JaJuan Johnson- The 4 year college player

[KGs Knee]

So, I'll admit upfront that I'd never even heard of this guy prior to the draft.  I had to spend a little time looking around to see what he's all about about, and, came to the conclusion that I'm uncertain of what his potential really is.

From what I've read, he is a legit 6'10" (albeit lanky), a good leaper, overall an elite athelete, and a decent midrange jumpshooter with a decent head on his shoulders.  Most of the comments here have been very positive as well.

My questionis is this.  If all of these things are true, why was he a 4 year college player?  I've seen where some people are saying this is a plus, but, when I hear the term "4 year college player" I do not think of it as a positive.  If he was really everything people are saying about him, wouldn't he have came out atleast 2 years ago?  Then on top of that, he was picked 27th in the draft.  This, to me, seems contradictory.  There must be something I'm missing.

Like I said, I don't know much about the kid.  I hope he turns out to be what people think he can be, but, I'm a little suspect.

[Marcus13]

He didn't produce much because he was behind Purdue's best player - Robbie Hummell (sp?)  Hummell got hurt late in the season two years ago which allowed for Johnson to step up to the plate this last season....and he lead the Big Ten in scoring.

Im not sure what the 27th was about honestly except for that he has a smaller frame and is going to have a tough time guarding a lot of PF's on this level.  Also his 8.5 rebounds is very average...but that could go either way in the NBA

[the_Bird]

Well, you look at his college numbers, he's been getting steadily better every season.  They say he's put on a little weight from twelve months ago, too.  Hopefully, both trends continue!

[KGs Knee]

So, would it be safe to assume we're hoping he is just a late bloomer?

Generally when I think of 4 year college players drafted late in the 1st round, fringe starter/decent rotation player comes to mind.  Which, of course, is fine.  That is a reasonable expectation for a late 1st.  I just get the impression some here think he'll be more than that.

[Kane3387]

So, I'll admit upfront that I'd never even heard of this guy prior to the draft.  I had to spend a little time looking around to see what he's all about about, and, came to the conclusion that I'm uncertain of what his potential really is.

From what I've read, he is a legit 6'10" (albeit lanky), a good leaper, overall an elite athelete, and a decent midrange jumpshooter with a decent head on his shoulders.  Most of the comments here have been very positive as well.

My questionis is this.  If all of these things are true, why was he a 4 year college player?  I've seen where some people are saying this is a plus, but, when I hear the term "4 year college player" I do not think of it as a positive.  If he was really everything people are saying about him, wouldn't he have came out atleast 2 years ago?  Then on top of that, he was picked 27th in the draft.  This, to me, seems contradictory.  There must be something I'm missing.

Like I said, I don't know much about the kid.  I hope he turns out to be what people think he can be, but, I'm a little suspect.

Tim Duncan was a four year college player too...

[syfy9]

Yeah, coming into the NCAA, JJ was not what you would call a "good" player. He steadily improved - EVERY single year and built up to an outstanding senior year. The point is, this guy has the ability to improve. I'm a big Purdue Fan, and this is amazing for me. JJ is a very hard worker, and will do whatever he can to get better. He was picked so low because of his frame, which can easily be dealt with, if he works hard in the gym. I think it's a dream come true for JJ to play along side not only with his long time teammate E'twuan Moore, but with his long time admiration for KG.


Honestly, This is the best team for JJ to be in right now. If he was on any other team, I would not be this excited for him going into the NBA.

[Kane3387]

So, would it be safe to assume we're hoping he is just a late bloomer?

Generally when I think of 4 year college players drafted late in the 1st round, fringe starter/decent rotation player comes to mind.  Which, of course, is fine.  That is a reasonable expectation for a late 1st.  I just get the impression some here think he'll be more than that.

Doubtful he will be more then that.. but you never know about a guy's heart and work ethic. Also how much it meant for him to get his degree. Fact is ppl always get carried away with who the Cs pick but this guy has the opportunity to get minutes and leach wisdom from legends. He's in a great position to succeed.

[KGs Knee]

So, I'll admit upfront that I'd never even heard of this guy prior to the draft.  I had to spend a little time looking around to see what he's all about about, and, came to the conclusion that I'm uncertain of what his potential really is.

From what I've read, he is a legit 6'10" (albeit lanky), a good leaper, overall an elite athelete, and a decent midrange jumpshooter with a decent head on his shoulders.  Most of the comments here have been very positive as well.

