Sparking momentum off the bench, Chris Johnson's sharpshooting elevates the Knights' historic start. His versatility and inspiration from NBA greats fuel a vital role.
Chris Johnson patiently waits on the bench for Coach Johnny Dawkins to call his number to enter the game, and when he does, Johnson makes the most of his opportunity.
The Texas native has played a significant role in helping his team to an 8-1 record, the best start in the Dawkins era. Johnson is averaging 5.1 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 44.4% from three.
His blistering hot shooting has helped shift momentum in the Knights' favor. One of Johnson's best games came against the Quinnipiac Bobcats, where he scored 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc.
The 6-foot-5 guard ranks fourth in three-pointers made at eight and tied at fourth with forward Jamichael Stillwell in three-point percentage. UCF is shooting 38.7% and Johnson isn't surprised because of the work put in behind the scenes.
"We see it every day in practice, Johnson said. "So, I just feel like it's super fun to play with. When somebody's shooting 40% from the three, it's pretty. It's basically kind of like 50/50. It's a miss or a make. So, it's just fun to play with every single day."
Johnson can shoot in multiple ways: off the catch, off the dribble and on the move. His shooting versatility opens the playbook for Dawkins to draw up sets and create an open look for Johnson. He's also showcased the ability to play make with the ball in his hands.
Center Jeremy Foumena was a recurring recipient of Johnson's passes against the Bobcats. Various NBA players inspired Johnson, helping him polish his game.
"I watched a lot of Chris Paul, Steph Curry and Russell Westbrook," Johnson said. "Those three were the three that I watched. And Rajan Rondo, those four were really the ones that I watched pretty much every single day."
The hours spent watching NBA legends and implementing some of their skills into his play style have helped Johnson solidify a significant role on the Knights' team. Johnson averages 10.8 minutes per game, which is the most consistent playing time in his collegiate career.
He averaged 4.5 minutes in his first year with the Texas Longhorns and 17 minutes with the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks the following year, but only played three games for them.
Johnson is a key bench player for Dawkins, patiently waiting for him to call his name and number to enter the game and shift momentum for the team.
"I know what kind of player I am, and I'm confident with who I am, and whenever Coach Dawkins needs me, I'mma be there to give the team what we need," Johnson said.