Depends on the recruit. He plays center for his HS and AAU team, but both have a tendency to play 5-out at times. He absolutely does not shoot it at a level right now that makes wing a realistic option (much less the "guard" designation I've seen elsewhere) for the time being. Now, that said, his shot is repeatable and as he gets more comfortable with it it means he can make a big jump there with reps and confidence. But he is a playmaker. And I think many people get caught up in traditional basketball roles having guards and wings be the playmakers. But in Mike Young's offense it is absolutely critical for the 4 spot to be a playmaker. They touch the ball more than anyone. So in a traditional offense would Johnson be a wing? Probably, because you can hide him in a traditional offense if his shot isn't where it needs to be. As a 4 in MYs offense, if he's a playmaker but not as refined shooting, then 4 is his best spot. You can handle a slightly less accurate shooter there while still getting the playmaking ability from him. So...do I think all of that nuance has been explained to him? No. Do I think that necessarily matters? No. He has defended post players in HS and AAU, and he's gonna have the ball in his hands, that's all that matters

he mentions his strength and "functional athleticism"...is that natural athletic ability as opposed to learned skills?

That would make sense, he's a pretty strong dude and it isn't for show, he uses it well