Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

With the graduation of some guards from the Rutgers-Newark men’s basketball roster and the departure of others, there was a big void in the backcourt at the beginning of the 2008-09 season for the Scarlet Raiders.

It meant that the returning members of the R-N backcourt had to play more prominent role, players like junior James Johnson.

For his first two seasons with the Scarlet Raiders, Johnson was a valuable bench player, coming into games and providing instant offense and an emotional spark. It was a role that fit Johnson to a tee, as Johnson averaged 6.8 points per game last season and averaged a team-best 39.3 percent from 3-point range.

But now, the product of Summit High School knows that his importance to the R-N program has grown with the loss of so many guards from a year ago.

“It’s a big opportunity for me,” Johnson said. “We didn’t have a lot of guards coming back, so I definitely had to step it up and become more of a leader. I had to show my leadership skills and set an example for others. I have to play hard and let the game come to me.”

“It’s as simple as that,” Rutgers-Newark head coach Joe Loughran said. “James has to step up and play better. It’s not a mystery. James sees that his role has changed, because of the guards we lost. He has a great opportunity to do some great things for us. He has the ability to score right away off the bench.”

Loughran had to give Johnson a little bit of advice about his approach to the game.

“I think he has tried in the past to do too much when he gets in the game and that has hurt him,” Loughran said. “He has to let the game come to him. He has to slow down, trust the game and trust his teammates. He doesn’t have to force the issue when he gets on the floor. I think he understands that now, but if he understands it fully, he will be a much better player.

Added Loughran, “James can be a tremendous player. The key is whether he wants it, whether he’s focused enough to do the things he has to do. If he can come with that positive energy in practice and in games, then he’ll be fine. I didn’t think he realized the commitment it takes to be a college basketball player. He has to pay attention to detail and come with that same energy every day. I think he’s beginning to learn that now.”

Johnson is certainly a multi-faceted player. He is extremely athletic, showing the prowess that enabled him to earn All-Iron Hills Conference honors in football and basketball in high school. He’s lightning quick and has the ability to put the ball on the floor and go to the basket, while also knocking down the long-range jumper. He can play both guard positions, point and shooting guard, if called upon to do so.

And to top it off, Johnson is a fine defensive player with quick hands and feet.

“He doesn’t realize how good he can be,” Loughran said. “If he has the mind set, he can really become an All-League (New Jersey Athletic Conference) player. It’s all up to him. He has to buy into what we tell him.”

Johnson likes hearing the compliments that Loughran said about him.

“It means a lot to me,” Johnson said. “I listen to him and I plan on working hard and playing hard. I really appreciate that he has the faith in me to succeed. I’m going to work hard to prove him right.”

Johnson said that he worked on his game in the off-season, knowing fully well that his playing time would increase this season.

“I think I can see the court better than I did before,” Johnson said. “I am trying to get more of my teammates involved. I’m also more of a leader. I talk more and make sure that everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing. I worked hard on my defense, making sure of moving my feet instead of reaching and committing fouls. I am trying very hard to be a solid defensive player.”

Johnson said that his first two years with the Scarlet Raiders were a little difficult.

“I had to go through some growing pains, going from high school to college basketball,” Johnson said. “I went through some tough mental stretches. Each year was a learning experience for me. I think I’ve gained some experience and I am more mature and older, so that has helped in playing the college game.”

For now, Johnson remains a member of the R-N bench patrol, but his playing time has increased dramatically.

“I know that I can come off the bench and provide that spark that we need,” Johnson said. “I’m just trying to break out and help the team more.”

Loughran can see some changes in the talented backcourt player.

“I think his first two years, he was very quiet and didn’t say much,” Loughran said. “But now, James is opening up more and been more energizing and encouraging. He’s talking more with me and with his teammates. I’ve seen him grow up. I think he has a better understanding of what he needs to do and he’s matured a little. It’s been a natural progression. He’s going to get minutes this year, no question, so when opportunity lands at your feet, you better take it.”