Dynamic Flash

Before ever playing a high school varsity basketball game at Franklin Central, JaJuan Johnson had already secured a college scholarship offer from Purdue University and coach Matt Painter. Despite his lack of high school experience and slender 170-pound frame, Johnson had an important physical attribute that college programs covet. As a sophomore, the promising youngster towered above his peers at 6-feet 10-inches. "He was the type of player Purdue has struggled to get in the past," Painter recalled. "There's not a lot of 6-10, 6-11 guys out there with his type of athleticism and length." Painter's early recruitment paid off as Johnson later signed with Purdue, choosing the Boilermakers over Indiana University, Wake Forest and Xavier. As a senior, Johnson averaged 20 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, earning a spot on the Indiana All-Star team. "When coach Painter was recruiting me, he came to a bunch of games and that meant a lot to me," Johnson said. "For him to see my potential as a sophomore, not even playing varsity yet, that was a big confidence boost." Johnson quickly proved his worth at Purdue. As a freshman, he appeared in all 34 games - starting 17 - and averaged 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds. He blocked 34 shots last season, the fourth-most highest by any Boilermakers freshman. His effort helped Purdue finish 25-9 overall and 15-3 in the Big Ten Conference. The Boilermakers made the NCAA tournament and beat Baylor in the opening round before falling to Xavier. "When you're able to play through your mistakes, you're going to be more productive," Painter said of Johnson's contributions. "Even when he had some tough times as a freshman, he never really got down. He just continued to work through it - and that's when you see improvement." Johnson entered his sophomore season with added confidence, improved offensive skills and more bulk. At 215 pounds, he's able to hold his own against most big men in the country. Through Purdue's opening 22 games this season, he was averaging 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. Only teammate E'Twaun Moore, an Indiana All-Star at East Chicago Central, was scoring more at 14 points per game. Robbie Hummel, an Indiana All-Star at Valparaiso, led the team with 7.5 rebounds. "I feel like I've improved a lot since last year," Johnson said. "I think the biggest thing with me was the mental part. Yeah, I got stronger and things like that, but the mental aspect of knowing what to expect and building confidence really helped." That has been especially evident at the offensive end. In a conference loss at Ohio State last month, Johnson led the Boilermakers with 30 points, his highest college total to date. "I saw a glimpse of what I could possibly do," he said. "After hitting a few shots, I was real confident every time I got the ball. I guess that comes from playing and gaining experience." Along with his newfound offensive prowess, Johnson continues to establish himself as one of the Big Ten's top inside defenders. After nine conference games this season, he had 23 blocks and seven steals. "There's no question he's one of the top five defensive players in our league," Painter said. "If he plays the second half (of the Big Ten schedule) like he did the first, he should be considered for Defensive Player of the Year." The soft-spoken Johnson was flattered by his coach's endorsement, but said individual accolades are not his main focus. "Honestly, I really don't think about that kind of stuff. If it happens, it happens," Johnson said. "Right now, I'm just trying to help the team get wins. That's the most important thing." Picking up some victories - and perhaps the championship trophy - at the Big Ten Tournament is first and foremost on his mind. The tournament runs through March 12-15 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. "That would be a dream come true, winning the Big Ten Tournament," Johnson said. "That's something you think about almost every day." It also gives him a chance to return where it all started. "I like going back home any chance I get," he said. "To play in front of your family and friends, that's always a good experience. It should be really exciting." -