UD's Chris Johnson shows some inside game

Staff photo by Jan Underwood Chris Johnson made the Atlantic 10 all-rookie team last year and looks even better this season.

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UD coach Brian Gregory has noticed the improvement of sophomore Chris Johnson: “He’s gotten much better offensively. The one thing I’m going to always challenge him on is he can really, really set himself apart as a player on that wing spot by becoming an even better defensive rebounder.”

Staff photo by Ron Alvey UD coach Brian Gregory has noticed the improvement of sophomore Chris Johnson: “He’s gotten much better offensively. The one thing I’m going to always challenge him on is he can really, really set himself apart as a player on that wing spot by becoming an even better defensive rebounder.”

Sophomore wing grabs game-high 9 rebounds in exhibition win.

By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 7:56 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009

DAYTON — Chris Johnson may have thought his days of playing center were over when he left Columbus Brookhaven High School, but the 6-foot-6 sophomore wing is so adept at scoring with his back to the basket that he still occasionally ends up in the post.

Johnson had 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds (six on the offensive end) to lead the University of Dayton to an 88-73 exhibition win over Ferris State on Tuesday, Nov. 3. He knocked down outside shots, cleaned up misses around the basket and even swished a turn-around jumper on a post play designed specifically for him.

“I was just trying to get out there and play strong — defense, rebound, run and take care of the ball,” Johnson said. “I was just trying to do what I’m capable of doing, sticking with what I do.”

Johnson made the Atlantic 10 all-rookie team last year and looks even better this season.

“He’s increased his skill level quite a bit, (like) his ability to handle the ball,” UD coach Brian Gregory said. “He’s gotten much better offensively.

“The one thing I’m going to always challenge him on is he can really, really set himself apart as a player on that wing spot by becoming an even better defensive rebounder. Why does he get six offensive rebounds? Because he relentlessly pursues the ball. On the defensive end, he needs to be a little more physical and go after those balls with the same type of intensity.

“If he can do that — with the way he can shoot the ball and his improved ball-handling — he can really be a weapon for us.”

Johnson wasn’t flawless against Ferris State, and neither were the Flyers. He had four of the team’s 23 turnovers.

“I think we did all right, but you can always get better,” he said. “At times we slacked, and at times we looked good.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Next game

Who: Dayton vs. Northern Kentucky (exhibition)
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Radio: WHIO-AM (1290), WHIO-FM (95.7)

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To my fellow Buckeyes who continue to bash the Flyers: learn to respect like the Univeristy teaches. If I'm not mistaken, CJ plays alot like Evan Turner, the All-Everything for OSU. Not to mention Dayton is still planning on running a 12 man rotation. Can't wait for a Great Season! Don't let the hype get to your head Flyers! Play with that underdog mentaility you had last season!
Go Flyers!!!

OSU Student
6:28 PM, 11/6/2009

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What impresses me the most about CJ is the moment never was overwhelming to him. He seemed very comfortable with the college game. We have 3 quality Soph's in CJ, Luke and Paul... Great shooters. If they can get to the next level defensively which Coach Gregory stresses, a very good team can be a very special team that Dayton Flyers fans and alumni will remember for years to come...

Harry the Horse
8:19 PM, 11/5/2009

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OSU Joe, why don't you shut up?!?!? No one at UD ever said that UD was not a mid-major. There is nothing wrong with being a mid-major. We can have a year that is special for us. Yes, we won't be in the national championship hunt, but who cares?

I hope you will just leave us alone.

Greg

UD Fan
6:39 PM, 11/5/2009

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Hahahahaha...guys, just ignore OSU Joe. His #1 goal in life is to get under your skin....why? He has nothing else. Buckeyes ****, so why not rip on better teams (UD) from better conferences (A-10) that you and the rest of your fan base are jealous of. Remember, jealousy is the greatest form of flattery. So just ignore him and he'll go away. But if you keep reacting to his silliness, he'll stick around.

beat them all

The Diesel

Diesel
3:31 PM, 11/5/2009

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OSU Joe, you know that Brian Roberts was a low-major recruit at a scout's grade of 64? What does that tell you when he drops 20 against your Buckeyes? Try to start posting something intelligent instead of the same old nonsense you type out. How old are you, 12?

Brian
3:18 PM, 11/5/2009

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