Possessing an innate eye for talent, a wealth of experience and proven know-how in building up rosters while subsequently helping student-athletes maximize the college exposure aspect. Longtime New York City hoops pioneer Rodney Johnson ready for his next act.
Having had a significant hand in helping catapult Evangel Christian to an undefeated season in his inaugural year with the program. Johnson left the program having established prominence in the Power 5 prep conference.
The seasoned coach and talent developer has moved on to a location which, ironically enough, is right up the street. Johnson is back in the fold on the same Crescent Street of Evangel Christian, albeit he now finds himself at St. John's Prep.
Currently serving as the Associate Head Coach Johnson is now entertaining a reclamation project. Which he feels will eventually witness the Archdiocese B program ascend to the next level, with the end goal being to put the program on the same prestigious plane as Christ the King, Stepinac, Cardinal Hayes, and so forth.
"I help a lot of schools in NYC," said Johnson, who is the founder of Exodus AAU and has been instrumental in placing myriad Division-I players.
"A lot of programs had been reaching out to me. Next thing you know, St. John's Prep called. It was an Archdiocese school, which I think is the most powerful conference in the country. My mentality was, "let's win this whole thing this year, then we will move forward and build this up." Johnson continued, "it was a decision based on St. John's Prep being a good environment and a good academic atmosphere as well."
Johnson said the program is orchestrated with discipline and emphasis on player development. He was able to bring in coach Cedrick Ellison to make training and skill development a central component of the focus.
"The roster is going to change quick," said Johnson. "The system as well. Last year, they were predicated on a run and gun style. This year, there it is going to be more geared toward the college and pro level."
With that, Johnson foresees an offense consisting of a lot of pick and rolls. Basic five out principles, screens and cuts. Defensively, St. John's Prep will apply high pressure and blanketing defense across all 94 feet, as Johnson explained.
The program has lofty expectations for Ryan Edwards, a 6-foot-2 guard. "He reminds me of a baby Rod Strickland," Johnson said. "He's got handle, he's a quality defender, and he's really crafty as a scorer. I look at him as being one of the top guards in the city."
SJP also returns a 6-foot-6 guard-wing in Class of 2025 prospect Patrick Rouse. Rouse brings a superior level of explosiveness and positional size. "He's a 6-6 athletic, wiry, above the rim threat," said Johnson of Rouse. "He's got the type of finishing, where you just don't expect it. If he buys in and does what he's supposed to do, he will be able to write his own ticket by the time he's a senior."
