johnson embodies what coach Valentine’s expectations are. Johnson had this to say after attending a Ramblers game with his father last season.
鈥淚 said right there to my dad while watching that game, 鈥楾hat鈥檚 something I want to do,鈥欌�� . 鈥淢y dad said to me, 鈥榃e can make that happen. We have to find the right school.鈥欌��
Who would’ve thought that a year later he would be playing for the same school he enjoyed watching with his father?
That Final Four run changed my mindset about Loyola,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淭hey have everything I need and was looking for in terms of school, playing basketball and to prepare me for the future.
鈥淚 felt like Loyola was it for me. They play in the Missouri Valley, which is a great conference, they鈥檝e been to a Final Four, and I get to play for one of the best college coaches in the country.鈥�
Not to mention representing the city that raised Johnson, forcing him to grow up quickly, learning to adapt in a hostile environment, while maintaining the drive, hard work, and education needed to further his basketball career.
鈥淚t feels great to be wanted,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淏ut being from Chicago and to receive the love I received from a program that鈥檚 right here in my hometown and has had as much success, it makes it even more special. It鈥檚 just a great opportunity. Loyola feels like home.鈥�
The emotion in Johnson’s voice is as proud as the look in his eyes as he embraces the next chapter in his pursuit to becoming the Ramblers鈥� next star, and the possibility of helping his team to reach new heights.
With all the excitement surrounding the Ramblers鈥� young talent for the upcoming 21-22 NCAA season, there is one stat that doesn’t show up on the scouting report for these young athletes growing up in violent communities in the inner city.
Commitments to staying out of trouble, focusing on school, and playing basketball aren’t enough. Trouble can lurk at any time, even when minding your own business. These streets have taught lessons to many, those same streets can also be used as a survival guide. There isn’t a school or basketball court in the world that can prepare these young athletes, instead, those same adversities are used as fuel, making getting out the most sizable accomplishment. Developing instincts that can translate behind the walls of a locker room, echoing to the hardwood, as the final seconds in crunch-time depend on a split-second decision.
Johnson is no stranger to pressure, both on and off the court. He realized that opportunities like this aren’t made available for all athletes throughout the city of Chicago. He also has an everyday reminder of how quickly it can all be taken away.
Johnson was grazed in the back of his head shortly after his last season at DePaul Prep, talking with some friends, minding his own business in Inglewood, the same neighborhood he played as a kid. He was a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Johnson’s dreams almost came to a crashing halt after his senior year, where he averaged 20.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 3.4 apg. He shot just over 50% from the field and earned All-State, All-City, and All-Area recognition.
Johnson showed strong offensive abilities and court vision. He has speed and can play at both guard spots, showcasing the discipline to defend both on the ball and in the passing lanes. He can shoot from three as well as put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim for his size. At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, the 18-year-old has many weapons in his offensive arsenal, leaving plenty of room for growth both in stature and as a leader.
Overcoming adversity is second nature to Johnson, enduring those same hardships as a way to push through is why he will have an instant impact as a leader on the Ramblers鈥� roster as a freshman this season. Taking advantage of playing time will be important for Johnson to begin the process of finding his role on the team.
Staying out of harm’s way off the court will still be a unique challenge, learning how to operate by example both as a leader for the Ramblers and a testament to at-risk youth will come naturally. Leading by example and sacrificing for his teammates and coaches, this season is more than just about basketball in the city of Chicago and Loyola University, it’s about survival, to stave off elimination, surviving to play the next game.
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