‘Preparation meets opportunity’: How Xavier Johnson established himself as an NBA prospect

Armed with a strong work ethic and world-class ability, Xavier Johnson knew that he just needed an opportunity to prove himself as one of the top point guards in the country.

He got that chance and ran with it this past season.

Johnson, a former three-star prospect, played the first three years of his college career at George Mason. He posted averages of 6.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, three assists and 1.1 steals in 81 games, including 50 starts, with the Patriots.

Sensing a change was needed, Johnson transferred to Southern Illinois in April 2022 to play for coach Bryan Mullins. His brother, Brendan Mullins, had recruited Johnson out of high school in Maryland, and the transfer had formed a strong connection with the two.

Johnson averaged seven points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 steals on 42.7% shooting from 3-point range in his first season at Southern Illinois. He earned a place on the Missouri Valley Conference All-Defensive team, along with teammate Lance Jones.

After averaging no more than 7.7 points per game in a single season prior to that point, his head coach challenged him to step up with leading scorers Marcus Domask and Jones transferring to other programs. He accepted it and exploded as a fifth-year senior.

Johnson was voted the MVC Most Improved Player after averaging 22.2 points, 6.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range. He was the only player in the country to average at least 22 points and six assists this past season.

“He probably took as big of a jump as anyone I’ve coached just in terms of the maturity that he showed over the two years and learning the position and understanding what it takes,” Bryan Mullins told Rookie Wire. “He put a ton of work in before he got to us, as well. It just doesn’t happen overnight or over a year or two, so there was a built up process of all the work he put in at George Mason and in high school and with his dad.”

Johnson became the workhorse for the Salukis, averaging 36.7…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/preparation-meets-opportunity-xavier-johnson-210010533.html

Author : Rookie Wire

Publish date : 2024-06-25 21:00:10

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