2016 NBA Draft: Who Shined On Day 2 Of Sweet 16?

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Mar 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) reacts as Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) looks on during the second half in a semifinal game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Brice Johnson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers (5)

Result:

Stat Line:

Position: Power Forward

Age: 21 (6/27/1994)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 230 pounds, 6’11”

Analysis

Much like Demetrius Jackson, North Carolina Tar Heels star Brice Johnson struggled for most of his Sweet 16 affair. As the Indiana Hoosiers caught fire, and Yogi Ferrell did everything he could to will them back into the game, Johnson found his rhythm.

Johnson snapped out of his early funk to continue down his path to double-double supremacy and secure North Carolina’s place in the Elite Eight.

Johnson finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, two offensive boards, three blocks, and a steal. The rebounding prowess has been established, but it was Johnson’s ability to physically overwhelm the opposition that stands out from this performance.

In just three NCAA Tournament games, Johnson has now attempted 25 free throws—and he’s only missed four of them.

Johnson has made stark improvements on both ends of the floor, but none is more significant than his willingness to embrace contact. He shied away from it early in his career, but is now willing to bang down low and attack the rack without fear.

Throw in the fact that Johnson has 13 blocks in three NCAA Tournament games, and he’s doing everything necessary to work his way onto the draft lottery bubble.

Next: A Dominant Goodbye?

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