Villnova incoming freshman basketball players Ty Johnson and Achraf Yacoubou were recognized as ESPN RISE All-Americans for 2011. Johnson was named to the 20-player 1st team, while Yacoubou was named to the 2011 ESPN RISE 2nd Team.
On Johnson:
G -- Tyrone Johnson, Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) 6-2 Sr.
One of the nation's more under appreciated talents, Johnson was the leading scorer (15.4 ppg) and floor general for the nation's No. 2 ranked team after transferring from Linden (Linden, N.J.). A Villanova recruit, he shined in the Mustangs' big games, averaging 18.3 ppg and turning in an MVP performance at the 2011 ESPN RISE National High School Invitational. He also averaged nearly 22 points per game against FAB 50-ranked clubs Oak Hill, Findlay Prep and Arlington Country Day (Jacksonville, Fla.).
From all accounts, Johnson was incredible at the RISE Invitational, especially in a head-to-head matchup with fellow 1st-teamer Quinn Cook, who will be attending Duke. You've got to feel good about Maalik Wayns' back-up at the point next season.