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Men's basketball: Johnson adjusts to reduced role

By Jeremy Fowler
Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Batman is working a part-time shift these days.

Forward Aaron Johnson - nicknamed after the Caped Crusader early in the year to match guard J.R. Giddens' Superman moniker - has had a season of high hopes, dashed dreams and a new grip on reality.

"It's been a really long, tough time," Johnson said.

Entering today's game at San Diego State, the senior said his primary role has been reduced to defense and rebounding.

Three months ago, Lobos fans expected Batman. They expected a sidekick to Giddens, a Scottie Pippen, a natural presence in the post for the Lobos (12-7, 1-3 in Mountain West Conference).

The credentials of this high-profile Penn State transfer gave fans good reason for the hype, as Johnson led the Big Ten in rebounding (9.9 per game) and scored 11.8 points per game two years ago.

This year's harsh reality has caused Johnson to lose his starting job for five of the season's 19 games. He averages a pedestrian 6.8 points per game, good enough for sixth on the team.

In a way, what was supposed to heighten Johnson's career has hindered his individual achievement.

On a 7-23 team at Penn State, Johnson said he was a "go-to" guy. On a 12-7 Lobos squad, Johnson said it's a "different circumstance."

"At the beginning of the season I thought I was going to be a major part in getting the ball a lot," Johnson said. "I didn't understand then what I did now, that on a team you need to play your role.

"We have a lot of scorers on this team, so they are better off scoring. If I get the ball, I'll make the best of the opportunity. This is a different, more competitive situation than the one at Penn State."

It's obvious Johnson can back up his rebounding reputation. He leads the Lobos with 7.6 boards per game, good enough for third in the conference.

Offense has been a challenge all year. Johnson is listed at 6-foot-8 but is more like 6-6. His leaps lack bounce, grace and inches.

Though Johnson is shooting 58 percent from the field, trying to score on 7-footers like Colorado State's Jason Smith and Utah's Luke Nevill is a strain, even for tough guys like Johnson. What's worse is Johnson's team-low 44 percent shooting from the free-throw line. That has slowed the Lobos because of Johnson's 57 attempts, third on the team.

Johnson's stat line from Saturday's win over Utah could be a foreshadow of what to expect the rest of the season - nine rebounds, three points, two assists.

"I'm always confident in my abilities," Johnson said. "I just don't need to be the man. I can rebound with anybody, and when I get the ball, I feel I can score on anybody. That's a mentality anybody should have. I'm just not the player to take over games on this team."

Coach Ritchie McKay, who recruited Johnson, backs his guy with confidence. Johnson can provide a spark on both sides of the ball because of his energy and personality, McKay said.

"He's trying to do all the little things now," McKay said. "He's not as concerned about the stats and those types of things. It's freeing him up to be more relaxed. He's a good teammate."

Johnson said he had to get over himself at times, whether it was frustration after not starting against New Mexico State or playing 14-minute games.

When forward Daniel Faris (5.3 points, 3.9 rebounds) shows glimpses of splendor, Johnson stays glued to the bench. McKay hardly plays the two big men together, instead favoring a guard-oriented lineup.

The recent developments have changed the makeup of UNM's personality-plus forward who usually has more lines than Robert DeNiro.

He's serious these days. This is noticeable when 255 pounds of flamboyance turns solemn.

"I just have a different approach to the game," Johnson said. "When we were 5-0, there were no problems. When we started losing, I started looking for any problem out there. Now I'm just focused because I understand what I need to do and where this team can go. That's exciting, but I know I don't always have to act a certain way."

Despite the new lusterless role, Johnson said he never thought about quitting the team.

Considering Johnson sat out last season as a transfer for this one chance, this one year, his opportunity has to work, he said.

Dreams are waiting to be fulfilled, even the ones that seem remote.

First, the NCAA Tournament.

Second, the NBA.

"Some people may hear that and laugh and say that the NBA isn't possible for me, but that's exactly what will get me there," Johnson said. "The haters.

"Certain things haven't gone the way I liked, but that's part of the game. Even though it's been tough, it's how you deal with it that makes you stronger."