:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2880339/135470276.0.jpg)
On the eve of the start of a new basketball season we look at the 2nd of the three Johnsons that are on Purdue's roster. A high energy guy that will be coming off the bench for the most part of the season, Anthony Johnson looks to increase his role as a scorer and a distributor this year
Anthony Johnson - Soph. (RS)
Hometown: Chicago, Ill. (Whitney Young HS)
Guard
6'3" 191 pounds
2012 projection: contributor at guard
AJ was a highly talented shooting guard in high school; ranked the number two player in Illinois in the class of 2010, a McDonalds All-American nominee, and a three time selection to Illinois large school all-state, a state-champion and runner up, Johnson has a great resume. He's confident, he has swagger, and he is a hard worker. In the beginning of last season many remember the pictures floating around the Internet of Robbie Hummel and AJ shooting free throws after games.
After deciding to red-shirt to add strength and better himself for the transition to the college game, Johnson impressed in his collegiate debut with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists in a victory against Northern Illinois. Throughout the 2011-2012 season we saw glimpses of promise from Johnson, but then we would also see some bone-headed shots and decision making. But after one season Johnson showed more promise than ignorance and should be a great asset to this team going forward.
Now AJ will be a contributor as a combo guard; playing both the point and shooting guard positions. He more than likely will be the first man off the bench and will help the team in anyway he can.If AJ is having an off night for shooting he looks elsewhere to make plays. He rebounds hard, will do his best to set others up, and shoots with confidence. He's still learning to play the point guard position, so I expect there will be some guys where he has a fair amount of turnovers.
The Johnsons are going to be a huge part of the team for this season and the seasons going forward. If Anthony can find his three-point shot, which is what he was known for in high school, and contribute as a scorer and distributor, then he's going to give opposing defenses a lot of headaches.