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Award-winning columnist Tom Archdeacon — an old-school storyteller in a brand-new venue — writes about sports, the city, southwest Ohio and anything else that catches his fancy… or yours.Home > Blogs > Through the Arch > Archives > 2009 > November > 10 > Entry
Flyers’ next star — Chris Johnson?
If I had to pick one player on the Dayton Flyers team this season who I think is going to really blossom — one guy who will step from the cast of talented support players into the spotlight now shared by high-fliers Chris Wright and Marcus Johnson — it would be Chris Johnson.
Although he’s still evolving, the 6-foot-6 sophomore forward from Columbus can soar like the other two and he’s better than them — coach Brian Gregory said — at pulling up on the break and hitting the three. He’s also one of the team’s most savvy rebounders and he’s handling the ball better than last season.
With a cursory glance, his stat line in the Flyers 71-61 exhibition victory over Northern Kentucky at UD Arena Monday night would appear to be pretty ordinary — 10 points, 4 rebounds, a blocked shot and a steal. But in the course of the game you also saw flashes of something greater from him.
When Northern Kentucky took the lead 25-24 with just over 7 minutes left in the first half, he instantly responded — it took just three seconds — and hit a three pointer from the wing to put the Flyers back in front. Soon after, that he hit another three to give UD a small cushion that it would maintain the rest of the game.
“Not only are we just seeing the tip of the iceberg with him, but he’s just realizing how great he can he, too,” Gregory said “He wants to be a great player . A lot of guys talk about that, but aren’t willing to put in the time.
“He’s a guy you can get on and you can tell him he needs to work on something and he is gonna work on it. That’s a great trait.”
After the game, Gregory talked about the back-to-back break-away dunks that Wright and Marcus Johnson had in the second half — the two plays folks will remember most from Monday night’s victory over a very good Division II team — and right away he included Chris Johnson in the conversation:
“If you look at it, with one guy flying on the right wing, and the other flying on the left wing, they’re maybe the two best in the country combination-wise…And then when you add Chris Johnson in the mix — and you’ve got all three of those guys who can run like that — it’s pretty good.”
Johnson — who averaged 6.3 points and 5.2 rebounds a game last season —likely will be named the fifth starter for Saturday’s opener against Creighton.
Speaking of Creighton — a team that blew Dayton out last season, a team that has had 11 straight years with 20 wins and 11 straight postseason appearance — Gregory gave a candid response that drew some chuckles from Monday’s post-game press conference crowd, when asked: “Do you like the fact you’re going to be challenged right away the first game of the season?”
Standing at the podium, Gregory kind of sputtered for a second. then smiled and simply said: “No…I mean…no…. If you think I’m excited about playing the game on Saturday, you’ve lost your mind.”
Soon after, he’d say he had been speaking tongue-in-cheek. He said it should be a great opener. One fans will love seeing.
In the process, they just may see the further emergence of UD’s next star.
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Comments
By gtmoBlue
November 11, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
Yo Jeff, Nice post: By JEFF November 10, 2009 12:00 PM Although it is their first game, Saturday’s game is a must win for Dayton. A home game against a similar team that will be on the bubble at years end. This is an RPI game for us. I know its early but we need it. After this we play Georgia Tech who is gonna be really tough. Can’t start 0-2. Answer: Creighton will not be a Bubble team this season; and Yes UD CAN start 0-2…they will definitely begin with a loss, to the Bluejays. Who cares about GT? Jays 85 Flyers 66 Have a nice Vet’s Weekend.
By MuddyWaters
November 11, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
I just wish he would have shown up during the NCAA’s last year. Where did he go?
By UDfan
November 10, 2009 4:47 PM | Link to this
We hit the lottery when we landed him. Really, the whole sophomore class is impressive this year, including RS-freshman Benson.
By Thad Matta
November 10, 2009 1:36 PM | Link to this
I remember writing on the chat board after I saw Chris in a high school all- star game that he was Marcus Johnson with a very good shot. He will be that and more.
By JEFF
November 10, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this
Although it is their first game, Saturday’s game is a must win for Dayton. A home game against a similar team that will be on the bubble at years end. This is an RPI game for us. I know its early but we need it. After this we play Georgia Tech who is gonna be really tough. Can’t start 0-2.
By Rich
November 10, 2009 8:11 AM | Link to this
With respect to rebounding, Chris Johnson has some of the best instincts that I have seen in my nearly 40 years of following UD basketball. When the ball is shot, he is already moving to where the ball will go if it isn’t going in the cylinder. His wingspan and athleticism make up for the 4-6 inches that he gives up to the 4- and 5-players. Should be a fun year.
By DBUD82
November 10, 2009 7:57 AM | Link to this
I agree 100% with you Arch - CJ brings the most well-rounded game (other than Marcus) to the floor. It’s going to be a fun ride this year!