Nov. 12, 1999

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Detroit, Mich. area standout ARTHUR JOHNSON has signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Missouri, MU Head Basketball Coach Quin Snyder announced today.

Johnson, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Detroit Pershing High School, is considered a top 30 national prospect by many recruiting services. He?s one of the top big men in the country, and is coming off a season in which he averaged 16 points and 13 rebounds per game as a junior. He led his Pershing team to a top-five ranking in the state last year, and earned all-state honors for his efforts.

?Arthur is an outstanding player who will make an impact for us inside,? said Snyder. ?He gives us some size and strength in the paint, and he?s a relentless rebounder who has a nice shooting touch. A.J. is mentally tough and is willing to work at his game ? he?s very coachable. A.J. comes from a good family and will be a terrific addition to our family at Missouri.?

Johnson selected Missouri over Miami, Fla., Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State. His high school coach is Arnold Neville.

Johnson is the second blue-chipper to sign with Snyder during the early period, as he joins fellow Detroit native Rickey Paulding in what is quickly becoming one of the nation?s top recruiting classes.

The early signing period for men?s basketball runs from Nov. 10-17, with the late period continuing from April 5 through May 15, 2000.