By Matt Schwab

Two-time All-State selection Jordahn Johnson of Las Positas College took another big step toward his goal of playing professional basketball by signing with The University of Texas at Permian Basin.

As the Hawks' stout sophomore class continues its drive toward four-year programs, Johnson, a 6-foot-8 sophomore out of Weston Ranch High, has landed in the Lone Star Conference, a Division 2 power circuit.
Johnson chose UT Permian Basin after taking a virtual tour of the campus.

"I saw all the campus and I thought, yeah, this is definitely a place I want to be a part of," Johnson said on Friday, May 26. "They basically offered me a full scholarship (and said), 'We really like your game,' and I was, like, 'Mom, this is where I want to be.'"

Johnson was accompanied by his parents, little sister, grandma, granddad, and Hawks head coach James Giacomazzi during his signing ceremony. Basketball is a family affair for Johnson.

"They've been to almost every game, basically, since I was in eighth grade growing up," Johnson said of his family support.

A double-double machine in college, Johnson gave Hawks fans quite a ride. His accolades included two-time first-team All-Coast-North Conference, Freshman Player of the Year in 2021-22, and NABC Two-Year All American. He led the Hawks to the CCCAA Regional playoffs twice, including the program's first berth in the State Championship tournament in 2021-22. He averaged 18 points and 11.6 rebounds a game this season, shooting an impressive 60 percent from the field while often being guarded by multiple players.

"Jordahn had a terrific career at Las Positas College. To be able to achieve almost 1,000 points, grab over 600 rebounds, to go along with over 100 blocks in two seasons is unreal," Giacomazzi said. "In fact, I believe that puts Jordahn No. 2 all time at LPC, only behind Michael Hayes who was named to All-American team for his accomplishments at (University of Antelope Valley) this year."

Las Positas, as the No. 13 seed in the Northern California Regional Playoffs, upset No. 4 Yuba 79-76 on the road in the second round. Then the Hawks (19-12) fell at No. 5 West Valley in the regional finals. In Round 1 of the playoffs, Johnson amassed 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks in a win over No. 20 seed Diablo Valley, 84-79, the home finale for Hawks' sophomores.

Things could have taken a different turn for Johnson three years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, when the college season was effectively canceled.

"I really could have basically quit basketball in 2020, we didn't have a season," Johnson recalled. "A lot of guys said, 'I'm gonna just do something else,' but I just stuck with it. I never gave up."

What followed was the stuff of Las Positas legends. He now has a full scholarship at a very competitive Division 2 school, with a highly successful community college career to look back on.

Clearly, Johnson thrived in Giacomazzi's system. Others did too. The Hawks earned 46 wins total over the last two seasons, including earning a program record 27-4 mark in 2021-22 and a best record in conference, 12-2, also earning a No. 3 State ranking and going on a 16-game winning streak.

"I definitely made a lot of bonds (at Las Positas) the past two years, met some really great guys, met some really talented players … it was an honor playing with them these last two years," Johnson said. "Made really good bonds with Coach James and even our president of our school (Dr. Dyrell Foster) … my counselors … It's not just my teammates, it's staff, teachers as well. I just made good relationships with everybody."

Johnson appreciated having a lot of "freedom" on the court in Giacomazzi's system. His sophomore year was a little harder than his freshman season because opponents were throwing everyone at him.

"Coach James never got mad at me when I made mistakes … He was always very supportive," Johnson said.

Johnson also impressed Giacomazzi with his commitment to academics and leadership on campus.

"Jordahn was not only being a force on the court, but he also by earned his AA (degree) with over a 3.2 GPA and was a leader with A2MEND on campus," Giacomazzi said. "We're excited to see Jordahn excel this upcoming year at the four-year level. He knows he will always have the support of his Las Positsas College family."

Johnson's main goal is to play professional basketball, either in the NBA, NBA G League, or overseas, but his backup plan would be to become a police officer or firefighter. His stepdad, Chris Wynn, had a career as a police officer.

No matter where the road takes him, Johnson has made a mighty mark at Las Positas. Make that a double-double mark in the history books.

MORE HAWKS MOVING UP: The Hawks' Jalen Patterson is set to sign a full scholarship with Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska on Wednesday, May 31; Jaden Phillips has signed a full scholarship with Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska; and Evan Johnson took a visit to Simpson University in Redding. Isaiah Victor has received serious interest from Florida International University, New Mexico State, North Texas, UMass-Lowell, Jacksonville University and George Mason. Brandon Fisher is also close to signing with a four-year school.

HAYES DELIVERS FOR UAV: Former Las Positas star Michael Hayes, a University of Antelope Valley guard, was selected to the 2023 NAIA Men's Basketball All-American 3rd team. In his comeback season after three years away from basketball, Hayes averaged 14.8 points per game on 59 percent shooting and 50 percent from 3-point range. The junior from Tracy played a key role in UAV's winning the Cal Pac Conference championship, finishing 26-3 overall and 19-1 in conference.

"I am so proud of Michael Hayes and what he was able to accomplish this year," stated head coach Jordan Mast in a college release.