There has never been much doubt in my mind which stories are my favorites every NBA draft season; I’ll take the player who has defied odds and worked his way to a position where his dreams will come true. Over the past few years, John Brown has captivated many with his play at High Point, showing skill and athleticism that only made you want to see more. The story of how he got to this point and how he became the player he is now will captivate you even more.
“It’s been a very long journey,” said Brown. “I just needed the chance.” That chance started in high school, where Brown, a former football player, didn’t start playing basketball until his junior year. While playing at Arlington Country Day School, he started to be recruited by some schools, High Point among them. When Brown went to prep school, Body of Christ in North Carolina, schools lost interest, though High Point was still right there, ready to bring him on, and even when interest picked up again, sticking with High Point was the easy choice for Brown.
After redshirting as a freshman, Brown was ready to make his mark, and it came at the right time for the Panthers, who were coming off four non-winning seasons in a row. In his first season, Brown averaged 16.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, while shooting over 50 percent from the floor, earning himself Big South Freshman of the Year honors, as well as becoming just the second freshman to ever be named first-team All-Big South. It was just a preview of what was to come.
Brown was named the Big South Player of the Year as a sophomore, raising his averages to 19.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, before winning the award a second time as a senior, with 19.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, to go along with over 2 assists, and close to 2 steals and blocks, while shooting an incredible 60.2 percent from the field.
Though it was easy to see how Brown’s game developed over the years, when asked about his college development, he was quick to point out another area. “My time at High Point developed me as a person,” Brown said. “It helped me with patience, and learning it’s not about you when you reach a certain level.”
After a year at prep school and then a redshirt year, Brown was older than most of his teammates, but he learned to embrace the position it put him in. “I knew I had to lead, and I couldn’t have too many mess-ups out there,” said Brown. “I had it in my mind to let my teammates see me doing the right things out there, and set an example.”
More from Hoops Habit
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
While Brown was making his mark on the floor for the Panthers, his play also did a lot to raise the profile of the school, including being a part of such events as ESPN’s Tip-Off Marathon and many other nationally televised games. Brown was grateful for the opportunity. “High Point welcomed me with open arms, I wanted to do all I can to make the most of it,” said Brown. “It was a chance for me to do what I can with my gifts.”
Now that his career at High Point is over, Brown is focused on what he can bring to teams at the pro level, and his attitude towards it can only be seen as healthy and refreshing. “I know people will want to pick out certain things that I do well, like my motor,” said Brown. “I don’t look at it like that. That’s just my will play, to not give up on anything.”
Still, Brown does acknowledge that there are areas where he knows he can help any team. “I want to bring my IQ to a team,” said Brown. “It’s not about the highlight play; I want to do what is needed. I do all the things coaches don’t have to teach. If there’s a ball loose on the floor, you dive on it.”
Brown looks at any perceived shortcomings in his game the same way. “I don’t go out there and do anything I can’t do,” Brown said. “I was taught in college to go out there and maximize the things I do well and try to be perfect at that.”
As for how he can help a team right away, Brown has his ideas. “Really, I’ll do anything the team wants me to do,” said Brown. “If you put me on the floor, it won’t take anything away from the team. If you want me to play defense, I’ll play defense. If the chance is there to score, I’ll score, but I won’t force it just so I get shots.”
Brown also believes that being a bit older than other’s in the rookie class gives him an advantage. “I’ve been a leader at High Point for so long, I know it’s okay for guys to follow if they follow someone who is doing things the right way,” Brown said. “Really, I just want to bring that fire to excel to everything I do.”
As he looks towards his future, Brown knows that basketball will also help him off the court. Brown’s mother and grandmother have passed away, and taking care of his little brother is a priority to him. “My goal is to make sure myself and my brother have no worries,” said Brown. “To get there, I need to give it my all every day, leave no doubt in your mind that by bringing me in for a workout, I am your man.”
There is no doubting the skill and athleticism that Brown brings to the court, but it’s the heart and desire to make himself, his team, his family, the best they can be is what will set him apart. If there is one guy you want to see succeed, Brown is your guy.
Follow me on Twitter – @NBADraftBlog
Email me – Ed (at) NBADraftBlog.com