LARAMIE, Wyo. (July 20, 2018) – This summer GoWyo.com will feature the incoming Cowboy basketball players in a weekly feature called "Meet the Cowboys". The third installment features freshman Tariq Johnson, a native of College Park, Md.
 
Johnson, a 6-5, 200-pounder played at Mount Zion Prep last season. He averaged 17 points per game and seven rebounds per night. He also added three assists per game and two steals per night.
 
He played his high school basketball at Kent Island High School, as he scored over 1,000 points in two seasons. Johnson averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds per game as a senior and 18.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game as a junior earning All-Conference honors both seasons. He holds the school record for points in a game with 42.
 
He received scholarship offers from East Tennessee State, Siena, Wagner and James Madison.
 
GoWyo.com: What did you really like about Wyoming during the recruiting process?
 
Johnson: Definitely the playing style and I love the area. It is a great place to focus on school and basketball. One thing I was drawn to as well is how close the basketball family is here in Wyoming.
 
GoWyo.com: What kind of player are Cowboys fans going see on the floor this upcoming season?
 
Johnson: I'm definitely a two-way player. My defense really starts my offense. I can score on all three levels, on dunks, run outs and in transition.
 
GoWyo.com: How has the move from the East Coast been for you?
 
Johnson: The elevation was tough at first. The veterans really helped us out talking about changing your diet up and drinking more water.
 
GoWyo.com: You have been out in the community quite a bit. How exciting has that been?
 
Johnson: I honestly love it. Everywhere we go the team gets so much love and you can tell it is so pure and genuine. It has been great experiencing that so far.
 
GoWyo.com: You have been working out in the summer. How has it been?
 
Johnson: Coach Marcus Edwards has been great. He is an amazing strength coach and I can feel how much stronger I have gotten. I feel really explosive now with all of our workouts and my body is feeling great.
 
GoWyo.com: Outside of basketball what is your main hobby?
 
Johnson: Right now I'm really spending a lot of time working out and being in the classroom and it has been exciting for me.