Xavier Johnson has no big plans Wednesday night to celebrate his association with Indiana.
“I’ll probably play a bit of Call of Duty Warzone,” Johnson said with a laugh.
Johnson is back in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the city where he grew up. Earlier in the day, he worked in court. He also had the air conditioning in his car fixed to relieve the spring heat. “I was sweating there,” Johnson said.
At 5 p.m., the former Pittsburgh guard announces on social media that he will take over for Indiana. He has two more years in consideration.
“The most important thing of my decision was the development and going to the program where I believe I can make the biggest impact,” Johnson said by telephone Wednesday night. “And I believe it was Indiana.”
The 6-foot 3-inch guard has spent three seasons in Pittsburgh and is a career-high 33 percent. His best year behind the bow came in his freshman season when he scored 35 percent.
Last season, Johnson led Pittsburgh in both assists per game (5.7) and steals per game (1.3). He was also third in the team with 14.2 points per game, including a 32-point outburst against Virginia Tech.
In late February, Johnson announced he was entering the transfer portal. A few days ago, Johnson named a top four schools from Indiana, Baylor, Houston and St. Louis. Joseph’s released. What helped Indiana, however, was Johnson’s already existing relationship with Kenya Hunter, assistant coach of the IU, who was retained in the IU staff last week following Archie Miller’s dismissal.
In high school, Johnson signed his National Intensity Letter with Nebraska where his principal recruiter was Hunter. But before Johnson could get on campus, Hunter took on an assistant coaching job at UConn. As a result, Johnson withdrew his National Intent Letter and chose to sign with Pittsburgh. Now Johnson and Hunter will be reunited in Indiana.
“He (Hunter) always thought this was the right place for me to be in,” Johnson said. ‘They need a guard who can paint and open guys. I think I could be a big asset to them next year. ”
Johnson also spoke to head coach Mike Woodson. Johnson believes he can fit into Woodson’s four-out-of-one offensive system. In their conversations, Johnson was impressed with Woodson’s attitude.
“He really is an earthly man who cares about you on the court and also out of court,” Johnson said. ‘He’s both ways in and out of court. You have to go to class and do all the other things right. ”
Johnson said he was in touch with some of his new teammates. He plans to arrive in Bloomington in May.
“I just can not wait to come to Indiana and meet them face to face,” Johnson said “… I just said they were ready to work. The most important thing I’m going to do is win. ”
In his highlight bands, Johnson displayed an elite speed with the ability to create the bounce and score transition. Indiana has not had anyone to create consistently for others over the past few seasons. In his own words, however, Johnson describes his game as follows:
“I have a big heart that cares about the game,” he said. “I always give my all. This is what I expect Indiana to think of me. Always give everything. ”
He currently works with his coach every day in Virginia. Among his training group is former Maryland star guard Anthony Cowan, but Johnson said he has not yet received any advice on how to play in the Big Ten.
Another aspect in which Johnson can help the Hoosiers is shooting, of which he said he was particularly focused during his recent training sessions. The Hoosiers have struggled to shoot from the outside over the past few seasons. Johnson, who hit five tries in a single game last season, has the potential to be a volume maker.
“I shoot the ball all the time,” Johnson said. ‘I believe I shoot the ball better than I had before. I think I can continue to have confidence and bring it to the fore next year. ”
With the return of Parker Stewart and Khristian Lander, Woodson has a variety of backfield options at his disposal. Johnson, who played three seasons of college basketball, adds another veteran presence, along with Rob Phinisee. Overall, Johnson’s addition has the potential to address some of Indiana’s most pressing shooting and playing issues.
Although he will have to adjust to a new campus soon, there is an aspect of the Bloomington move from Pittsburgh Johnson, but he will not worry about the icy temperature in Pittsburgh.
“There will be no difference,” Johnson said laughing.
But for the rest of Wednesday night, to celebrate it all, he will likely play Call of Duty on his PlayStation 4.
(Photo credit: Pittsburgh Athletics)
Filed to: Xavier Johnson