At Mount St. Joseph, Brian Johnson shared the court ? and the ball ? with the likes of highly recruited college prospects Will Thomas, Louis Birdsong and Dino Gregory.
After making a stop at Winchendon Prep in Massachusetts, Johnson is in his second year as the point guard for Delaware (4-6 overall), which visits Maryland (6-6) at Comcast Center tonight at 6.
Contrary to Maryland?s sophomore backcourt of Eric Hayes and Greivis Vasquez, Johnson is a pass-first court general, less likely to shoulder the Blue Hens? offensive load.
“I do what I need to do,” Johnson said. “Some games I probably need to shoot more, some games I need to get my teammates involved. Some games I need to play defense.”
As a freshman, Johnson started every game, averaging 9.6 points and 4.2 assists per game. He also played an average of 38.5 minutes per game ? second in the Colonial Athletic Association.
“I think, first of all, he gives us a certain level of security with the ball in his hands,” Delaware second-year coach Monte Ross said. “He?s not going to turn it over, and that?s a luxury that?s really underrated in today?s game. When you as a coach can have a security blanket on the court, it lets you sleep well at night.”
This season, Johnson has upped his involvement in the offense, averaging 10.3 points and 5.6 assists through 10 games. He?s hit 14-of-26 (.538) from three-point range.
“He really makes our pieces go, but he?s a piece that can get going himself,” Ross said. “That?s a great weapon to have.”
While he was a junior and senior at Mount St. Joseph, Johnson played with now-Maryland freshman Dino Gregory ? with whom he?s exchanged phone calls and instant messages this week. The duo helped lead the Gaels to an MIAA title in 2005.
Despite his success on the court, Johnson wasn?t recruited by Maryland. But he wouldn?t place any extra emphasis on playing in College Park tonight, simply calling it “a great opportunity.”
Ross wants to avoid being a rebound victory for Maryland, which has lost three in a row, and he?ll turn to Johnson to try to shut down the Terrapins? strength.
“With Vasquez and Hayes they have some terrific guards with the ability to make and take some big shots,” Ross said. “When you have those kind of guards on the floor, you always have a chance to win the basketball game.”
MARYLAND (6-6) VS. DELAWARE (4-6)
» When: Friday, 6 p.m.
» Where: Comcast Center
» TV: CSN
» Radio: 105.7 FM/1300 AM
