Today’s game
Who:
Dayton (8-3) vs. Winthrop (5-5)
When: 7 p.m. Where: UD Arena
Radio: WHIO-AM (1290), WHIO-FM (95.7)
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
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Chris Johnson hoisted more errant shots than usual against Western Carolina on Saturday, but University of Dayton coach Brian Gregory looked at that 4-for-11 stat line and smiled.
The hefty amount of field-goal attempts told Gregory the UD offense was creating open looks for the junior wing. And after much prodding from his coach, Johnson seems to be embracing his status as one of the team’s big guns.
“We’re asking him to do more. He hasn’t shied away from that, but it’s a new role,” Gregory said. “It’s a much more aggressive role. He’s not a complementary player that plays off everybody else. We need to go to him, and we need him to be very aggressive.”
The 6-foot-6 Columbus native certainly has been assertive in his last three games, averaging 19 points and 8.7 rebounds. He was a preseason third-team All-Atlantic 10 selection and is finally starting to play like one.
“It’s a long season. I know there’s going to be games where I struggle, but I just had to keep my head up. That’s part of being a good player. I’m just trying to help my team win,” said Johnson, who finished with 15 points and seven boards against Western Carolina.
“As one of the older guys, a veteran guy, they’re going to depend on me to do great things out there. I’m coming out every night, just giving my best.”
Johnson, who is averaging 11.5 points and 6.2 rebounds, has an impressive skill set, combining ample shooting range with abundant athleticism. But he’s not a complete package yet.
He still needs to improve his ball-handling, and Gregory wants more consistency in all facets.
“He needs to be able to put the ball on the floor. He needs to defend. He needs to defensive rebound every night, not just every third night,” Gregory said.
“I challenge him every day. I think he’s going to be a great, great player. You have to coach your best players the hardest, and he doesn’t back down from that one bit.”
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