2016 NBA Draft Watch List: Brice Johnson

Brice Johnson, Senior, North Carolina, Forward, 6’9, 228

(2014-15, 24.7 mpg) 12.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 0.7 spg, 1.5 tpg, 1.1 bpg

56.6 FG%, 67.8 FT%, 58.5 TS%, 56.6 eFG%

24.5 USG%, 11.0 OREB%, 22.7 DREB%, 17.2 TRB%, 4.8 BLK%

DOB: 6/27/1994 (21) Hometown: Orangeburg, South Carolina

2015 Third Team All-ACC

The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season

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Johnson took another step forward as a junior, becoming another consistent scoring threat for the Tar Heels, including averaging 18 points per game as North Carolina made a run to the ACC title game. Long, lean, and athletic, Johnson uses his physical abilities well on both ends of the floor. He does a good job looking to establish position in the low post, though he still doesn’t have the lower body strength to really anchor his position, or back down many defenders, instead using his long arms to set a target away from his defender that only he can get to. Johnson relies on short to mid-range jumpers which he can shoot as a turnaround over either shoulder, or out of a face-up in the post. When he does make a move to the basket, it is usually a quick step or two into the lane and finishing either with a dunk or a short hook, showing nice touch. Johnson does a very good job cutting to the basket on a teammate’s penetration, looking either for a pass after his man helps, or to get into good position for an offensive rebound. Though not very strong, Johnson is a good rebounder on both ends of the floor, getting into position quickly, boxing out well, and using his leaping ability to go up and get to the ball. Defensively, Johnson’s length can be disruptive either denying passing lanes on the perimeter, or looking to deny an entry pass into the post. His leaping ability also serves him well when looking to challenge shots around the basket, though he needs to make sure to not fall for fakes to draw him into the air. Johnson runs the floor well in transition and he is a great target when he heads for the basket and uses his athleticism to get up above the rim to finish.

What he needs to show this season: Johnson has done a good job adding some weight while in college, but he still needs to continue to add strength to his frame, especially to be able to battle consistently in the low post on both ends of the floor. Johnson’s offense is still very limited in a lot of ways, but he continues to improve, and he seems to have the potential to be a legitimate inside-outside threat. Johnson has the tools to be a weapon in pick-and-roll situations, though he needs to work on being a better screener and opening up to the ball quicker. Also, he can find better shots around the basket if he becomes more effective with his left hand. Defensively, he still needs to continue to improve his footwork. He can be slow to react to quick post moves, and instead of moving his feet to recover, he ends up using his hands or arms. Also, if brought out to the perimeter, Johnson needs to be more aware of spacing, and understanding where his help defense will be, especially if forced to guard smaller players. Though Johnson continues to improve as an all-around rebounder, he needs to still work on clearing out space around the basket.

Where he fits at the next level: Johnson has been an intriguing prospect since he got to Chapel Hill, and his development so far has matched most expectations. As I mentioned, Johnson has the ability to be a threat from the perimeter, but he has limited his shots to 10 to 12-feet in. Extending his shooting range will be important for the next level, as will be continuing to build his body and add strength, but the physical tools and skill potential are there for Johnson to be a good pro.

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