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NBA Draft: Buddy Hield, Brice Johnson And The Most Improved

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 2, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts after a play against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts after a play against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 1, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) and forward Brice Johnson (11) react in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (1) and forward Brice Johnson (11) react in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Brice Johnson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Position: Power Forward
Age: 21
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9″, 225 pounds, 6’11”
Slash Line: .645/.000/.806
Season Averages: 26.3 MPG, 16.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 1.3 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.0 SPG
Key Improvement: Removing the Tentativeness

Roy Williams may not agree, but Brice Johnson has been playing like a star since Kennedy Meeks went down with a knee injury. Even before he erupted for 37 points and 23 rebounds against the Florida State Seminoles, Johnson was dominant in Meeks’ absence.

During that unforgettable outing, Johnson made history.

Johnson hasn’t been heralded in the same breath as a Durant or a Griffin, but that doesn’t make this feat any less tremendous.

Johnson is currently a second-round prospect, but his improvements have put him in the first round discussion. He’s upped his per 40 minute averages by marks of 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds from 2014-15 to 2015-16, and has improved his free throw percentage for the fourth consecutive year.

Johnson’s primary appeal can be found in his explosive athletic ability. He runs the floor exceptionally well, is aggressive as a rebounder, and is more than capable of playing above the rim.

Beyond all else, the 21-year-old senior has put himself in the first round discussion by proving that he isn’t afraid of the moment when his number is called.

Next: Insane Statistical Improvement