North Carolina State University Athletics
Johnson Filling Void Left by Departure of Dennis Smith, Jr.
11/19/2017 12:49:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Sophomore point guard leads the ACC in assists & ranks tied for 1st in steals 10 days into the season
NC State sophomore Markell Johnson spent most of last year backing up NBA Draft lottery pick Dennis Smith, Jr., but Wolfpack fans will see him step into the forefront this season. Head coach Kevin Keatts has identified Johnson as an important piece if NC State is to achieve success this season.
Johnson appeared in 30 games with just three starts as the youngest player on the team last season. He's the Pack's leading returner in assists (2.3) and steals (0.9) per game, and Packs fans can expect those numbers to grow this season. The Cleveland, Ohio native is poised for a breakout year with his new role under Keatts' fast, aggressive style of play.
Through the first four games, Johnson has seen his numbers explode. The sophomore has started all four games and is averaging 11.5 points, 9.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game. His 9.0 assists per game leads the ACC, while he is tied for the top spot in the ACC in steals per game. Johnson recorded his first career double-double in Tuesday's win over Bryant, finishing with 11 points and 10 assists.
"It's been good, learning from my mistakes last year," Johnson said of his job as a team facilitator. "Playing behind Dennis last year helped me. I feel like I'm well prepared and I'm getting even more prepared in practice, so it's been good."
Serving as Smith's back-up last year helped Johnson form a close relationship with the reigning ACC Freshman of the Year. The two keep in touch as much as possible despite their busy schedules.
"Yeah, I talk to [Dennis]. Even if he's busy doing his thing, we're gonna find a way to talk to each other. That's my guy."
Smith was also NC State's guy last year, as he led the team with 580 points, 197 assists and 62 steals for the season. Keatts will rely on Johnson to fill a majority of that void as the Cleveland, Ohio, native is the only point guard back from last season for the Pack.
Johnson is driven by the fact that Keatts has named him 'a guy that needs to step up and lead the team' at point guard.
"It motivates me to go hard every day, because I know that nothing was given to me here. When [Coach Keatts] came on, he recruited his guys and I still had to work for the point guard position. It just shows how much he believes in me, so that just motivates me."
As point guard, Johnson will serve as the focal point for Keatts' offense. It's his job to bring the ball up, call the plays and execute them. Johnson takes a selfless approach to the game, and more than anything, he wants to make sure his team is successful.
"I'm a point guard, so that's what point guards are supposed to do. Get their teammates involved, make sure they're putting their teammates in the right spots to hit open shots, just to knock down shots period. I take a lot of pride in playing the point guard position, not only just trying to score the ball but also wanting to be a facilitator and getting everybody involved."
Johnson has the same goal for this season as the rest of the NC State squad, and he's willing to put the team in front of himself to reach that goal.
"The goal for the team of course is to go to the tournament this year. That's one of my biggest goals. Just get to the tournament, and when we get there, perform. I'm more focused on the team right now than my personal goals."
Â
Johnson appeared in 30 games with just three starts as the youngest player on the team last season. He's the Pack's leading returner in assists (2.3) and steals (0.9) per game, and Packs fans can expect those numbers to grow this season. The Cleveland, Ohio native is poised for a breakout year with his new role under Keatts' fast, aggressive style of play.
Through the first four games, Johnson has seen his numbers explode. The sophomore has started all four games and is averaging 11.5 points, 9.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game. His 9.0 assists per game leads the ACC, while he is tied for the top spot in the ACC in steals per game. Johnson recorded his first career double-double in Tuesday's win over Bryant, finishing with 11 points and 10 assists.
"It's been good, learning from my mistakes last year," Johnson said of his job as a team facilitator. "Playing behind Dennis last year helped me. I feel like I'm well prepared and I'm getting even more prepared in practice, so it's been good."
Serving as Smith's back-up last year helped Johnson form a close relationship with the reigning ACC Freshman of the Year. The two keep in touch as much as possible despite their busy schedules.
"Yeah, I talk to [Dennis]. Even if he's busy doing his thing, we're gonna find a way to talk to each other. That's my guy."
Smith was also NC State's guy last year, as he led the team with 580 points, 197 assists and 62 steals for the season. Keatts will rely on Johnson to fill a majority of that void as the Cleveland, Ohio, native is the only point guard back from last season for the Pack.
Johnson is driven by the fact that Keatts has named him 'a guy that needs to step up and lead the team' at point guard.
"It motivates me to go hard every day, because I know that nothing was given to me here. When [Coach Keatts] came on, he recruited his guys and I still had to work for the point guard position. It just shows how much he believes in me, so that just motivates me."
As point guard, Johnson will serve as the focal point for Keatts' offense. It's his job to bring the ball up, call the plays and execute them. Johnson takes a selfless approach to the game, and more than anything, he wants to make sure his team is successful.
"I'm a point guard, so that's what point guards are supposed to do. Get their teammates involved, make sure they're putting their teammates in the right spots to hit open shots, just to knock down shots period. I take a lot of pride in playing the point guard position, not only just trying to score the ball but also wanting to be a facilitator and getting everybody involved."
Johnson has the same goal for this season as the rest of the NC State squad, and he's willing to put the team in front of himself to reach that goal.
"The goal for the team of course is to go to the tournament this year. That's one of my biggest goals. Just get to the tournament, and when we get there, perform. I'm more focused on the team right now than my personal goals."
Â
MBB Postgame Presser: Players (UNC)
Tuesday, February 17
Coach Wade Postgame Presser (UNC)
Tuesday, February 17
Coach Wade Postgame Presser (Miami)
Saturday, February 14
MBB Postgame Presser: Players (Virginia Tech)
Saturday, February 07