Geron Johnson Is Key For Memphis' NCAA Tournament
A new leader has emerged for the Memphis Tigers, sparking the conversation that this year's team could be a Sweet 16 contender. No one will argue that Memphis is talented and super-athletic, but consistency has been plaguing them, especially from the backcourt positions. But first-year junior college transfer Geron Johnson is taking over for the Tigers in 2012-13.
At 6'3", 200 pounds, Johnson has good size to play both guard spots at the next level, but will need to continue to develop his decision-making to make a full-time transition to point guard. Athletic and a crafty ball-handler, Geron Johnson has a good start in transforming himself into an NBA guard, but a 1-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio on the year means he likely needs another year of transition to the role.
In his last two games against stellar C-USA competition, Johnson is averaging 7.5 assists to just 2 turnovers, making it 3 of the last 4 games he has 7+ assists. His hot outside shooting, 7-for-14 in the last 2, 12 makes in the last 3 games has sparked his scoring average increase, averaging 22.5 points last week. And at 6'3", Johnson is a very good rebounder, using his combination of size, strength and athleticism to collect 8.5 boards last week.
Johnson's ability to fill the stat sheet with outside shooting, rebounding, and proper playmaking will be crucial as Memphis keys in on a 2013 NCAA Tournament run, but also as NBA Draft scouts take a deeper look at the junior prospect.
By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 2 -14 13
