QUICK SLANT: Manuel Johnson

Gilmer, Texas wide receiver and OU commitment Manuel Johnson excelling in more than football.

Sooner wide receiver commitment Manuel Johnson of Gilmer, Texas might be more talented than Oklahoma ever expected.

At basketball that is.

This past weekend, the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in leading East Texas Inc. to a fourth-place finish at the prestigious Denton (Texas) Shootout basketball tournament.

Johnson's team went 5-1 in the tournament, losing its only game in double overtime by two points.

"I just love to play the game," said Johnson. "It's beats being at home and sitting around."

The Denton Shootout was the fifth AAU tournament Johnson has played in this summer. He said he patterns his basketball skills after Kobe Bryant.

"I'm always coming up with steals," said Johnson. "I've got a pretty good shot and it falls from time-to-time, but I'm really a slasher."

Johnson, however, said he doesn't let hoops take priority over his summer strength and conditioning program.

He said he continues to workout every weekday morning from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

"I've gotten a little faster and bigger (this summer)," said Johnson.