Rebels land star point guard

Steve Addy

Monday, April 10, 2000 | 9:29 a.m.

After missing out on a top-notch junior college guard last week, the Rebels have gotten an oral commitment from Lafonte Johnson, a highly regarded prep school point guard.

Johnson, a teammate of fellow UNLV recruit Omari Pearson at Crispus Attucks Charter School in York, Pa., committed to the Rebels after a weekend meeting with UNLV coach Bill Bayno.

Johnson, who played high school ball in Baltimore, could not be reached for comment Sunday and Bayno isn't permitted to comment on recruits until after they sign, but Johnson's decision was confirmed by Eastern recruiting watchdogs.

Johnson (5-foot-10, 160 pounds) is averaging 19 points and eight assists at Crispus Attucks. He was also recruited by Ohio State, St. John's, Fordham and Pitt. Ohio State came on strong late, but Johnson was sold on UNLV after visiting the campus two weeks ago. His teammate, Pearson, a 6-foot-8 forward, signed with the Rebels in November.

Wednesday is the first day of the five-week spring signing period, and the Rebels hope to get Johnson's signature by week's end.

Last week, UNLV lost Compton (Calif.) JC point guard Kevin Bradley to Utah. The Rebels had been regarded as front-runners for Bradley, but he told the Sun he chose Utah because he was worried about UNLV going on probation over alleged NCAA violations that are under investigation.

The Rebels would like to sign another point guard, with the leading candidates being Brandon Brooks of Portland, Ore., Steve Scoggin of Santa Ana (Calif.) and Eddie Starks of Miami. Junior college shooting guard Immanuel McElroy of Tyler (Texas) JC is also being recruited.

Bayno was overseas last week looking at big men; he was said to be in Latvia.