Boston College former Head Women's Basketball Head Coach, Erik Johnson, coached for six years. During Johnson's time at BC, he has coached numerous players who have broken team, conference, and school records such as the most three-pointers scored over any team in the ACC in a single season, beat many of BC's rivals, and seen regular appearances to the ACC tournament. BC has also seen national rankings during Johnson's time being ranked as high as 15th in the country for field goal percentage.
Prior to becoming an assistant coach at BC before Johnson became the head coach, Johnson coached at Denver from 2008-2012 where his teams had a 24-4 record at home in his final two seasons.
Coach Johnson is also the Chair of the ACC Women's Basketball Coaches Committee, WBCA Atlantic Coast Conference Coaches Captain, was a guest speaker at the 2012 NCAA Tournament Clinics, and was a former WBCA Sun Belt Conference Coaches Captain from 2009-11.
2aDays: What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Once we have an idea that a player's talent/skill level makes her a candidate for us, it's all about her character and heart. We look at body language, how they deal with frustration/adversity, and we try to talk to as many people who have seen her in tough situations and know what is inside of her.
2aDays: What is a good way for athletes to get on a basketball coach's radar?
Coach Johnson: Reach out and show a legitimate interest. Come to camp, come visit, call, email, send a video, etc.
2aDays: When should an athlete reach out to a coach?
That's really up to the recruit and their family and when they are ready to start thinking about things. It's never too early to make us aware of a good player with an interest in a school.
2aDays: What advice can you give to high school athletes as far as the expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the court?
Be the best version of yourself at all times in everything you do.
2aDays: What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Do: Communicate directly with coaches(rather than having your parents do it). Be honest and forthright with your interest level as well as who you believe you are and what you believe you want.
Don't: Complain about your coaches or make excuses for why you haven't done better.
2aDays: What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Be yourself and get to find out who the coaches recruiting you are.
2aDays: What really jumped out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Effort!!! Almost all high school players are lazy compared to the effort level we expect. When we see players sprint, get/stay in a stance, box out, hustle, and talk…IT STANDS OUT!!!
2aDays: What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
A few highlights are helpful to see her make shots, passes, etc. but having some unedited game film is imperative for us to see defense, effort, body language, etc.
2aDays: When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during offseason, in the middle of the season, or after each game?
Up to them and their family/resources.
2aDays: What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?
Cast a wide enough net to give yourself options. Learn to be realistic, but don't be afraid to keep trying. The worst that can happen is they still say “no”.
2aDays: How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Of course, it makes a difference. Be humble, positive, and appropriate at all times in everything you do.
* Originally published on September 19, 2019, by Keirsten Sires