My questionis is this.  If all of these things are true, why was he a 4 year college player?  I've seen where some people are saying this is a plus, but, when I hear the term "4 year college player" I do not think of it as a positive.  If he was really everything people are saying about him, wouldn't he have came out atleast 2 years ago?  Then on top of that, he was picked 27th in the draft.  This, to me, seems contradictory.  There must be something I'm missing.

Like I said, I don't know much about the kid.  I hope he turns out to be what people think he can be, but, I'm a little suspect.

Tim Duncan was a four year college player too...

Yes, this is true.  But it is also true that of all the players in the ALL-Star game this year, Duncan was the only one to play 4 years of college ball.

That being said, I have nothing against Johnson.  It sounds to me he was a very lanky kid with flaws in his game that he has worked at to improve.  That is definitely a good characteristic.  I would be quite happy if he does turn out to be a solid role playing starter in the future.  If he can contirbute as a bench big this year would be great.  For a late 1st, that is good value.

[GreenFaith1819]

Well, at least he got his paper. Maybe that was the main reason for him staying? I did not hear about him until earlier this year, but then again I don't follow NCAA hoops nearly as much as I follow NBA.

I'm happy we got him and E'Twuan Moore. Both will need to put in work but I think they can both help us, especially JJ.

But at least they got the paper out the way. That's most important.

[energyking1]

i like both of their numbers and awards.

[Chris]

Well, at least he got his paper. Maybe that was the main reason for him staying? I did not hear about him until earlier this year, but then again I don't follow NCAA hoops nearly as much as I follow NBA.

I'm happy we got him and E'Twuan Moore. Both will need to put in work but I think they can both help us, especially JJ.

But at least they got the paper out the way. That's most important.

He stayed because he was told to go back to school (or in other words, he couldn't get a first round guarantee) last year.  He has been a borderline prospect for a couple years, who just was not impressive enough physically, or with a complete enough game to get that first round guarantee.

[GreenFaith1819]

Well, at least he got his paper. Maybe that was the main reason for him staying? I did not hear about him until earlier this year, but then again I don't follow NCAA hoops nearly as much as I follow NBA.

I'm happy we got him and E'Twuan Moore. Both will need to put in work but I think they can both help us, especially JJ.

But at least they got the paper out the way. That's most important.

He stayed because he was told to go back to school (or in other words, he couldn't get a first round guarantee) last year.  He has been a borderline prospect for a couple years, who just was not impressive enough physically, or with a complete enough game to get that first round guarantee.

Thanks. I'm glad he listened to the advice.

[Eja117]

So, I'll admit upfront that I'd never even heard of this guy prior to the draft.  I had to spend a little time looking around to see what he's all about about, and, came to the conclusion that I'm uncertain of what his potential really is.

From what I've read, he is a legit 6'10" (albeit lanky), a good leaper, overall an elite athelete, and a decent midrange jumpshooter with a decent head on his shoulders.  Most of the comments here have been very positive as well.

My questionis is this.  If all of these things are true, why was he a 4 year college player?  I've seen where some people are saying this is a plus, but, when I hear the term "4 year college player" I do not think of it as a positive.  If he was really everything people are saying about him, wouldn't he have came out atleast 2 years ago?  Then on top of that, he was picked 27th in the draft.  This, to me, seems contradictory.  There must be something I'm missing.

Like I said, I don't know much about the kid.  I hope he turns out to be what people think he can be, but, I'm a little suspect.

I liked the Gerald Green pick too. It's ok to admit it.

[GreenFaith1819]

So, I'll admit upfront that I'd never even heard of this guy prior to the draft.  I had to spend a little time looking around to see what he's all about about, and, came to the conclusion that I'm uncertain of what his potential really is.

From what I've read, he is a legit 6'10" (albeit lanky), a good leaper, overall an elite athelete, and a decent midrange jumpshooter with a decent head on his shoulders.  Most of the comments here have been very positive as well.

My questionis is this.  If all of these things are true, why was he a 4 year college player?  I've seen where some people are saying this is a plus, but, when I hear the term "4 year college player" I do not think of it as a positive.  If he was really everything people are saying about him, wouldn't he have came out atleast 2 years ago?  Then on top of that, he was picked 27th in the draft.  This, to me, seems contradictory.  There must be something I'm missing.

Like I said, I don't know much about the kid.  I hope he turns out to be what people think he can be, but, I'm a little suspect.

I liked the Gerald Green pick too. It's ok to admit it.

It's ok to have a positive outlook, man. .

[diconzo]

He beat out Jarred Sullinger for Big 10 Player of the Year and Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year. Definite potential there.