Each weekday, ESPN RISE brings you five vital stats from athletes across the country.
Noel Johnson had a tough decision to make when colleges came calling ... and calling and calling. The Fayette County (Fayetteville, Ga.) senior guard is the No. 65 player in the ESPNU 100 and was recruited by top schools like Georgia Tech, NC State, Louisville and USC. After weighing all of his options, he chose the sun and bright lights of Southern Cal. Johnson breaks down the five main reasons he chose the Trojans.
1. Education
"That was always the first priority for my parents and me, get my education first and basketball second. It's important to play for an overall good basketball team and get a good education that this school stresses to each student athlete."
2. Basketball tradition
"Over the years they have produced a bunch of good guards. Nick Young, O.J. Mayo. I think I can be another part of that tradition. At the same time, you want to build your own legacy. It's going to take hard work and dedication."
3. Football tradition
"I went to the Ohio State-USC game, and after I visited USC my mind was made up, a lot because of football. Football comes before basketball, but it's also a building point to the basketball season."
4. Coach Tim Floyd
"He just came off as an overall good individual who wants to build his players each and every year. He told me he wants me to be a big part of the program."
5. Weather
"It was beautiful, 85 degrees everyday, so I will definitely love that. The weather really didn't matter, but once I got out there and saw it, I was in."
Check out the ESPN RISE High Five archive.